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.
Labor and employment partners typically need $1-3M in portable business for lateral moves, though requirements vary significantly by market and firm tier. Strong client relationships and specialized expertise can sometimes offset lower book numbers.
Building a portable book requires years of relationship investment, starting with your current in-house network and industry contacts. Focus on becoming a known expert in your practice area while systematically nurturing professional relationships that could generate referrals.
Intellectual property presents excellent lateral opportunities for partnership-minded attorneys, driven by consistent client demand, specialized expertise requirements, and strong economics. However, success requires strategic positioning and often additional technical credentials.
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.
A portable book of business refers to the clients and revenue that will likely follow you to a new firm. Most Am Law firms expect partners to bring $2-5+ million annually, though requirements vary by practice area and market.