How firms can win over the 'nervous' partner in 2023

Although 2022 has seen an extremely buoyant market for partner recruitment, it has also been mixed with some trepidation on the candidate side. In the last half of the year, there seems to be a little more nervousness entering into a partner's decision making process of making the move; potentially jeopardising what they view as being safe in their current partnership and taking the risk of moving clients in a recession.

To overcome this, firms need to look at their processes for 2023. Good partners need to be 'wooed' during the often lengthy recruitment processes at every touchpoint both on a personal and professional basis to secure their decision. As we have seen in the past 6 months, if the firm has a particular “need” and a partner fits that need, then often a “sign on” has to be offered to get them over the line.

In 2023, firms should also have a clear reason for looking to bring laterals . The old style of “we want to build” isn’t really enough anymore. Partners are looking for a platform that has its act together and can do something for them rather than the risk being entirely on their side.