By Craig Savitzky for SurePoint

A new joint survey by NewEdge BD and CMO2Go sheds light on why so many lateral partners struggle to succeed at their new firms—and what firms can do differently. 

The report, “What Works (and What Doesn’t) in Lateral Partner Integration” by Elizabeth Kennedy and Erika Steinberg, draws on interviews with more than 40 partners who recently moved to Am Law firms. It also leverages SurePoint Legal Insights data to contextualize the findings and fill gaps in existing industry research. 

The Stakes

The numbers tell a sobering story: fewer than half of lateral partners ultimately succeed by either firm or individual standards, and over 40% leave within five years.  

Author’s note: With tens of thousands of lawyers making lateral moves in 2025, the combination of qualitative interviews and market-level data suggests success hinges as much on culture, relationships, and shared strategic goals as it does on individual resumes.  

Where Firms Fall Short

The survey reveals several disconnects between the promises made during recruiting and the reality of integration.  

• Unclear expectations: Few recalled clear conversations about what success would look like in their new role, beyond billable-hour expectations.
  
• Fragmented support: Several described being inundated with introductions to back-office professionals, yet unsure who their real points of contact were weeks or months later.
  
• Missing basics: Essentials like daily itineraries, client messaging guides, and tailored pitch materials were often missing.  

As one partner put it: “They wanted me here, but they didn’t really know what they wanted from me.” 

By contrast, laterals with a dedicated integration professional—someone authorized to coordinate resources, set timelines, and track progress—reported smoother transitions and higher confidence. These professionals often acted as coaches and navigators, providing structure without stifling autonomy. 

What Works

The survey highlights 10 practical strategies firms can implement to improve outcomes.  

Among the most impactful: 

• Define success early: Align on shared objectives with the candidate before day one.
• Create a collaborative business plan: Establish KPIs, short-term goals, and check-in points to maintain momentum. 
• Centralize support: Assign one accountable integration lead who has the authority to move things forward across departments. 
• Be intentional with introductions: Make client and colleague connections purposeful, with clear goals and briefing materials. 
• Invest in ongoing integration: Recognize that the real work begins after onboarding, with structured follow-ups, business development support, and opportunities to engage across the firm. 

Why It Matters

Law firms spend millions recruiting lateral talent, but without structured, individualized integration plans, they risk watching those investments wither.  

The report underscores a key point: successful integration isn’t about the volume of touchpoints, but about clarity, accountability, and trust-building. Firms that prioritize cultural alignment, shared goals, and personalized onboarding are better positioned to retain top talent and turn new hires into long-term contributors. 

Kennedy and Steinberg conclude that integration must be intentional, strategic, and human-centered. Firms that embrace this approach will not only improve lateral partner success rates but also strengthen client relationships and gain a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded market.

SurePoint Legal Insights Can Help

At SurePoint Legal Insights, we help law firms turn these challenges into opportunities. For over two decades, our AI-powered analytics and curated legal data have empowered firms to: 

• Identify and integrate top lateral talent with confidence. 

• Benchmark performance against the broader legal market. 

• Measure ROI on recruiting and hiring strategies. 

To make smarter decisions, build stronger teams, and position yourself to thrive, contact SurePoint Legal Insights today or learn more here.  

Want the full set of recommendations? Download “What Works Now (and What Doesn’t) in Lateral Partner Integration” (NewEdge BD + CMO2Go), supported by SurePoint data.