Is it better to stay longer in one role or move every few years? In my role for 2.5 years now, thinking moving,
But hear conflicting advice so far, some say loyalty shows depth, others say moving every 2–3 years accelerates salary and experience. What do you think?

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Leave every 2-3 years unless clear path to career advancement (i.e. you’re a midlevel/senior and up for partner/promotion, etc.).

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Listen to your heart might be the best way

I’ve moved every 2-3 years and haven’t been questioned about my length of time at those firms. I have clear answers ready to explain the moves that I’ve made though just in case.

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That’s great. I guess as long as you can justify each move with clear intent, it shouldn’t be an issue

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I was one place for 8 years and another for 3 and I got grilled about it in an interview

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Those questions may be signs that why you shouldn’t join their firm. I thought if you get to the interview stage, it means your resume passed the test, they know your job history and still taking you to interview. I understand they can ask general questions on reasons why you leave a job but more questions on that is a red flag on them

Depends how long you’ve been practicing. I hire for a lateral counsel level role where most applicants are mid-career or senior attorneys. I expect to see some bouncing around at the start of a career. However as people get older and more experienced they tend to want more stability - you want a path to promotion or you just want consistency while you’re going through changes in your personal life (having kids, buying a home, etc). So if someone is still bouncing around when they’re 10,15 years in that does make me wonder if they’re just not that good and they leave right around the point that becomes really evident to their firm. Or I’d wonder if they just don’t play well with others and have to keep moving. Basically - if I don’t see you were able to stay somewhere long-term at some point over a 10-20 year career, it’s concerning.

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I think there are pros and cons- I have moved every 2-2.5 years and wildly increased my salary each move (as in, essentially double each move) but now I think I need to stay put for awhile so I don’t look like I’m going to flee every time 😂

I’ve never been asked about it in an interview, but always try and be complimentary about a past role and explain that my moves were targeted. Sometimes it’s obvious why given the salary differences so they don’t question the desire.

Curious about this bc I'm considering my first move for a 30% increase. When you moved was it only law firms? "Peer" firms and same class year?

Okay, say what?! I’ve been at my current firm for 10 years (off partner track, my choice, for lifestyle reasons) and always assumed firm hopping would be frowned upon.

As long as it works for you, there is no right or wrong to stay in one place for longer or hopping every few years

Loyalty is one-way street in the job market. Anyone bringing up "loyalty" to you is using you and manipulating you.

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