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Switching law firms is a common step in many legal careers—and it’s often a strategic move, not a sign of disloyalty. Whether you're seeking better growth opportunities, a stronger cultural fit, or a new practice area, it's important to approach the transition thoughtfully.
In this article, we’ll walk through how to navigate the process professionally, recognize signs that it may be time to move on, and avoid common pitfalls along the way.
There is no one-size-fits-all reason for switching law firms: associate lawyers choose this for a multitude of reasons. However, some of the most common reasons include lawyer burnout, lack of mentorship or growth opportunities, firm culture misalignment, relocation or personal life changes, or a desire for better compensation, hours, or practice area focus. 90% of lawyers planned to leave their firm due to a lack of autonomy.¹
Arguably, a lack of autonomy sums up many of the reasons above for why lawyers leave: micromanaging firm cultures could inspire a switch, or better hours for a work-life balance might be more desirable. Being able to hone in on a specialty area of choice is also a form of autonomy, as it means choosing what matches your interests. With the right approach, however, lawyers can regain control and set in motion a well-needed career change.
Timing a lateral move requires more than spotting red flags—it involves evaluating your long-term goals, current growth trajectory, and where you are in your legal career. Whether you're early in your career, transitioning post-clerkship, or preparing for partnership, understanding the right timing can help you make a move that supports both your personal values and professional ambitions.
If you’re looking to make an early-career lateral move, it’s customary to do so after one to three years in. Since this demonstrates a level of commitment and resilience, you could have more success choosing a lateral move once you have established some experience in your first firm.
Another popular option is a post-clerkship transition. This involves a natural career progression from law clerk to attorney. While firms may hire law clerks within their own firm as attorney, it might also be possible for a law clerk to be hired by a different firm in an attorney role. A law clerk might look at different firms for attorney opportunities because of better career options, a stronger focus on their personal interests and a company culture that resonates with them more.
Finally, strategically time your search before partnership tracks begin. Consider what prospects a firm has in terms of partnership, including how long it would take to make partner there and their reputation. A successful search may be more likely to reveal strong market opportunities for your practice area. Experience in practice areas like complex litigation, corporate law, tax law, or intellectual property may be currently competitive on the legal market. Firms may be placing a premium on “hybrid” partners who can advise across disciplines, such as corporate and regulatory practice area experience.
Regardless of your reason for making a move, handling the transition thoughtfully and strategically can protect your professional reputation and set you up for success in your next role. From planning your departure timeline and working with a legal recruiter to updating your materials and preparing for interviews, each step should reflect your long-term goals and professionalism.
If you’re unsure about using a legal recruiter to navigate the process, you’re not alone. However, legal recruiters are an excellent option to progress in your career. Find a recruiter who understands your practice area thoroughly. Communicating what you are looking for professionally and personally is also a good idea. Before you choose to work with someone, thoroughly investigate their professional background, including any client testimonials and other signs they have a positive track record.
If looking for a job in a different practice area, it could be a good idea to update your resume, LinkedIn profile, and representative matters to reflect your new career path. Demonstrate how your expertise aligns with the practice area or role you’re looking to move into.
Finally, make sure you’re prepared for lateral interviews and case questions. Firms you’re applying to might ask why you’re leaving your previous firm and why you are interested in joining theirs.
You might need to prepare for case study interviews as well, especially if you have reached the final interview stage. This shows how you apply your analytical thinking to a real-world case scenario, explaining your strategy for the case and your thinking behind this.
While job-hunting, it’s also useful to know what law firms are looking for in a lateral associate, so you can better present your skills and experience. Demonstrable deal and case experience is a plus. Basic competencies like communication, the ability to self-motivate, leadership, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and community involvement could be important to highlight.
When it comes to associate lawyer hiring, firms will also be assessing whether you are the right cultural fit for their team. This could be via personality tests and cultural interview questions. They might ask you questions about what kind of work-life balance you’re looking for or what type of working style you prefer. Being able to frame why you’re leaving your previous firm positively could also be beneficial at this stage.
Alongside skills, law firms look for writing samples, references, and billables. To demonstrate this, compile a portfolio of your strongest legal writing to date. Depending on the role in question, you could supply research projects, law review articles, papers, or letters that succinctly prove your expertise and understanding of the field.
Once you’ve secured a new role, give notice professionally. While a minimum of two weeks is standard, providing up to three months can help ensure a smoother handoff—especially after key matters like major transactions or cases. Resigning in person and approaching your exit interview with respect and discretion reflects positively on you.
If your firm presents a counteroffer, tread carefully. These may include promises of a higher salary or better work-life balance, but it’s essential to evaluate whether the underlying issues prompting your move can truly be resolved. Have open conversations with leadership early on to determine if the firm can realistically meet your long-term needs.
Before you make any hard and fast decisions about switching law firms, consider some common mistakes first. Jumping between roles at different firms too frequently can be a red flag to future employers. And even if you are looking to leave your current firm as soon as possible, burning bridges or poor exit etiquette could put you in a difficult professional situation. Finally, not researching firm culture thoroughly could mean that you face similar problems to the ones you faced with your previous employer.
Switching law firms isn’t failure – it’s strategic career growth, especially when timed right and with the right level of preparation. Think long term by identifying firms that align with your goals, provide valuable development opportunities, and hold principles that matter to you.
With our deep knowledge of the legal sector, E.P. Dine’s legal recruiters and mentors can help you make that move with greater ease. Contact us today for help with your job search.
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At E.P. Dine, we are committed to delivering content that is not only relevant and insightful but also rooted in professional integrity and expertise. To achieve this, every article published on the E.P. Dine blog undergoes a meticulous review process by qualified professionals with deep knowledge and experience in the legal field and legal recruitment.
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