How to Nurture, Develop, Maintain and Sustain Your Lateral Hires

Leaving a law firm for the first time is understandably difficult for many long-standing attorneys, also known as “lifers.” Indeed, the “breakup” may generate complex and competing emotions. Those taking leave due to “pull factors,” such as career-focused opportunities, may experience conflicting loyalties and guilty feelings about leaving, not only during the departure phase, but even after establishing themselves at their new firms. Deep ties to originating firms are also evident even for those separating as a result of “push factors” such as compensation, promotion or philosophical disagreements. After the resentment dissipates, some attorneys carry the responsibility of their parting long after their departure. And in cases where attorneys are asked to leave their originating firms, some try to undo or deter their dismissals, in part because of an enduring sense of connection that is hard to break.