Why Relocating to a Different Market Is the Greatest (But Little Known) Way for a Law Firm Attorney

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Why Relocating to a Different Market Is the Greatest (But Little Known) Way for a Law Firm Attorney to Get Ahead in the Legal Profession By Harrison Barnes from Los Angeles Office Managing Director You're dissatisfied with your legal career. Your law firm is large and you're just an anonymous worker bee there. You might wonder if relocating to practice law in another market might be a good idea. Relocating could be the best thing you could do for your legal career. Summary: Learn 9 reasons moving to another market as a law firm attorney is the ultimate way to get ahead in your career. Many attorneys believe that relocating within their existing markets is a good way to get ahead in their legal careers--it is. But relocating to a new market is often an even better decision. Over my career as a legal recruiter, I have become convinced that changing markets is one of the greatest secrets to getting ahead in the legal profession. This article contains two parts. First, I discuss why switching firms is a good way to get ahead. Second, I discuss why switching markets is an even better way to get ahead. A. Why Changing Firms (in Your Market) Is Often a Good Way to Get Ahead Switching to a different law firm in your market is a good way to get ahead. There are several advantages to switching law firms that every attorney should understand. While it is not advisable to switch firms too often, this is often the only way to advance. Many of the most successful lawyers I know have moved law firms numerous times, and each move has made them much better off than they were before. In fact, when I speak with the heads of major American law firms on an ongoing basis, almost all are willing to entertain moving law firms if it advances their careers. It does not matter what law firm they are in. Most of the best lawyers are always looking. Have you considered moving law firms? What made you want to move? See the following articles for more information: There Are Only Three Reasons an Attorney Should Ever Switch Law Firms The Right and Wrong Reasons to Switch Law Firms 15 Reasons You Should Leave Your Law Firm and Look for a New Job The Only Thing You Should Consider When Accepting or Leaving a Legal Job You Get a Blank Slate and Can Leave Your Past Behind You (Whatever That Was) Many attorneys relocate markets because they want to get away from something in their pasts. I have seen people relocate to get away from ex-spouses, scandals, and other misfortunes. Regardless of your intent, once you switch firms, you are leaving your past behind where you formerly worked. While this may or may not be desirable to you, most attorneys have some amount of negative history at their firms, and it often reaches a point where they do not feel it is beneficial for them to have this history continue to haunt them. I am working with a few attorneys right now who need to leave because of their histories with their firms. Page 1

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