Why Attorneys Should Consider Lateral Moves at the 3rd–5th Year Level

Why Attorneys Should Consider Lateral Moves at the 3rd–5th Year Level Your marketability as a lateral associate has a shelf life—yes, I said it.

That might sound brutal, but what’s more brutal is being too busy to explore opportunities now, only to find yourself stuck in a role that isn’t the right fit—and with limited options to pivot.

In the legal industry, the assumption that “more experience means more marketability” doesn’t hold true the way it might in other fields. Law firm hiring is different. There’s a reason why 90% of the time, when we meet with practice chairs, hiring partners, and recruitment managers, they’re looking for associates in their 3rd to 5th years.

Just take a look at job postings: firms consistently target this level. But why?

Why the 3-5 Year Mark is the Sweet Spot

You Have the Right Experience Without Being Costly to Train By this point, you’ve built foundational skills and can meaningfully contribute to transactions or cases. You’re Adaptable You’re experienced enough to add value but junior enough to adjust to a new firm’s systems, style, and culture without friction. Partnership Conversations Are Still a Ways Off Firms don’t have to think immediately about your promotion timeline, giving them more runway to develop you. Your Motives are Perceived as Reasonable As you get more senior, firms often wonder: Why are they moving? Were they pushed out? At the 3-5 year level, it’s easier to position your move as a natural step forward. Market Movement Creates Opportunity There’s a lot of activity at this level. Roles open, people shift, and opportunities arise.

The Shelf Life is Real

The 3rd–5th year window is a pivotal time in your career. It’s easy to get buried in the day-to-day grind and forget to look up, plan strategically, or evaluate your trajectory.

We often hear: “I’m too busy to think about opportunities right now.” Trust me—we get it. But the attorneys who land where they want to be are the ones who make the time to think ahead.

Here are two key questions to ask yourself:

Is there something about your role that you want to change? Are you gaining the skills you’ll need to achieve your career goals?

Don’t Let Opportunity Pass You By

I speak with senior associates all the time who feel frustrated. They’ve worked hard, but the opportunities they hoped for just aren’t there.

Yes, there are exceptions to the rule—certain markets, practice areas, and unique team dynamics can create openings beyond this window. But if you’re in your 3rd to 5th year and something feels off about your current role, don’t ignore it.

This is the moment when your marketability is at its peak. Lift your head up, take stock, and explore.

Because sometimes, timing really is everything.