Lateral Attorney Search: Frequently Asked Questions from Associates

1. How long does the average lateral attorney search take? 

   A typical search for an attorney with 2+ years of experience in an in-demand practice usually takes about four to six weeks from initial submittal to offer. Niche searches, searches in less active practices, or searches for junior attorneys can take up to a year.
   

2. What is the lateral interview process like?

   Lateral interviews usually start with a 30-minute virtual screener with one or two hiring partners, followed by a full round (ideally in person, though sometimes virtual will work) with a mix of partners and associates.
   

3. Will low law school grades impact my ability to make a lateral move?

   Some AmLaw firms have hard grade requirements even for laterals and senior attorneys, but other firms are more flexible and will consider laterals with below average grades if they have solid tenure at a well-respected firm in an in-demand practice.
   

4. Can an attorney recruiter help me transition to a new practice area?

   Recruiters are rarely able to help candidates transition into new practices, although they can sometimes help attorneys make a slight pivot from one area of litigation into another or from one area of corporate or finance into another.
   

5. When is the best time of year to make a lateral move?

   If you're in an in-demand, consistently busy practice with several open roles at all times, you can move at any time of the year. If you're in a niche practice or looking in a less active market, you should apply as soon as a role opens up that's a good fit, because there may only be one or two postings every year that are a match for you.
   

6. Will it be hard for me to get a job in a state where I'm not admitted?

   For transactional roles, most firms are flexible on bar admission and will allow laterals time off to take the bar or time to waive in, but bar admission may be a hard requirement for litigation roles, especially in states with no reciprocity like Florida and California.
   

7. Should I wait to collect my year-end bonus to start my job search?

   No. If you are in an in-demand practice that is busy market-wide, many firms will match your year-end bonus if you're able to start as soon as possible. If you'd like to wait to collect your bonus, it's best to start your search about three months prior to bonus payment so you can resign immediately after bonuses are paid.
   

8. How long will conflicts take?

   For transactional roles, conflicts usually takes about 48 hours to one week, and possibly a little longer for more senior candidates. Litigation conflicts can take more time because it's a more adversarial process.
   

9. Can I take time off between roles/firms?

   Firms will usually allow laterals to take a few weeks off between roles and will allow longer for relocation candidates. If you need to push your start date back longer than a month or two after accepting an offer, there typically needs to be a good reason for the delay (i.e. - collecting a bonus, a pre-planned vacation or wedding, medical leave or birth of a child, and similar).

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