Employment law partners typically need $1-3M in portable business for lateral moves, though demand varies by market and specialty. PAGA expertise and wage-hour class action experience can reduce these thresholds significantly.
Non-equity partner compensation disputes often signal deeper firm culture issues that rarely improve. A lateral move to a growing market like Charlotte can provide both financial upside and career reset opportunities.
Equity partnership means owning a stake in the firm with voting rights and profit-sharing, while non-equity partners receive salary/bonus without ownership. Equity partners typically earn significantly more but face greater financial risk and responsibility.
The M&A associate lateral market remains competitive but active, with strong demand in tech-heavy markets and emerging practice areas. Success depends heavily on timing, deal experience quality, and target market selection.
Partnership timelines typically range from 7-12 years depending on firm size, practice area, and market dynamics. Am Law 100 firms average 8-9 years, while mid-market firms often promote faster at 6-8 years.
Most major Seattle firms don't match full Cravath scale compensation, typically offering 10-20% below NYC rates while emphasizing work-life balance and lower cost of living. However, top-tier firms increasingly compete on salary for high-demand practice areas like tech transactions and IP.
Most lateral partners receive some form of income protection, though the structure varies significantly by firm size, market, and individual circumstances. Guaranteed draws are common but typically decrease over time as partners are expected to build their client base and contributions.
The right time for a lateral partner move depends on market demand for your practice, your book's true portability, and your firm's trajectory. Strong lateral markets and personal growth momentum often align with optimal timing.
Charlotte's financial services legal market is booming due to major banking headquarters, with firms like K&L Gates, Moore & Van Allen, and Robinson Bradshaw actively expanding. The fintech sector and regulatory work offer strong lateral opportunities for 2026.