CBA Record July-August 2017

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Y O U N G L A W Y E R S J O U R N A L
46 JULY/AUGUST 2017
Finding the Perfect Fit For Your Profession
Considerations in Making a Lateral
Move as a Law Firm Associate
By Jesse P. Hyde
As a recent law school graduate,
when joining a law firm as an
associate, you focus on develop-
ing foundational skills that will serve you
through your entire career. If you are a
corporate M&A associate, for example,
you are drafting disclosure schedules and
ancillary closing documents, coordinat-
ing due diligence, and, ideally, beginning
to draft asset and stock purchase agree-
ments. If you are a litigation associate,
you draft motions, respond to discovery
requests, and prepare for depositions. As
you progress to a mid-level associate, your
concentration is on gaining experience
and building relationships with clients and
other attorneys. While it is critical to excel
as an associate within your firm, there will
be opportunities to make a lateral move
to other firms and companies during this
period, with short-term and long-term
factors to evaluate and consider.