Lateraling Again Forum

[Anonymous User]

I'm a mid-level associate in a major legal market. I recently lateraled from a top-tier big law firm to a well-respected regional firm. Because of circumstances that were unforeseen at the time that I lateraled, I am now interested in taking advantage of the hot lateral market and lateraling back to a market-paying firm. Does anyone have insight about whether this is viable and, if so, how long I would need to stay at my current firm before trying to lateral again? (I know bouncing around is generally frowned upon and counterproductive to career development.) I have very strong academic credentials and, aside from the double-lateral issue, would be a great candidate at the firms I would be targeting.

I guess my question is: would making this move be more feasible (and worth pursuing) given the hot market for lateral associates? Or do I basically need to stay put for a given amount of time before pursuing other options? Thank you for any advice.

[TigerIsBack]

PM me, as I’ve made a similar move.

[Lawman1865]

To the extent it's helpful, I remember reading that everybody gets one redo. Sometimes firms just aren't a good fit and you can get away with that once, but would need to put in your time after that. Presumably you had put in a decent amount of time at your previous firm, so I don't think a move now would be "bouncing around" just yet. I would say you should have a good reason/story, and that it might be a bit harder to explain your motivations for biglaw --> regional/midlaw --> biglaw, but it can probably be done. And as you said, considering the lateral market and the need for associates in certain corporate practices now, I think it can't hurt to send out some resumes and/or have a recruiter reach out to NY biglaw firms to see if they are interested.

That being said, if it's a well-respected regional firm in your desired market, maybe stick with it for a bit to see if you like it.

[Anonymous User]

I have a different take on this and it comes down to what you hope to accomplish in biglaw. I've jumped around a few times for reasons that I think make sense. I very much doubt I'll be partner, so for me it's all about gaining the requisite experience and saving money for the next chapter. I don't think lateraling hurt me on either of those objectives. Perhaps I'd be in a better position for partnership if I started out in a particular firm or group, and stayed there through the years, but for various reasons the firms/groups I was in as a junior didn't remain great options, and like I said, I just don't see myself as a partner. I think it looks bad in some sense to jump around, but what does that mean for you and your career objectives? For me it hasn't meant much.

[tyroneslothrop1]

No reason not to send out resumes, if you don't want to work at the regional firm. I think the "you need to stay at a job for X amount of time" is overstated. You only need to stay at the regional firm as long as it takes you to get a job somewhere you'd rather work.