Mastering Lateral Moves: A Lawyer's Guide to Career Transitions 2025

In today's dynamic legal market, where 546 partner moves shook London alone in 2024, making a lateral move has become one of the most strategic career decisions a lawyer can make. Whether you're a senior associate eyeing partnership opportunities or a partner seeking better cultural fit, understanding how to navigate a lateral career transition is crucial for your professional growth.

A lateral move in the legal profession refers to changing firms or organizations at the same professional level—moving horizontally rather than vertically up the career ladder. For partners and associates considering lateral moves, staying attuned to these forces is essential for making a strategic career decision. With compensation increases ranging from 8% to 30% and unprecedented opportunities in emerging practice areas, 2025 presents unique advantages for lawyers ready to make their move.

What Is a Lateral Move? Understanding Your Career Options

A lateral move occurs when you transition to a new law firm, in-house position, or legal organization while maintaining your current seniority level. Unlike a promotion where you climb to the next rung, a lateral career move involves shifting sideways—from one fifth-year associate position to another, or from equity partner at one firm to equity partner at another.

Making a lateral move in today's legal market is about more than just finding a new position—it's about aligning your strengths and aspirations with the right opportunities. The legal industry has embraced lateral hiring as a primary growth strategy, with firms using strategic lateral moves to quickly build expertise in high-demand areas like cybersecurity, AI law, and healthcare regulatory compliance.

For lawyers, a lateral move represents far more than just changing offices. It's an opportunity to reset your trajectory, find better work-life balance, increase compensation, or escape a toxic culture that's hindering your growth. "I often see lateral candidates who've had several years of experience in a mix of areas and now are ready to focus," notes Mike Gotham, senior director of legal talent at Perkins Coie.

[Internal link: Learn more about partner recruitment strategies]

Benefits of a Lateral Move in the Legal Field

Career Growth Without Climbing the Ladder

A lateral move doesn't mean your career stagnates. Smaller firms outside the AmLaw 200 have seen impressive growth, with firms under 150 lawyers experiencing a 14% median revenue increase—creating exceptional opportunities for lawyers seeking more responsibility and client contact without waiting years for promotion.

Many lawyers discover that making a strategic lateral move to a mid-market firm accelerates their path to partnership. These firms often offer faster advancement, more meaningful client relationships, and greater autonomy in practice development compared to BigLaw's rigid hierarchies.

Better Work-Life Balance and Compensation

The compensation benefits of a lateral move can be substantial. Corporate attorneys — especially those specializing in M&A and private equity — receive the largest lateral pay boosts, averaging 15–20%, with senior laterals commanding up to 25–30% premiums in top markets. Even litigation attorneys see respectable gains of 8-12%, with specialized fields like white-collar defense capturing up to 15%.

Beyond base salary increases, lateral moves often unlock better bonus structures, flexible work arrangements, and improved benefits packages. Flexible work arrangements are equally important, providing a strategic edge for employers unable to offer top-tier pay.

Exposure to New Practice Areas

A well-timed lateral move can position you in emerging, high-growth practice areas. Areas like cybersecurity, intellectual property, healthcare law, and fintech have seen a surge in client needs, making lawyers with this expertise highly sought after. Transitioning to a firm with strength in these areas can future-proof your career while expanding your skill set.

[External link: According to recent data from The American Lawyer, specialized practice areas are commanding premium rates]

When to Consider a Lateral Move

Signs It's Time for a Lateral Move

"It's important once you get to your 5th or 6th year to think critically about where you are and if that's aligned with your goals," advises Chris Lepore, labor and employment counsel at Perkins Coie. Key indicators that a lateral move might benefit your career include:

• Stagnant compensation: When your salary hasn't kept pace with market rates
• Limited advancement opportunities: Partnership seems unrealistic at your current firm
• Cultural misalignment: Your values don't match the firm's direction
• Geographic constraints: Remote work policies don't meet your needs
• Practice area shifts: Your firm is downsizing your specialty

Common Triggers in Law Firms

Some firms are doubling down on in-office requirements, leaving lawyers feeling whiplash from the sudden shift in expectations. This return-to-office tension has become a major catalyst for lateral moves in 2025. Other common triggers include firm mergers, leadership changes, or shifts in practice area focus that leave certain lawyers feeling sidelined.

[Internal link: Explore legal recruitment trends for 2025]

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Lateral Move

Step 1: Assess Your Market Value and Goals

Before initiating your lateral move, conduct an honest assessment of your portable business and market position. If you're a partner considering a move, your book of business is your strongest currency. In today's competitive market, firms in major legal hubs increasingly expect a minimum portable book of $2 million, with many targeting $3 million or more for top-tier firms.

For associates, focus on quantifying your experience with specific deal values, case outcomes, and client relationships. Document your specialized skills, particularly in high-demand areas like regulatory compliance or M&A.

Step 2: Update Your Professional Profile

Your resume for a lateral move differs significantly from a new graduate application. Emphasize:

• Concrete achievements and deal/case experience
• Client relationships and business development success
• Published articles and speaking engagements
• Pro bono leadership and bar association involvement

Step 3: Research Target Opportunities

Look beyond the AmLaw 100 when planning your lateral move. Mid-market firms could be the right move if professional fulfillment and a more balanced lifestyle are high on your priority list. Consider factors like:

• Practice area strength and growth trajectory
• Partnership track timeline and requirements
• Compensation structure (lockstep vs. merit-based)
• Cultural fit and work-life balance policies

Step 4: Navigate the Interview Process

The lateral interview process focuses heavily on your business case and cultural fit. Prepare to discuss:

• Your portable book of business (for partners)
• Integration plans for your practice
• Three-year business development projections
• Why you're leaving your current position

Step 5: Execute Your Transition

Timing your lateral move requires careful orchestration. Consider:

• Notice period requirements (typically 30-60 days for partners)
• Client transition protocols and ethical obligations
• Bonus timing and vesting schedules
• Non-compete and non-solicitation agreements

[External link: The Law.com lateral hiring database provides valuable market intelligence]

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Potential Risks of a Lateral Move

Not every lateral move succeeds. Common pitfalls include:

• Integration challenges: The best firms conduct formal check-ins at 3, 6, and 12 months post-hire to ensure expectations are aligned and challenges are being addressed.
• Client portability issues: Not all clients will follow you
• Cultural mismatches: Due diligence failures can lead to poor fit
• Compensation disappointments: Promised economics don't materialize

Mitigation Strategies

Successful lateral moves require thorough preparation:

• Conduct extensive due diligence through your network
• Negotiate clear terms regarding compensation, support, and integration
• Secure written commitments about resources and marketing support
• Maintain strong relationships at your current firm for potential references

[Internal link: Read more about successful integration strategies]

Lateral Moves for Partners and Executives

Partners face unique considerations when contemplating a lateral move. For candidates, this also means being prepared to deliver against the promises made in their lateral business plan. Law firm hiring committees are increasingly measuring success not just by revenue generated, but also by collaboration, contribution to firm culture, and strategic alignment.

The partner lateral move process typically involves:

• Business plan development: Detailed three-to-five year projections
• Due diligence: Both firm and candidate investigate thoroughly
• Capital contribution negotiations: Understanding buy-in requirements
• Client conflict checks: Ensuring smooth transitions
• Compensation modeling: Understanding draws, distributions, and equity

Group moves have become increasingly common, with Crowell & Moring just gobbled up a group of more than 40 lawyers, complete with 16 partners, from Reed Smith. These team lateral moves can provide instant critical mass in a practice area while maintaining established working relationships.

The Lateral Move Landscape in 2025

Current Market Dynamics

The 2025 lateral market presents a more strategic environment than the frenzied hiring of 2021-2022. 2025 will be a year of recalibration for BigLaw. Firms are adopting a more strategic, disciplined approach to hiring, practice expansion, and cost management.

Key trends shaping lateral moves include:

• Practice area selectivity: Regulatory, litigation, and specialized tech practices see strong demand
• Geographic shifts: Southern places like Florida, Charlotte, Raleigh, Nashville, and Texas are drawing in the talent
• Compensation evolution: Performance-based models gaining ground over lockstep systems
• Technology integration: AI and legal tech expertise increasingly valued

Timing Your Move

The optimal timing for a lateral move varies by practice area. Corporate practices see highest premiums at years 3–4, while specialized practices like tax or regulatory see highest premiums at years 5–6. Understanding these timing dynamics can significantly impact your compensation gains.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lateral Moves

What exactly is a lateral move in law? A lateral move involves transitioning to a new firm or organization at the same seniority level, focusing on horizontal career movement rather than vertical advancement.

How much salary increase should I expect from a lateral move? Compensation increases vary widely by practice area and seniority, ranging from 8-12% for general litigation to 15-30% for specialized corporate work.

When is the best time to make a lateral move? Years 3-6 typically offer the best opportunities for associates, while partners should focus on having a strong, portable book of business regardless of timing.

Will my clients follow me in a lateral move? Client portability depends on relationship strength and conflict considerations. Partners should expect 60-80% portability with strong relationships.

How do I explain a lateral move in interviews? Focus on positive growth opportunities rather than negative aspects of your current position. Emphasize alignment with the new firm's strategic direction.

Can I negotiate work-from-home arrangements during a lateral move? Yes, flexible work arrangements have become standard negotiation points, though policies vary significantly by firm and practice area.

Conclusion: Making Your Strategic Lateral Move

A well-executed lateral move can transform your legal career, offering improved compensation, better work-life balance, and accelerated professional growth. Whether you're a partner evaluating your book of business or an associate looking for a firm that values flexibility, staying informed is the first step toward a successful transition.

The key to a successful lateral move lies in strategic planning, thorough due diligence, and realistic expectations. As the legal market continues evolving in 2025, lawyers who approach lateral moves thoughtfully position themselves for long-term success.

Ready to explore your lateral move opportunities? KiLawyers specializes in connecting exceptional legal talent with premier opportunities worldwide. Our deep understanding of the lateral market, combined with our extensive network of law firm relationships, ensures you find the perfect match for your career goals. Contact our team for a confidential consultation about your next strategic career move.