Lateral Market Heats Up

The lateral market for 2010 is expected to be brisk and we’ve already seen some big moves in the first month and a half of the year.  This is following a record high for lateral moves in 2009, although some of that can be attributed to mergers or failing firms.

Big moves so far this year include a team of energy lawyers that joined Cooley Godward from Alston & Bird and 13 White & Case lawyers that jumped to Latham & Watkins in London.

As earning statements are released from various firms, partners are able to get a sense of which firms had the best grasp on the economic situation of 2009.  This, coupled with a slow rebound of the economy may have some partners casting about for options, and firms are anxious to bring on partners with profitable practices.