Making a lateral move is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s not about switching from one job to another. It’s about finding and assessing the opportunities that best align with your future aspirations. Lateraling for the first time can be overwhelming and there’s a lot that you may not know. Utilizing an experienced legal recruiter can help reduce the stress involved and make the process a little less intimidating. As recruiters, we’ve walked hundreds of candidates like yourself, through the process and know what to expect. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're thinking about making the leap.
Assess Your Motivations
Before you start sending out resumes, take the time for introspection. What are your motivations for wanting to lateral? Are you seeking a clearer partnership track, a better work-life balance, or a more sophisticated caseload? Maybe you’re looking to relocate to be closer to family and friends. Understanding your drivers will help you (or your recruiter) narrow down your search to find the right fit.
Knowledge is Power
Put your research skills to good use by researching potential firms. While prestige and salary may play a part in your decision, make sure to focus on aspects such as firm culture, practice specialties, mentorship programs, partnership track and career advancement opportunities. In addition to reviewing the firm’s website, try speaking to a trusted colleague, research recent news articles, or speak to a legal recruiter to gain further insight.
Network Like a Pro
If you haven’t started networking, now is the time. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage with online communities to expand your reach. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and connect with people you meet. You never know where a new opportunity may come from! You may also want to consider making your LinkedIn profile “Open to Work” so a recruiter knows you may be interested in making a move.
Tell Your Story
Your resume tells your story, so make sure it’s one that someone wants to read. Highlight your achievements, skills, and experiences that align with the role you’re seeking. Try not to use distracting fonts, colors, or images. You want your resume to stand out for its achievements, not it’s distractions. Ask a trusted friend or family member to proofread it for any errors before sending. If you’re working with a recruiter, they should review it with you before submitting.
Prepare for Interviews
Practice answering common interview questions and be ready to discuss your experiences and aspirations in detail. Prepare questions for the hiring team in advance relating to the specific role and firm overall. If you’re working with a recruiter, ask them to conduct a mock interview with you.
Embrace the Journey
The lateral process can be daunting and stressful. Remember to stay resilient in the face of setbacks and every step that you take on this journey is a new learning experience. Finding the perfect fit can take time and will require patience but is well worth the wait.
If you’re interested in learning more about the lateral process, we encourage you to read our 1st Time Lateral Guidebook which is full of information from resume tips to conflict checks and more. Click here to access the guidebook.
At Zerega Consulting, we're passionate about helping our candidates and clients find their perfect match. Whether you're a first-year associate just starting to explore a lateral move or a seasoned attorney seeking a new challenge, we're here to support you every step of the way. When you’re ready to take the next step, click the link below to contact one of our recruiters.
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