Lateral partner recruitment is one of the most significant, and challenging, strategic moves a law firm can make. When it works, it can transform a practice, open new markets and drive growth. When it fails, the costs are high; lost time, wasted investment and disruption to teams and clients.
In this discussion, lateral integration coaching expert Stephen Rodney, founder of IntoGreat Coaching and former legal recruiter, joins Managing Partner Clare Murray to cut through the noise and share what truly drives successful lateral partner recruitment and integration. Drawing on extensive experience at the sharp end of legal recruitment and leadership, they offer practical, actionable insights for law firm leaders.
In particular, Clare and Stephen discuss:
- Why do lateral hires fail?
- Internal resistance: Without buy-in from existing partners, laterals face an uphill battle.
- Systemic obstacles: Remuneration and structures that don’t reward collaboration can doom even the best hires.
- Wishful thinking: Over-optimism leads firms to skip scenario planning and risk management.
- Lack of effective integration: Firms need to view integration as a key end step to the recruitment process.
- How can firms recruit laterals more successfully?
- Treat lateral hiring as a strategic investment – apply rigorous due diligence and plan for all outcomes.
- Prioritise both business case and cultural fit for sustainable success.
- With the help of an integration coach, prepare an integration plan in conjunction with the lateral.
- What does effective integration look like?
- Integration is a marathon, not a sprint – expect a two- to three-year journey.
- Leadership must set the tone, and firm systems should actively support collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Why bring in an external coach?
- External coaches give laterals a completely safe and confidential space in which to discuss all complex issues which arise in a lateral’s first year in a new firm.
- Market context
- With more movement and shorter tenures than ever, investing in integration is essential.
- Consider the pros and cons of hiring teams versus individuals.
If you have any questions in relation to lateral partner recruitment or wish to discuss further, please do get in touch with Clare Murray or Stephen Rodney.
Clare Murray is ranked as an “Eminent Practitioner” by Chambers and Partners UK 2026 for Partnership: Contentious: “Clare Murray is an absolute titan: if you know she is on the other side you will and should worry.”
CM Murray LLP is ranked Tier 1 for Partnership by Legal 500 2026: “This practice is unique due to its very specific focus on partnership matters and related transactions.”
