Acknowledge Potential Departure From The Moment You Hire

Forced departures from law firms are likely becoming more common as the market softens, and the fallout for the law firm can be damaging. Ousted lawyers, whether partners or associates, “may depart with thumb drives full of internal documents and satchels full of bile that, given the right opportunity, they will spill,” writes law firm consultant Aric Press. But there are, he says, ways of making that outcome far less likely. It should begin at the time of the hire, with an acknowledgment of what parties on both sides already understand: that eventual departure is not only possible but, at least statistically speaking, likely. And when it happens, there is one essential function that should not be overlooked.