Contemplating lateral move to another firm

[Anonymous]

I'm a partner at a big law firm in DC. I've been at the same firm my entire career (12+ years). For many reasons, including wanting more room to grow/take on my own clients (difficult at my current firm due to firm politics), I'm considering a lateral move. It scares me though because I've only known one firm. For those who have been there, done that, do you have any advice? What was your experience like? Are you ultimately happy that you moved?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a partner at a big law firm in DC. I've been at the same firm my entire career (12+ years). For many reasons, including wanting more room to grow/take on my own clients (difficult at my current firm due to firm politics), I'm considering a lateral move. It scares me though because I've only known one firm. For those who have been there, done that, do you have any advice? What was your experience like? Are you ultimately happy that you moved?

Do you have a portable book?

[Anonymous]

Are you equity/capital or income? What’s your comp?
What’s your portable book? You need to know your hard number but also clients that would be receptive to your call and might move under right circumstances.
You get a 2 year guarantee if you are moving as a partner but those first two years are nerve racking because you need to be solid by year 3.

I’m happy with my move. I went from a cog at an mid-Amlaw100 firm to a second hundred firm. The Quinn and Kirkland partners aren’t impressed at reunions but my comp is fine ($650k) and I have a solid family life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you equity/capital or income? What’s your comp?
What’s your portable book? You need to know your hard number but also clients that would be receptive to your call and might move under right circumstances.
You get a 2 year guarantee if you are moving as a partner but those first two years are nerve racking because you need to be solid by year 3.

I’m happy with my move. I went from a cog at an mid-Amlaw100 firm to a second hundred firm. The Quinn and Kirkland partners aren’t impressed at reunions but my comp is fine ($650k) and I have a solid family life.

Congrats, this sounds like a nice middle ground. Are you equity or income partner at the new firm?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you equity/capital or income? What’s your comp?
What’s your portable book? You need to know your hard number but also clients that would be receptive to your call and might move under right circumstances.
You get a 2 year guarantee if you are moving as a partner but those first two years are nerve racking because you need to be solid by year 3.

I’m happy with my move. I went from a cog at an mid-Amlaw100 firm to a second hundred firm. The Quinn and Kirkland partners aren’t impressed at reunions but my comp is fine ($650k) and I have a solid family life.

Congrats, this sounds like a nice middle ground. Are you equity or income partner at the new firm?

Income.

[Anonymous]

Would depend upon the specific firms & practice area.