TRP 297: [Legal] Unique Challenges in Lateral Moves for Partners with Chuck Curtis

In Legal Episode 297 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love welcomes Chuck Curtis to discuss the unique challenges law firm partners face when considering a lateral move. Drawing on decades of experience in attorney recruiting and integration, Chuck explains that the decision to move should be driven primarily by platform fit—whether a firm truly supports and promotes a partner’s practice area. He emphasizes that partners must thoughtfully evaluate whether their current firm provides the marketing support, strategic alignment, and internal collaboration necessary to grow their book of business. Before going to market, partners should have candid conversations with leadership and, if moving as a group, align internally to ensure consensus and minimize risk.

The episode also explores best practices for navigating the transition process, including handling compensation discussions, preparing for potential counteroffers, and managing group dynamics. Chuck highlights the importance of transparency, strategic planning, and cohesion—particularly when moving as a team. Successful lateral integrations, he notes, occur when partners understand their value proposition, collaborate early with their new colleagues, and treat the move as a long-term business decision rather than a short-term financial negotiation. For partners contemplating a move, this episode delivers practical guidance on reducing disruption and maximizing success in a competitive legal marketplace.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

YouTube: https://youtu.be/A-ragpjvPBY

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link: https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

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Chuck Curtis is a dynamic professional with nearly 40 years of professional services experience, including as Senior Director of Attorney Recruiting at Pillsbury from 2007 until his retirement in 2023. Shortly thereafter, he began his own coaching/consulting practice, utilizing his deep expertise and industry knowledge to consult with law firms regarding upgrading their partner hiring and integration processes, including aligning firm leadership with practice section leadership and recruiting leadership to developing winning hiring strategies and practices. He also provides strategic coaching to partners, associates, high-level internal recruiting leaders and external legal recruiters.

Links:

https://clcurtis31consulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-curtis-7461a39/

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