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Career Strategy PDF

The Partner Move Playbook

A comprehensive guide to navigating lateral partner moves in the London legal market.

RedLaw Partners Team 12 min read March 29, 2026

Why Partner Moves Fail

Over 40% of lateral partner moves fail within the first two years. Understanding the common pitfalls — from client portability overestimates to cultural misalignment — is the first step to ensuring yours succeeds.

Building Your Business Case

Before approaching any firm, you need a clear narrative around your practice, your client relationships, and your strategic value. This guide walks you through building a compelling partner business case.

The Interview Process

Partner interviews differ fundamentally from associate hiring. Expect multiple rounds with practice heads, managing partners, and compensation committees. We break down what each stage is really assessing.

Negotiating Terms

From guaranteed draws to equity pathways, partner compensation structures vary enormously. This section covers the key terms you need to understand before signing.