While the recession has been very tough for associates, causing many layoffs, it has been at a time when opportunities abound for partners and practice groups. As one can see from the many partner and practice group moves this year, partners are taking advantage of the many opportunities.
Partners at the largest law firms are realizing that their clients are no longer willing to pay astronomical hourly rates. Therefore, to keep their clients and cultivate new ones, partners are making moves to mid size and even small law firms. In addition to more feasible hourly rates, mid size and small law firms are less regimented, and partners are finding that once they make the move, they are able to practice law and serve their clients the way that they want to. Many state that once they make the move to a smaller law firm, they feel the highest satisfaction that they have ever felt in their legal career.
Likewise, mid size and small law firms are finding that in order to better serve their clients, they need to add partners and practice groups in various practice areas to have more of a full service law firm. The clients love this trend, as they can now have the same high quality legal representation and full service that they have come to expect along with more affordable rates. They have been all too happy to accompany their attorney to his or her smaller law firm.
It is often best for partners contemplating a move to engage an experienced legal recruiter who is extremely knowledgeable on the legal market where they practice. Experienced local legal recruiters will undoubtedly be aware of partner and practice group needs of firms that are not publicized. In addition, they have experience at keeping the queries of partners confidential and knowing just when to reveal extremely sensitive information. Finally, they can help negotiate bringing some members of your practice group with you and assist any attorneys left behind to find other positions.
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