By Steve Fretzin & Emily Witt
Advice to Lawyers from a Recruiter on Making a Move
A career move in law can be a pivotal moment, far beyond a simple job change. In my conversation with Emily Witt, managing director at Whistler Partners, her insights revealed a powerful truth: the right decision has the potential to redefine your entire professional path. It can unlock better opportunities, align you with a firm that truly fits, and help you reach the future you’ve always envisioned. For lawyers contemplating a change, Emily’s advice offers clear guidance on how to approach this next step with confidence and direction.
There are many reasons why a lawyer might consider making a career move. Often, it starts with the desire for growth, whether it’s advancing to a more prestigious firm or stepping into a role with better long-term opportunities. Emily shared how some lawyers, especially those further along in their careers, begin to feel stuck when it comes to the possibility of making partner. They might not be receiving clear signals from leadership about their path forward, or worse, they may not even know what the qualifications for partnership are.
This lack of transparency is a common frustration among attorneys, especially those at larger firms. Without feedback or clear guidance, many feel lost, unsure of where they stand and whether they are on track to achieve their career goals. This sense of uncertainty can be the tipping point for many lawyers to consider exploring other opportunities where they might receive better support and clearer direction.
Another significant reason for moving is culture. Lawyers, especially younger generations, increasingly prioritize a work environment where they feel supported and connected to their colleagues. The pandemic revealed just how important this is—many attorneys missed the camaraderie and mentorship that comes with working closely with peers. When firms can’t foster that type of supportive culture, lawyers start looking elsewhere.
Emily and I also touched on how the hiring market has evolved since the pandemic. During the height of the crisis, we saw lawyers commanding record salaries as firms scrambled to meet demand. However, as Emily pointed out, the market is starting to stabilize, and with that comes a more targeted approach to hiring. Law firms are no longer throwing money around; instead, they are being more selective in their recruitment.
For lawyers, this means that making a move now requires having the right experience and being prepared to show that you can contribute from day one. If you’ve been thinking about making a lateral move, especially if you have a book of business or specialized expertise, now is a great time to start exploring your options.
One of the most critical pieces of advice Emily shared is to stay proactive. Even if you’re not actively looking for a new job, it’s essential to network and remain aware of what’s happening in the market. Opportunities don’t always come knocking, and the best way to find out what’s out there is to ask questions, talk to colleagues, and get to know recruiters who specialize in legal placements.
We also discussed something I encounter all the time in my coaching practice: the importance of a book of business. Lawyers who want to have control and freedom over their careers need to focus on building and maintaining strong client relationships. This is especially true for those who are mid-career or beyond. A solid book of business is the key to mobility, leverage, and long-term career stability.
Unfortunately, many lawyers don’t realize the importance of a book of business until it’s too late. They assume their work speaks for itself and that the firm will take care of them. But when things shift—when there’s a merger, a partner leaves, or the firm’s priorities change—they find themselves without the safety net that a strong client base provides.
Emily reinforced this point by explaining how many attorneys are blindsided when the partners they’ve relied on for years retire or move to a different firm. Suddenly, they’re left without the relationships or client base to support their practice. It’s a stark reminder that building a book of business isn’t just about financial security—it’s about career independence.
So, how should lawyers prepare if they’re considering making a move? Emily laid out a few key steps. First, it’s essential to get clear on what you want. Whether it’s more responsibility, a better work-life balance, or the opportunity to grow your book of business, understanding your priorities will guide your decision-making process.
Next, focus on building your network. The legal industry is small, and relationships are everything. Reach out to former colleagues, connect with recruiters like Emily, and attend industry events where you can meet people who might open doors for you. Even if you’re not ready to make a move right now, cultivating these connections will pay off in the long run.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many lawyers feel that they should navigate these decisions alone, but having a recruiter or a business development coach can make a significant difference. Whether it’s finding the right firm or building your client base, professionals like Emily and I are here to guide you through the process and ensure you’re making the best decisions for your career.
As we wrapped up our conversation, it was clear that making a career move is about more than just switching firms. It’s about finding the right fit, both in terms of culture and opportunity, and positioning yourself for long-term success. Lawyers who take control of their careers by staying proactive, building a strong network, and cultivating a book of business are the ones who thrive in today’s competitive market.
For more information about taking your law practice to the next level, please email me directly at [email protected].
Steve Fretzin, an expert at legal business development, is the author of four books regarding the topic and is the host of the Be That Lawyer podcast. He has helped hundreds of attorneys across the world dramatically grow their book of business while living a well-balanced life. He can be reached at [email protected].