Summer Associates Or Lateral Hires: Is There A Right Way To Build A Firm?

The ATL gang gathers to discuss the relative merits of a home-grown associate class vs. lateral hiring.

Is there really a value to recruiting home-grown associates based on 1L grades? Is there a negative connotation to not competing with the top-tier firms for law school talent? Can firms only fill their “real” needs by looking across the market for lawyers 3 or 4 years into their careers?

There are pros and cons to recruiting associates (and partners) through either method. Let’s take a look at how to build a law firm….

The ATL editors sat down to discuss this issue in this week’s podcast. This week, our podcast is sponsored by Prestige Legal Search, a national search firm specializing in the recruitment and placement of associate and partners in top law firms. Check out their Rewards Program — you can earn up to $15,000 or $150,000 for lateraling.

Here’s the podcast (click through twice to play):

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Earlier: 7 Tips To Help You Make The Right Lateral Move