In today’s fast-changing legal landscape, staying in one place too long can mean getting left behind. Whether you’re an associate seeking growth, a partner exploring new markets, or a lawyer ready to pivot into a different practice area, understanding when and how to make your next move is critical.
Learn more from this guide: Attorney Lateral Movement: A Comprehensive Guide to Practice Area and Market Transitions
Legal Market Trends and Hiring Shifts
According to the guide, the lateral hiring market has seen steady recovery. In 2024, lateral movement rose by nearly 14%, with a particularly strong surge in associate-level hiring. However, firms have grown increasingly selective—prioritizing quality candidates whose skills, experience, and personalities align closely with firm culture and client demands.
Firms are no longer focused solely on filling vacancies quickly; they are targeting attorneys who demonstrate long-term growth potential. This has created a more competitive environment where timing, experience, and specialization matter greatly.
Practice Areas in High Demand
BCG’s analysis identifies several practice areas showing consistent or rising demand across major legal markets, including:
- Labor and Employment Law
- Data Privacy and Cybersecurity
- Restructuring and Bankruptcy
- Intellectual Property
- High-Stakes Litigation
- Government and Regulatory Affairs
Additionally, corporate and transactional practices are beginning to rebound as mergers and acquisitions gain momentum, creating renewed opportunities for attorneys in corporate law.
Keys to Successful Lateral Transitions
Timing plays a vital role in lateral success. The guide notes that attorneys typically find the best opportunities between their second and fifth years of practice—when they have accumulated meaningful experience but remain adaptable.
Strong academic credentials, especially from top-tier law schools, are advantageous. However, BCG emphasizes that practical experience, niche specialization, and client development skills often carry more weight in hiring decisions. Attorneys with a stable career history and demonstrated commitment to excellence stand out most to hiring partners.
Conversely, frequent job changes or limited substantive experience can hinder career progression. Attorneys seeking to transition between practice areas should be prepared for temporary adjustments, such as reduced seniority or compensation, while they build credibility in a new field.
Geographic and Firm-Level Transitions
The report also explores the complexities of relocating between states and firm tiers. Attorneys must consider bar admission requirements, as reciprocity varies widely. Moving from a regional or mid-sized firm to an Am Law 50 firm, for example, requires not only strong credentials but also proven expertise and, for partners, a portable book of business.
The BCG Attorney Search guide makes it clear that today’s lateral market rewards strategy, preparation, and adaptability. Success depends on timing your move wisely, understanding market demand, and aligning your career path with long-term professional goals.
Learn more from this guide: Attorney Lateral Movement: A Comprehensive Guide to Practice Area and Market Transitions
