In the legal profession, it’s common to find lawyers staying at the same firm or within the same sector for extended periods. The legal culture emphasises stability, loyalty, and long-term commitment, often leading lawyers to stay in one place for much of their careers. However, this trend can sometimes limit professional growth and personal satisfaction. Strategic career moves can offer lawyers significant benefits, though knowing when and where to move is key.
1. Opportunities for Skill Development
Remaining at one firm for too long can narrow a lawyer’s range of experience, particularly if it results in over-specialisation in a specific niche. This can be risky in today’s rapidly changing legal landscape, especially with the advent of AI, where certain tasks and specialisms are at risk of automation. Lawyers who are overly specialised without broader skill development may find themselves pigeonholed into a talent niche with limited future demand. Conversely, those who develop a wide array of skills alongside their specialism are better equipped to pivot and adapt to new roles or practice areas if their original expertise becomes less relevant. Changing firms or roles can be a powerful way to develop this adaptability, helping lawyers stay versatile and prepared for shifts in demand.
For instance, when Kathryn Ruemmler left her role as White House Counsel to join Latham & Watkins, she was able to leverage her public-sector litigation skills in a new context, furthering her expertise in regulatory and corporate matters. This move allowed her to later make the transition to becoming the Chief Legal Cousel and GC at Goldman Sachs. Making such strategic moves can help lawyers grow but knowing the “sweet spot” of when and where to move is crucial.
2. Career Growth and Networking Potential
Changing firms can also expand a lawyer’s professional network and open doors to career advancement. A notable example is David Boies, who moved from Cravath, Swaine & Moore, where he began his career, to start his own firm, Boies Schiller Flexner LLP. This move enabled him to build his own high-profile litigation practice and connect with a broad array of industry leaders, CEOs, and political figures. Moving firms, or even founding one’s own, can help a lawyer access influential connections, expanding their reach within the legal community and boosting career advancement prospects.
Developing new, influential connections is particularly critical for future business development. As lawyers approach the top of their careers, entrepreneurial qualities become essential—especially for those aiming for equity partnership within a firm. The ability to attract and retain clients, which relies on reputation and networking, is often a prerequisite for equity partners who help drive firm revenue. Expanding a lawyer’s network and strengthening their reputation early can provide a solid foundation for winning business and leading client relationships later in their career.
3. Avoiding Burnout and Job Dissatisfaction
Changing firms can also help lawyers avoid burnout by finding an environment with a more balanced or supportive culture. For example, Sheila Block, a former Skadden partner, moved to WilmerHale, where she found a firm culture that allowed her to continue handling complex cases with a better work-life balance. When the timing and fit are right, a move can offer lawyers a fresh environment, avoiding the fatigue and stress that can come from staying at a single firm for too long.
4. Financial and Career Opportunity Costs
Job changes often bring substantial financial benefits. When Brian Pastuszenski moved from Goodwin Procter to DLA Piper, he reportedly gained a more favourable compensation package, leveraging his niche expertise. Lawyers who remain in one place too long may miss these financial opportunities and limit their long-term earning potential.
The Risks of Moving Too Often
While strategic moves offer benefits, excessive changes can harm a lawyer’s career. Law firms value loyalty and often invest significant resources in training and supporting their associates and partners. Moving too often can make future firms wary, as it may suggest instability. It can also interfere with establishing a client base or developing deep expertise in any one area.
In prestigious firms like Kirkland & Ellis or Sullivan & Cromwell, where loyalty and long-term commitment are often linked to partnership prospects, frequent moves may hinder a lawyer’s chance to secure leadership positions. For these reasons, finding the right timing and role is essential to avoid the pitfalls of frequent transitions.
The “Sweet Spot” of Knowing When to Move
The key to benefiting from a job change lies in finding the “sweet spot”—the optimal timing and fit for a new role that advances career goals without compromising stability. This sweet spot varies for each lawyer but generally comes after gaining substantial experience at one firm yet before burnout or stagnation sets in.
The Role of Legal Recruiters
A skilled legal recruiter can be invaluable in finding this “sweet spot.” Recruiters have a bird’s-eye view of the talent market, understanding current demand, firm culture, and growth areas. A good recruiter can assess a lawyer’s strengths and areas of improvement, guiding them towards roles where they’ll thrive. For instance, recruiters can help identify when a move to a firm with a complementary practice area or new growth opportunities might provide the best career boost.
Partnering with a trustworthy recruiter, and staying engaged with the talent market, helps ensure that lawyers remain aware of potential opportunities without constantly moving around. This can minimise the risks of frequent moves by offering strategic insights and support to make each move count.
Conclusion
Staying at the same firm offers stability, but too long a tenure can limit lawyers’ professional growth, networking opportunities, and earning potential. Strategic career moves, especially when timed right, allow lawyers to capitalise on growth, broaden their network, and refresh their passion for the profession. By working with a trustworthy recruiter and remaining aware of the talent market, lawyers can minimise the risks of career moves and hit the sweet spot for changing roles, ensuring each move aligns with their long-term career and personal goals.
If you are interested in exploring new career opportunities and would like a confidential chat about how we can help you. Please get in touch: naz.solomon@lexconnect.org or LinkedIn
Comments