Scott Love | Strategic Lateral Moves for Law Firm Partners

Scott Love is the President of The Attorney Search Group and host of The Rainmaking Podcast, which helps attorneys, professional service firms, and B2B salespeople get more and better business from all their clients. As a prolific thought leader on the topics of rainmaking, recruiting, and leadership, he helps law firm partners mitigate risk and maximize opportunity when transitioning from one organization to another. With his nuanced understanding of high-stakes negotiations, effective partner transitions, and the delicate risks that come with complex career moves, he has placed attorneys among the Am Law 100 and 200 in corporate, finance, private equity, and investment management practices.

Scott has also written numerous articles and authored three books on his expertise, been quoted in dozens of premium publications (such as the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and Business Insider), and been a popular speaker at conferences, retreats, conventions, sales meetings, and trade associations. Additionally, he served for seven years as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Legal Search Consultants and is a member of the National Association for Law Placement.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT LATERAL MOVES FOR LAW FIRM PARTNERS

Law firm partners often find themselves at a crossroads, wondering if they've outgrown their current firm, or if the grass really is greener elsewhere. The thought of making a lateral move can feel risky and emotionally charged, but what if there's a more strategic way to approach these career decisions?

Scott Love, who has spent 30 years helping partners navigate these transitions, reveals that the best moves aren't driven by money or ego, but by a clear understanding of what serves your clients best. He breaks down the two main reasons partners actually leave firms, explains why some lawyers hold themselves back from reaching their potential, and shares his proven framework for evaluating whether to stay put or make a move.

In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman and Scott explore the strategic approach to lateral partner moves, the critical questions to ask before entertaining any offers, and how focusing on your clients' needs often leads to the most successful career decisions.

1:44 - How you can succeed where you are right now and fulfill your potential

4:55 - Two primary reasons why partners leave law firms

5:55 - What your main motivation for a lateral move should be

7:15 - Internal barriers that can block you from realizing your potential as a rainmaker

11:00 - Scott’s recommendations to help you navigate a lateral transition

17:20 - Two questions to consider when choosing or trying to decide between firms

20:01 - What you need to understand about compensation before you engage with new firms

23:30 - How to mitigate risk and increase the likelihood of a successful move

30:32 - Two things you can do to successfully bring your clients to a new firm

33:55 - The strategic question lawyers forget when making a major business move

MENTIONED IN STRATEGIC LATERAL MOVES FOR LAW FIRM PARTNERS

The Rainmaking Podcast 

The Attorney Search Group

“TRP 252: [Lega] Avoid Landmines in Lateral Partner Moves with Hilary Gerzhoy”

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