Partner moves in an uncertain market- what we’re really seeing on the ground

A common theme emerging from coalface candidate discussions is a measure of nervousness, particularly amongst Transactional Partners and Groups, to push through a move during Geopolitical or Macro Economic uncertainty. Why not sit tight and ride it out, they ask? For some, maybe they should, especially if they feel that their ability to transfer their clients is directly affected by current circumstances.

For others, definitely not- the underlying issues that led to them contemplating a move- the “Push Factors” as we call them, will remain, alongside the compelling “Pull Factors” of the Firm they have been Headhunted for. Certain practice areas, such as Competition, Sanctions, and niche areas of Litigation are actually busier due to global events. We are finding that certain partners we are representing in these areas are relishing the opportunity to better “showcase” their practice to potentially trade up to a better platform.

Yet another group of Partners and Teams are at firms where they feel the strategy is not aligned to theirs, or is not heading in the direction they want them to. This again will not be affected by extrinsic factors.

Finally we all know that Partner moves take several months, and in some cases, longer, and added to this is lengthy notice periods and post-termination restrictions (I wish I was doing this in the US!) so it is often true that the world may look like at a “first coffee” stage may be quite different from the start date and integration period.

So for all of these reasons, it usually makes sense, as long as discussions are well structured and expectations managed, to keep talking……