{"id":120485,"date":"2026-05-18T13:16:12","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T13:16:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.taylorroot.com\/?p=120485"},"modified":"2026-06-22T12:03:06","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T12:03:06","slug":"when-its-time-for-solicitors-to-move-firms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/market-insight\/law-firms\/when-its-time-for-solicitors-to-move-firms\/","title":{"rendered":"Five signs it\u2019s time for London solicitors to move firms"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-0fbd6134 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns single-post__columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-6ed55936 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column single-post__columns__column--nav is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group single-post__sidebar single-post__sidebar--sticky is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-eyebrow-no-border\" id=\"h-contents\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--x-small);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--small);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--small)\">Contents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-brand-1-20-border-color is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3a1915d0 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:0.83rem;border-top-right-radius:0.83rem;border-bottom-left-radius:0.83rem;border-bottom-right-radius:0.83rem;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--small);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--small);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--small);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--small)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-contents\" data-level=\"2\">Contents<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-1-development-are-you-still-building-your-market-value\" data-level=\"2\">1. Development: Are you still building your market value?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-2-trajectory-is-the-path-ahead-clear-and-credible\" data-level=\"2\">2. Trajectory: is the path ahead clear and credible?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-3-platform-does-the-firm-still-support-your-ambitions\" data-level=\"2\">3. Platform: Does the firm still support your ambitions?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-4-culture-does-the-environment-still-work-for-you\" data-level=\"2\">4. Culture: Does the environment still work for you?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-5-market-positioning-are-you-exploring-options-from-a-position-of-strength\" data-level=\"2\">5. Market positioning: Are you exploring options from a position of strength?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-making-a-considered-move\" data-level=\"2\">Making a considered move<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-frequently-asked-questions\" data-level=\"2\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column toc-scope single-post__columns__column--content is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-brand-2-40-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-eyebrow-no-border\" id=\"h-key-insights\">Key insights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The decision to move firms is rarely driven by a single moment. It&#8217;s usually a build-up of signals around progression, engagement and alignment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regularly assess whether your role is still developing your skills, exposure and long-term market value<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clarity on progression matters: if the path ahead feels uncertain or unconvincing, it may be time to explore alternatives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The right platform and culture are critical to long-term success. Both should support, not limit, your ambitions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The strongest career moves are made from a position of strength, with clear thinking and an understanding of how your profile fits the market<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-for-many-solicitors-the-question-of-when-to-move-firms-doesn-t-arrive-suddenly-it-tends-to-build-quietly-over-time\">For most solicitors, the decision to move firms is rarely driven by a single moment. More often, it is the gradual accumulation of signals: the sense that progression has slowed, that the firm\u2019s direction no longer aligns with your own, or that the work you are doing no longer stretches or excites you in the way it once did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This question often comes into sharper focus at key transition points, particularly for those exploring <a href=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/newly-qualified-lawyers-jobs\/\">newly qualified jobs<\/a> or for more experienced lawyers reviewing <a href=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/associate-lawyer-jobs\/\">associate jobs<\/a> who may find themselves reflecting on slightly different priorities, from client exposure to partnership trajectory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a market as sophisticated and competitive as London\u2019s, knowing when to move can be just as important as knowing where to move. In our experience as <a href=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/uk\/\">legal recruiters<\/a>, the most successful career moves are those made deliberately, informed by reflection rather than frustration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What follows is a practical decision framework we routinely use when advising qualified solicitors who are considering their next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fc15b5aac7ee7f740680fe227bb638f9\" id=\"h-1-development-are-you-still-building-your-market-value\">1. Development: Are you still building your market value?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IEarly in a solicitor\u2019s career, progression often feels tangible and immediate. New matters, increased responsibility and regular feedback create a sense of momentum. Over time, that momentum can flatten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A useful question to ask yourself is whether your current role is still compounding your value in the market. Are you developing new technical skills, deepening sector specialism, or meaningfully broadening your client exposure? Or are you largely repeating the same work with greater efficiency?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many firms offer enviable early responsibility and close partner interaction. However, this advantage only holds if there is sustained investment in your development. If supervision has become thin, training ad hoc, or workstreams increasingly narrow, it may indicate that your growth is no longer a strategic focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A plateau does not require immediate action &#8211; but it should prompt honest reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For those at qualification stage, see: <a href=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/career-advice\/when-should-newly-qualified-lawyers-move-roles\/\">When should newly qualified lawyers move roles? <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cd55aeff928645306238d982477b748e\" id=\"h-2-trajectory-is-the-path-ahead-clear-and-credible\">2. Trajectory: is the path ahead clear and credible?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Uncertainty around progression is one of the most common reasons solicitors explore the market. This is not simply about speed of promotion, but about visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do you understand what the next three-to-five years could realistically look like at your firm? Are expectations around advancement, remuneration and responsibility clearly articulated? And, just as importantly, do you believe they are achievable?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In many firms, promotion frameworks are flexible and nuanced, but that flexibility can also obscure the path forward. A credible trajectory should include tangible milestones and regular dialogue, rather than informal assurances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If senior colleagues struggle to explain what \u201csuccess\u201d looks like for someone at your level, or if progression conversations are consistently deferred, it may be worth exploring environments where career pathways are more intentional and aligned with your personal goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See also: <a href=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/market-insight\/law-firms\/moving-up-across-or-repositioning-strategic-moves-for-uk-law-firm-careers\/\">Moving up, across or repositioning? Strategic moves for UK law firm careers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fd57f65c0773719a5593175c5481466d\" id=\"h-3-platform-does-the-firm-still-support-your-ambitions\">3. Platform: Does the firm still support your ambitions?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As your career progresses, the firm\u2019s platform becomes increasingly important. Brand matters, but so do less visible factors: quality of clients, pricing power, conflicts profile, international capability and internal infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The relevant question is whether your current platform enables you to build the type of practice you want. Are your clients aligned with your sector interests? Does the firm actively support business development? Are marketing and technology investments helping or hindering fee\u2011earner growth?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Firms evolve. Leadership changes, strategic priorities shift, and economic conditions reshape practices. A platform that once felt aligned may no longer serve your long\u2011term objectives &#8211; and recognising that is a sign of commercial maturity rather than disloyalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a58c5e3b4e8980e2e6a47449c1bb1063\" id=\"h-4-culture-does-the-environment-still-work-for-you\">4. Culture: Does the environment still work for you?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Culture is often the most difficult factor to measure, yet it frequently proves decisive. Many solicitors can tolerate demanding workloads if the environment feels supportive, collegiate and purposeful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That sense of culture is built day to day: quality of supervision, tone of leadership, approach to flexibility, and how success is recognised. Over time, these factors compound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your role increasingly feels transactional, overly political, or disconnected from the reasons you entered the profession, it is worth paying attention. Sustained disengagement tends to erode performance long before it prompts a move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">High performers do their best work in environments that energise rather than exhaust them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38789cc38bc0cc411efe0eeffbce1f2b\" id=\"h-5-market-positioning-are-you-exploring-options-from-a-position-of-strength\">5. Market positioning: Are you exploring options from a position of strength?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The strongest moves we see are rarely reactive. Solicitors who wait until they are unhappy or burnt out often feel pressured into decisions, narrowing their options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By contrast, engaging with the market while performing well provides leverage and choice. It allows you to assess opportunities objectively, benchmark your profile and understand how firms perceive your skillset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The London market remains selective. Firms hire where there is a clear strategic need, not simply to add capacity. Solicitors who can articulate their value proposition &#8211; and how it aligns with a firm\u2019s growth plans &#8211; typically secure the most compelling roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A confidential conversation with a recruiter who understands your segment of the market can provide perspective that is difficult to gain from within a single firm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7f2889f0b1a6aa40dfef84426f699cbb\" id=\"h-making-a-considered-move\">Making a considered move<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no single \u201cright\u201d time to move firms. The decision will always depend on a combination of professional ambition and personal circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, regularly assessing your development, trajectory, platform, culture and market position helps bring structure to that decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many solicitors, a well-timed move can offer renewed momentum, whether that\u2019s faster progression, broader exposure or a better-aligned environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you find yourself asking these questions, it is often a sign that you are thinking seriously about your long\u2011term career &#8211; and that is always a strong place to start.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column single-post__columns__column--related is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n\t<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-people is-style-v2\" id=\"block_63640411907a257097cdbd5d6de074d7\" data-total=\"1\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"eyebrow-group\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"hd-block-job__title is-style-eyebrow eyebrow-group__title\">Author<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-arrow eyebrow-group__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"hd-block-people__button button wp-block-button__link eyebrow-group__link\" href=\"#\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"cards cards--people\">\n\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"card card--person post-112652 hd_person type-hd_person status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry hd_person_role_type-permanent hd_person_sector-law-firms hd_person_seniority-associate-director-manager hd_person_specialism-law-firms hd_person_location-uk\" id=\"block_63640411907a257097cdbd5d6de074d7-person-112652\">\n\n\t<div class=\"card--person__inner\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card__image-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/consultants\/stuart-whiter\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Stuart.Whiter-14349-641-burtonphoto.co_.uk_-300x300.jpg\" class=\"card__image test\" alt=\"\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, (max-width: 781px) 50vw, (max-width: 1023px) 40vw, (max-width: 1200px) 25vw, 370px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Stuart.Whiter-14349-641-burtonphoto.co_.uk_-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Stuart.Whiter-14349-641-burtonphoto.co_.uk_-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Stuart.Whiter-14349-641-burtonphoto.co_.uk_-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Stuart.Whiter-14349-641-burtonphoto.co_.uk_.jpg 1000w\" \/><\/a>\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card__titles\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"card__title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/consultants\/stuart-whiter\/\">Stuart Whiter<\/a><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"card__subtitle\"><a href=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/consultants\/stuart-whiter\/\">Associate Director | Law Firms<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card__location\">UK<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card__email\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"card__contact-link card__contact-link--email\" href=\"mailto:stuartwhiter@taylorroot.com\">stuartwhiter@taylorroot.com<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card__tel\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"card__contact-link card__contact-link--tel\" href=\"tel:+447714175921\">+44 7714 175 921<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card__linkedin\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"card__contact-link card__contact-link--linkedin\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/stuart-whiter-1482252a2\/?lipi=urnlipaged_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_detailsYxocmqqeTKiSiMapGtkrLQ\">Connect<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\n\t<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-jobs is-style-v2 alignwide\" id=\"block_f6bf95bad899502b6a74bd5d679bc1f1\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--medium);margin-bottom:0;\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"eyebrow-group\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"hd-block-job__title is-style-eyebrow eyebrow-group__title\">Jobs<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-arrow eyebrow-group__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"hd-block-jobs__button button wp-block-button__link eyebrow-group__link\" href=\"#\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"cards cards--jobs\">\n\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"card card--job post-124645 job_listing type-job_listing status-publish hentry\" id=\"block_f6bf95bad899502b6a74bd5d679bc1f1-job-124645\">\n\n\t<a class=\"card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/job\/residential-property-senior-associate-5-pqe-124645\/\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"card__tags\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__tag card__tag--srgroup_job_industry\">Law firm<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__tag card__tag--srgroup_job_contract\">Permanent<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__tag card__tag--srgroup_job_region\">London<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__tag card__tag--srgroup_published\">Posted 2 days ago<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"card__title\">Residential Property Senior Associate 5+ PQE<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card__content\">Senior Associate &#8211; Residential Property (5+ PQE) About the Firm&#8230;<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<ul class=\"meta__list meta-list--icons\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__published-date meta__item\"><span class=\"meta__item-label\">Posted<\/span> <span class=\"meta__item-value\">Posted 2 days ago<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card__read-more\">Find out more<\/p>\n\n\t<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card card--job post-124587 job_listing type-job_listing status-publish hentry\" id=\"block_f6bf95bad899502b6a74bd5d679bc1f1-job-124587\">\n\n\t<a class=\"card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/job\/corporate-senior-associate-6-pqe-124587\/\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"card__tags\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__tag card__tag--srgroup_job_industry\">Law firm<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__tag card__tag--srgroup_job_contract\">Permanent<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__tag card__tag--srgroup_job_region\">Southeast<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__tag card__tag--srgroup_published\">Posted 3 days ago<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"card__title\">Corporate Senior Associate 6+ PQE<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card__content\">Senior Associate &#8211; Corporate (6+ PQE) About the Firm A&#8230;<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<ul class=\"meta__list meta-list--icons\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__published-date meta__item\"><span class=\"meta__item-label\">Posted<\/span> <span class=\"meta__item-value\">Posted 3 days ago<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card__read-more\">Find out more<\/p>\n\n\t<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card card--job post-124489 job_listing type-job_listing status-publish hentry job_position_featured\" id=\"block_f6bf95bad899502b6a74bd5d679bc1f1-job-124489\">\n\n\t<a class=\"card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/job\/asset-finance-associate-0-1-pqe-paris-124489\/\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"card__tags\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__tag card__tag--srgroup_job_industry\">Law firm<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__tag card__tag--srgroup_job_contract\">Permanent<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__tag card__tag--srgroup_job_region\">Paris<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__tag card__tag--srgroup_published\">Posted 4 days ago<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"card__title\">Asset Finance Associate (0-1 PQE) &#8211; Paris<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card__content\">Asset Finance Associate (0-1 PQE) &#8211; Paris International Law Firm&#8230;<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<ul class=\"meta__list meta-list--icons\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__published-date meta__item\"><span class=\"meta__item-label\">Posted<\/span> <span class=\"meta__item-value\">Posted 4 days ago<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card__read-more\">Find out more<\/p>\n\n\t<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide is-style-eyebrow\" id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--2-x-large)\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-d3e58746 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--small);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--2-x-large)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--small)\">This section provides clear, concise<br>answers to the most common queries about when solicitors or associates should move law firms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block is-style-default\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1762163027424\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do solicitors know if they\u2019re moving too early?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If you are still gaining meaningful skills, exposure and progression in your current role, it may be worth staying to build a stronger foundation. However, if development has plateaued and your trajectory is unclear, many solicitors begin exploring opportunities across other law firms to benchmark what\u2019s available.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1779109640525\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is it better for associates to wait for promotion before moving law firms?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Not always. For some associates, moving firms can accelerate progression more effectively than waiting internally, particularly if the pathway at their current firm is uncertain or highly competitive.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1762163144145\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How confidential is the recruitment process for solicitors?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Reputable recruiters working with law firms will handle conversations discreetly. Initial discussions are confidential and exploratory, allowing solicitors and associates to understand the market without committing to a move.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1762163169855\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are law firms typically looking for when hiring associates?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Most law firms hire where there is a clear strategic need, whether that\u2019s sector expertise, strong technical capability, or experience with particular clients or deal types. Associates who can clearly articulate their value tend to stand out.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-posts is-template-grid alignwide\" id=\"block_eca42e72e016b1d61ab3d4d6b4a35bb3\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"eyebrow-group\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"hd-block-job__title is-style-eyebrow eyebrow-group__title\">Featured content<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-arrow eyebrow-group__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"hd-block-posts__button button wp-block-button__link eyebrow-group__link\" href=\"\/resources\">See all<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"cards cards--posts\">\n\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"card card--post post-123660 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-career-advice category-career-progression category-governance tag-new_risk-and-compliance-career-advice hd_author-zaryna-pirverdi\" id=\"block_eca42e72e016b1d61ab3d4d6b4a35bb3-job-123660\">\n\n\t<a class=\"card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/career-advice\/the-skills-company-secretaries-need-to-progress-into-senior-roles\/\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card__image-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Detail_Close-up-of-hand-gesture_GettyImages-629293208-1-300x225.jpg\" class=\"card__image\" alt=\"Close up of a woman at work, green shirt, making hand gestures\" sizes=\"(max-width: 481px) 100vw, (max-width: 599px) 50vw, (max-width: 1240px) 33vw, 370px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Detail_Close-up-of-hand-gesture_GettyImages-629293208-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Detail_Close-up-of-hand-gesture_GettyImages-629293208-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Detail_Close-up-of-hand-gesture_GettyImages-629293208-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"card__tags\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__tag\"><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"card__title\">The skills company secretaries need to progress into senior roles<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<ul class=\"meta__list\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__published-date meta__item\"><span class=\"meta__item-label\">Posted<\/span> <span class=\"meta__item-value\">July 28, 2026<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card__content\">Contents Share Key insights The company secretary role has always sat close to the boardroom, but the expectations placed on the function have changed considerably. Strong technical governance expertise remains essential, but it is no longer enough on its own. Today\u2019s company secretaries are expected to help boards navigate regulation, stakeholder pressure, ESG scrutiny, technology [&hellip;]<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card card--post post-122036 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-career-advice category-general-counsel category-in-house category-private-equity tag-new_in-house-career-advice hd_author-joyce-toeset\" id=\"block_eca42e72e016b1d61ab3d4d6b4a35bb3-job-122036\">\n\n\t<a class=\"card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/market-insight\/in-house\/public-private-or-pe-backed-business-whats-the-difference-for-a-gc-in-europe\/\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card__image-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Detail_Woman-standing-smiling-at-audience_iStock-1408304047-300x225.jpg\" class=\"card__image\" alt=\"Woman standing smiling in front of an audience\" sizes=\"(max-width: 481px) 100vw, (max-width: 599px) 50vw, (max-width: 1240px) 33vw, 370px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Detail_Woman-standing-smiling-at-audience_iStock-1408304047-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Detail_Woman-standing-smiling-at-audience_iStock-1408304047-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Detail_Woman-standing-smiling-at-audience_iStock-1408304047-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Detail_Woman-standing-smiling-at-audience_iStock-1408304047-768x576.jpg 768w\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"card__tags\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__tag\"><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"card__title\">Public,\u00a0private\u00a0or PE-backed business:\u00a0what\u2019s\u00a0the difference for a GC in Europe?\u00a0<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<ul class=\"meta__list\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__published-date meta__item\"><span class=\"meta__item-label\">Posted<\/span> <span class=\"meta__item-value\">June 26, 2026<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card__content\">Contents Share Key insights &nbsp; The title may stay the same, but the role of a general counsel can look\u00a0very different\u00a0depending on ownership structure. A GC\u00a0operating\u00a0within a listed multinational faces\u00a0a very different\u00a0set of expectations to one supporting a founder-led\u00a0private business\u00a0or a private equity-backed portfolio company.\u00a0 Across Europe, these differences are becoming more pronounced as organisations [&hellip;]<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card card--post post-122013 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-career-advice category-in-house tag-new_in-house-career-advice tag-new_in-house-hiring-advice hd_author-sinead-flanagan\" id=\"block_eca42e72e016b1d61ab3d4d6b4a35bb3-job-122013\">\n\n\t<a class=\"card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/market-insight\/in-house\/what-uk-tech-firms-look-for-in-in-house-legal-hires\/\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card__image-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/shutterstock_1316331542-300x225.jpg\" class=\"card__image\" alt=\"A rear view of a commuter travelling on a bike\" sizes=\"(max-width: 481px) 100vw, (max-width: 599px) 50vw, (max-width: 1240px) 33vw, 370px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/shutterstock_1316331542-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/shutterstock_1316331542-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/shutterstock_1316331542-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/shutterstock_1316331542-768x576.jpg 768w\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"card__tags\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__tag\"><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"card__title\">What UK tech firms look for in in-house legal hires<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<ul class=\"meta__list\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"card__published-date meta__item\"><span class=\"meta__item-label\">Posted<\/span> <span class=\"meta__item-value\">June 25, 2026<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card__content\">Contents Key insights The UK technology sector has evolved significantly over the past decade, and so too have expectations of in-house lawyers. While technical legal excellence remains important, the most successful technology companies are increasingly seeking lawyers who can serve as strategic business partners, support growth agendas, and navigate rapidly evolving regulatory frameworks. When hiring [&hellip;]<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Contents Key insights For most solicitors, the decision to move firms is rarely driven by a single moment. More often, it is the gradual accumulation of signals: the sense that progression has slowed, that the firm\u2019s direction no longer aligns with your own, or that the work you are doing no longer stretches or excites [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":788,"featured_media":117672,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_cn_metabox_post_checkbox_dont_send_once":false,"_cn_metabox_post_checkbox_dont_send_ever":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[50,44],"tags":[597],"hd_author":[692],"class_list":["post-120485","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-advice","category-law-firms","tag-new_law-firms-career-advice","hd_author-stuart-whiter"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/120485","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/788"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=120485"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/120485\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/117672"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=120485"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=120485"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=120485"},{"taxonomy":"hd_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/srgroup.highrise.digital\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hd_author?post=120485"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}