Partner Representation & Lateral Moves

Law firm partner jobs, representation & recruitment

For established partners, and senior solicitors looking to take the step up to partnership, making the move to a new firm is a significant decision. It’s just as crucial for the firm making the hire too.

Will the new partner be able to deliver what’s expected of them? Will their way of working fit with the culture of the firm? Will their arrival add value or cause tensions that distract? Will they have found their home?

At Interlink, we work closely with our candidates and clients to really understand what each side wants and needs in order to form successful long-term partnerships. For clients looking to recruit partners, you will find more information on our Partner Recruitment page.

If you’re a partner looking to move firms, or you’re ready to grow your legal practice with the hire of new partners then contact Louis Rosenthal the Managing Director of Interlink on 0161 839 4388 for an initial confidential conversation about the options that might be open to you. Alternatively, contact Louis via the form on this page, it will be sent directly and confidentially to him alone.

Our partner representation services

We pride ourselves on our long-standing relationships and connections with legal professionals and law firms across the country. The candidates we place in partner roles trust that we understand their career goals and the complicated process of moving a partner and/or a team into a new firm. 

Below is the support we provide our candidates:

• An initial detailed conversation with you to understand your business goals and objectives.
• Lending our expertise to help prepare a robust business plan.
• Talking you through the best methods to present the plan, and the interview process.
• Tackling issues and discussing key points throughout the process, including offer negotiations, resignation planning, restrictive covenants and the transition to a new firm.

If you’re not sure your salary is right, we can also provide market insight on salary averages and benefits packages, in addition to helping you negotiate the best terms in your new position.

Furthermore, if you’re looking to build a new team within your law firm, we can help form a strategy and introduce you to the right connections. We have ample experience working on large-scale, high-level recruitment projects where discretion and pin-precision talent spotting is key.

Making the Move FAQ's

Why should I use a recruiter for my partner move?

While you can use your own contacts and relationships within the market to find your own partnership opportunities, using a recruiter that specialises in partner hires can make a huge difference to your search. 

Some of the benefits of using a recruiter to assist in your move include: 

• Confidentiality 
• In-depth knowledge of market developments in your practice area, as well as an understanding of the firms actively seeking a partner
• Experience and ability to sell you as a candidate
• Assistance in writing and structuring your business plan
• Market salary insights and remuneration advice
• Salary and terms negotiation

Can I move my team with me?

Yes. While full partner team moves are relatively rare, we have many years of experience in assisting full team moves, ensuring successful and long-standing colleagues can transition into a new firm together. 

Can you assist me with my business plan?

Your following or potential following will have a significant impact on the partnership opportunities you have at your disposal. Therefore, one of the most important aspects of partner-level recruitment is the creation and pitch of your business plan in order to demonstrate your true and potential value to a firm. 

What if I have a restrictive covenant?

If you are considering a partner move, there is a good chance your contract with your existing employer contains a restrictive covenant, potentially with clauses relating to:

• Garden leave
• Competing
• Client solicitation
• Employee poaching

All of these clauses can make partner moves very challenging. However, our team can help you: 

• Check your existing contract and advise you on the recommended next steps
• Help you plan your communication and notice with your current employer
• Advise you on how to avoid contentious departures

Why choose Interlink Recruitment for your partner move?

In London, Manchester and beyond, we are the legal recruitment agency of choice for so many senior lawyers and partners at the top of their game because they know we can help them. 

There are many reasons why legal professionals at the highest level choose to work with the team of experts here at Interlink Recruitment:

Key connections

We are very well connected in the industry. The fact we have good access to law firm decision makers - with our instructions coming directly from Managing Partners and Heads of Department - means we know of strategic vacancies and law firm growth strategies before others on the market, helping you keep one step ahead of the competition.

Complete discretion

We understand, after doing some due diligence, that the right option might not be there for you and therefore a move may not materialise. However, we know that confidentiality throughout the process is critical to protect your current position.

Attentiveness

We truly listen to our candidates. We want to know exactly what your motivations, ambitions and personal preferences are, so we can match you with the most suitable firm in a working culture that will drive you to succeed. You tell us what you’re looking for, and we will put you in the best possible position to achieve it. 

Drive

We work with unrivalled drive and ambition, and the utmost sincerity. Nothing is more important to us than finding the right partner role for you, and you can be sure that we approach everything we do with positivity and professionalism.

Contact us today

Contact us for professional market analysis of the opportunities in your practice area or to discuss what can be a complex move.