Lawyers planning to change firms face key choices in 2026. Law firms also continue to seek skilled attorneys.
A new LawCrossing guide,
“Lateral Attorney Moves: Strategic Guide to Switching Firms in 2026,” covers key trends for lawyers planning a move.
The guide looks at hiring, pay, growing practice areas, legal markets, hybrid work, and common risks.
Learn more from this guide: Lateral Attorney Moves: Strategic Guide to Switching Firms
Lateral Hiring Remains Strong
Law firms are expected to keep hiring lateral attorneys in 2026, according to the guide.
Firms want lawyers with strong skills and client ties. They also want experience in areas with growing demand.
The guide lists several such areas. They include technology, privacy, cybersecurity, health law, intellectual property, finance, and corporate law.
Litigation also remains an active area for lateral hiring.
As a result, lawyers should study the market before moving. Market research can help them find roles that fit their skills.
Pay Remains a Key Factor
Pay remains a key reason lawyers change firms.
The LawCrossing guide reports average base pay gains of 8% to 12% for successful lateral moves in 2025.
The guide also says signing bonuses became more common for experienced lawyers.
However, base pay is only one part of an offer.
Lawyers should review bonuses and benefits. They should also check work hours and partnership terms.
Career growth also matters.
Therefore, attorneys should compare the full offer before joining a new firm.
Practice Area and Location Matter
The guide names New York, California, and Washington, D.C., as major lateral markets.
It also identifies Texas and Florida as growing markets.
Demand can vary by location. For example, tech and privacy work may offer more roles in major tech hubs.
Meanwhile, Washington, D.C., remains an important market for regulatory work.
Hybrid work can also affect a firm move.
Attorneys should ask about office days and remote work. They should also ask how teams handle meetings and daily work.
Preparation Can Help With a Firm Move
LawCrossing recommends a careful plan for changing firms.
First, lawyers should review their skills, pay, and career goals. They should also check their market value.
Next, they can research firms and update their resumes. Building professional contacts can also help.
Interview preparation matters as well. Attorneys should explain their work and skills in clear terms.
Lawyers should review their work agreements before moving. Notice rules and client duties can affect the process.
Conflicts may also affect a move. Privacy duties can matter too.
For partners, client ties can play a larger role. However, lawyers must follow professional rules when discussing a move.
A New Job Is About More Than Pay
A lateral move can affect more than salary.
It can change workload, clients, location, and career growth. It may also affect the path to partnership.
As a result, attorneys should review the full job offer before moving.
The 2026 legal market continues to create roles for lawyers with needed skills.
Careful research can help attorneys prepare for these opportunities.
For lawyers considering a law firm switch in 2026, understanding the market is an important first step.
Learn more from this guide: Lateral Attorney Moves: Strategic Guide to Switching Firms
See Also:
Cybersecurity Law Jobs: A Powerful 2026 BoomThe post
Make Your Lateral Move a Career Breakthrough first appeared on
JDJournal Blog.
