The traditional image of a single lawyer quietly switching firms is starting to shift. In 2025, more and more firms are making moves to attract—and retain—groups of partners instead of solo hires.
According to Leopard Solutions’ Q1 2025 Lateral Hiring Report, group lateral moves are up 23% compared to the same period last year, with many consisting of 2–5 lawyers transitioning as a team.
Why Firms Are Prioritizing Group Hires
Group moves offer a unique advantage: built-in client continuity, cross-practice synergy, and reduced integration risk.
When firms bring in cohesive teams, they often:
- Onboard shared client relationships
- Reduce internal friction over origination credit
- Boost firm-wide collaboration and morale
It’s a strategic play for firms that want instant impact without the cultural reset required when partners arrive in isolation.
What Makes Group Moves Work
According to a recent ALM Intelligence roundtable, successful group moves share three ingredients:
- Practice Compatibility Firms look for teams that not only bring revenue but also align with their strategic focus areas.
- Pre-Negotiated Integration Plans The most successful firms outline integration goals in advance, from cross-practice introductions to shared BD initiatives.
- Cultural Alignment Firms are increasingly using psychographic and leadership assessments during the interview phase to evaluate group chemistry and leadership fit.
What This Means for Senior Lawyers
If you’re thinking about making a move, you might not have to do it alone.
In fact, many firms are actively seeking small, proven teams that bring shared value. For lateral candidates:
- A group move can provide negotiating leverage and integration support.
- It can also protect against the isolation that some partners feel in the first year after switching firms.
If you’ve built strong internal alliances where you are—you might find that the market values those relationships just as much as your book.
Sources:
- Leopard Solutions, Q1 2025 Lateral Hiring Report
- ALM Intelligence, 2025 Strategic Growth Roundtable Summary
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