Lateral Integration: Big Payoff, Small First Steps

Successfully integrating a lateral partner does require an investment of time and focus—but not every step has to be complex or resource-intensive.

Some of the most impactful strategies can be implemented in minutes:

🔑 Define success early—and collaboratively. Sit down with your new partner and key stakeholders to align on what success looks like in the eyes of the firm and the lateral.

🔑 Start business plans with objectives, not details. Our research shows the most effective plans lead with 1–3 big-picture goals and then cascade into actionable short-term steps.

These quick wins set the tone for a smoother, more intentional integration—helping both firm and partner avoid the “sink-or-swim” experience too many laterals describe.

Still not sure where to start? Our Survey Report includes links to both our integration process and business plan template—tools you can adapt today to fit your firm’s culture and strategy. Find more helpful templates and documents on our website Resource Page.

👉 The report offers 10 practical strategies from laterals themselves, plus insights from integration professionals across AmLaw firms.

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