How To Make a Lateral Move

After practicing law for several years, you’ve decided to look at other options. Attorneys making a lateral move do so for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they are not happy with their current firm or position. They may want to broaden their experience, make more money, have more work-life balance, or simply try a new opportunity. FindLaw’s How to Make a Lateral Move section addresses these considerations, with resources on moving out of your boutique firm, breaking out of litigation, switching from a small to a national firm, not making partner, and moving to a new firm. Let FindLaw help you take the first step in your lateral move.

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How To Make a Lateral Move Articles

Finding Opportunities In International Law

I'm a '99 graduate, practicing with the federal government (administrative, employment, and civil rights law). However, I want a job where I can build on my academic background in international law.
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Should I Leave When Projects Are Over My Head?

I work for the rainmaker partner in our firm. He chews up so many associates that our practice has experienced 100 percent turnover in about a year. Its a very successful transactional tax practice, and I am constantly challenged.
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Gold Star Candidate Wants Out

I am an attorney 3 years out of an Ivy law school who recently left a position as an associate at a large NYC corporate lawfirm to seek an alternative career path and better lifestyle . . .
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Building a Network in a New City

Relocating to an area away from your law school? What is the best approach to building a network of contacts?

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Thinking About Leaving Your Legal Position?

There may be times in your career when you wonder if your best option is leave your current position. When that happens, what should you consider?

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Would a Couple of Years As A Prosecutor Make Me More Valuable To A Firm?

I just graduated from law school and passed the bar. Currently, I am clerking for a federal judge in Virginia. I have an offer for a lucrative associate position in a large law firm, but Id really prefer to work for a Commonwealth Attorneys office.
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Melissa S. Norden on the Dog-Eat-Dog World of a Nonprofit

A 1999 Brooklyn Law School graduate, Ms. Norden demonstrated her dedication to social causes by volunteer work and internships for nonprofits and charitable organizations while in college and law school. As one of 10 ASPCA in-house counsels, Ms.
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From Public Defender To Private Practice

I joined the Public Defender's Office to obtain trial experience. Seven years and some 50 felony jury trials later, I am ready to make more money. What are my chances of getting hired as a civil litigator in a major law firm?

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How to Get the Job You’re Trained For

How can I be sure that I get the job that I am trained to perform, although I have no experience?

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Career Choice and Satisfaction in the Legal Profession

This article reviews the motives for choosing a life in the law and the pattern of satisfactions and discontents that pervade legal practice.

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