Junior to mid-level associates are often happy with their respective law firms, but some question why others would consider moving laterally. The answer for many of the lateral moves taking place lies in career progression. It is not uncommon for associates to want to know that they are on a path to partnership and beyond. They want to be able to see a future for themselves at their current firm. When associates don’t see a clear path or road for that growth, they often look elsewhere because career advancement can bring greater contentment. In this blog post, we will review some of the other key reasons associates are leaving their jobs to work for new employers.
One of the main reasons associates leave their firms is for better pay. Associates are often recruited by other firms with the promise of a higher salary. While money isn’t everything, it can be a deciding factor when associates feel like they are being underpaid or not given annual salary increases that match those of their peers.
Another big reason associates leave their firms is for better work/life balance. Associates want to have time for their personal lives and interests outside of work. They also may want more control over the hours they work and where they work from. When law firms don’t offer the type of flexibility that associates are looking for, they will often look for positions elsewhere.
Some choose to make lateral moves because of Partnership prospect struggles. Firms that haven’t named new partners in recent years or have a higher number of associates per partner might not be a good fit for them. Associates who want to advance their careers may begin to question whether or not their law firm is the correct match if there are no obvious chances for career growth.
Lastly, associates leave their firms because they are looking for better mentorship and training opportunities. When associates don’t feel like they are receiving the guidance they need from more experienced attorneys, they will often seek out new firms that can offer them those opportunities. Management experiences and mentorship matter when it comes to personal and professional growth.
Associates have many reasons why they might choose to leave their current law firm for another. In this blog post, we reviewed some of the most common reasons associates give for why they decided to make a lateral move. If you are an associate who is thinking about making a change, be sure to consider all of the factors that are important to you before making a decision. It’s critical that you go to work for a company that is consistent with your objectives, and that you genuinely like.
A knowledgeable legal recruiter can assist you in evaluating your alternatives in light of the current legal industry as well as past and projected market trends. Our team at Vine Attorney Search is ready to give you the assistance you need to move forward in your career by finding you the perfect match.
