Transition Your Portable Business To The Next Level: Tips and Strategies | BCGSearch.com

Search Insights & Resources

Search Attorney Jobs

Transition Your Portable Business To The Next Level: Tips and Strategies

161

Print/Download PDF

Font Size

Rate this article

21 Reviews Average: 4.7 out of 5

Moving your practice to another firm is a serious task that requires your careful attention to detail, your ability to identify and navigate around potential minefields, your capability to resolve issues expeditiously, your interpersonal skills to temper hurt feelings and egos, your access to the resources of your new firm, and the assistance you receive from key individuals within your current firm as well as others outside of your firm, such as your recruiter. Since portable business is a key factor driving your marketability once you are more than five years out of law school, you need to ensure that if you move, you move the business you have generated with you.
How law Firm Partners Can Move Their Portable Business to a New Law Firm
 

Summary

Moving a business to a new location can be a complicated and expensive process, but it can also open up new opportunities for companies that are looking for a fresh start. When considering a move, companies should take into account factors such as the cost of the relocation, the local resources available, the local market conditions, and the impact of moving on existing customers and vendors.

Relocation costs can vary widely, depending on the size of the business and the destination. Companies should consider the potential cost savings of moving to a lower-cost location and factor in the tax incentives that may be available in some cities and states. Additionally, it is important to assess the availability of local talent and resources in the new area, as well as the local regulations and zoning laws that may affect the business.


Businesses should also evaluate the impact that a move could have on existing customers, vendors, and other stakeholders. It is important to consider whether the current suppliers and customers would follow the business to the new location as well as the possibility of needing to source new suppliers and customers in the area.

When making the decision to move, companies should also consider the competitive advantage that a new location could provide. For example, a business could gain access to a larger customer base or a larger talent pool. Additionally, relocating to a lower-cost area could enable a company to reduce overhead costs, allowing it to remain competitive.

Lastly, businesses should evaluate the local market conditions in their new location before making the decision to move. It is important to consider the state of the local economy, the potential for growth, and the potential impact of political and regulatory changes.

Moving a business to a new location can be a complex endeavor and can require substantial upfront costs. However, it can also provide companies with greater access to new opportunities and resources, allowing them to become more competitive. Companies should carefully consider the costs, resources, and market conditions of a potential new location, as well as the impact of the move on their existing customers and vendors. By weighing all of these factors, businesses can make an informed decision about whether relocating is the right move for them.
 

Moving Your Portable Business

Starting and managing a business can be a difficult but rewarding journey, especially when the business is portable. A portable business enables you to move your operations to different locations and take advantage of different business opportunities. You may even be able to keep overhead costs down by relocating to a smaller space as your business grows and changes.

When you decide to move your business, you may be faced with several challenges. It is important to plan ahead and consider all of the potential costs associated with relocating your business. This includes not only the cost of the actual move, but also any fees related to licensing, permits, and taxes. You will also want to plan for any changes to your business operations that could impact your customers, suppliers, or clients.

Before you begin the process of moving your business, it is important to research the laws, regulations, and requirements of the new location. This will help you determine the necessary paperwork, fees, and permits that are required for the move. Additionally, you will need to look into potential zoning and licensing issues that could impact your business. It is also a good idea to explore any potential tax incentives or other benefits that may be available to businesses in the new location.

In addition to researching the new location, it is also important to assess the needs of your business and ensure that you have enough staff and resources to support the move. This includes considering any new employees or additional resources that may be needed to make the relocation successful. You should also plan for any increase in travel expenses, such as the cost of fuel and any additional costs associated with getting the business up and running in the new location.
 

Relocating Your Portable Business: Considerations & Challenges

Starting a portable business has many rewards, but when it's time to move, there are a variety of considerations and challenges that must be addressed. When relocating, it is important to plan ahead and account for potential expenses such as the cost of the move, fees for licensing, permits, and taxes, and any changes to business operations that could affect customers or suppliers. Additionally, research the legal requirements of the new location and determine the necessary paperwork, fees, and permits. Consider any potential zoning or tax incentives offered in the new locale as well.

In addition to researching the new site, assess the needs of your business and have enough personnel and resources to facilitate the relocation. Consider any new staff and additional resources required, and include any increases in travel expenses such as fuel and other start-up costs at the new location. Moving a portable business is a big undertaking, so make sure you plan ahead and prepare for the challenges that may arise.

You should start preparing your exit from the instant you decide to look for greener pastures. It is essential for you to anticipate potential pitfalls so that you can devise contingency plans well in advance to avoid embarrassments and confusion. Also, it is most important that you focus on your clients, who are the most important element in making a move successful. Everything you do should directly or indirectly relate to your clients. Obviously, you have both an ethical and legal duty to continue to provide the necessary service to your clients during your move. The second most important element is to act expeditiously. Remember that time is your enemy; the longer it takes you to resolve issues to complete your move, the more likely additional problems arise. Below is a checklist to consider in contemplating your move:
A. Harrison Barnes
Harrison Barnes
 
  1. Before you talk to any firms, the first thing you must do is determine whether or not your clients would move with you. Because of your long-term relationship you may believe a certain client would move with you and that you may feel it is unnecessary to confidentially inform your client of your intentions. This is fine, but be prepared in case the client does not feel the same way you do. If you have any doubt, you should have confidential discussions with each of your clients and you should get a firm verbal commitment that they would follow you to your future firm.
  2. Another reason you would want to inform your clients beforehand is to avoid a situation where a client may have personal or legal conflict that cannot be waived or resolved with a potential firm's lawyers or clients. You should prepare a list of firms you must avoid based on your discussions with your clients.
  3. One way to head off potential problems with continuing to provide services to your clients while preparing your transition to your new firm is to determine ahead of time whether a service partner or other key personnel, such as associates, paralegals or secretaries, are interested in moving with you. Be careful not to disclose your intentions indiscriminately throughout your current firm. You should first target those individuals without whom you cannot adequately service your clients. Then obtain from each individual a verbal commitment that they would keep your intentions confidential and about whether they will move with you to a new firm.
  4. After you have met with your potential new firm, and there is a mutual attraction toward one another, the next step should be to have a conflicts check done. Because you already know which firms to avoid, you should not encounter too many problems. Any red flags should be resolved at this stage.
  5. Once you receive a written offer from the new firm and you are ready to sign it, you should give a written resignation to your current firm. You should inform all the key people in your firm, including the managing partner, the executive committee members, and the head of your particular practice group, of your decision. In your conversations with these people, try to avoid any negative criticism of the firm. It is now too late to be critical of the firm since you have made up your mind to leave and any negative criticism will be viewed as a final departing insult. Remember that this firm still has to cooperate for you to have a smooth transition to your new firm.
  6. You should request that your new firm have business cards prepared as soon as possible.
  7. At this stage, you should already know exactly which clients would move with you. You should have your new firm prepare notices informing courts, adversaries and opposing counsel that the new firm is replacing your old one. For litigation matters, Substitution of Attorneys should be prepared, executed and filed with the court. For transactional matters, letters to all parties involved in the transactions should be adequate. Because it is important for you to prevent major disruptions in servicing your clients, these notices should be done swiftly to avoid missing important court imposed deadlines in a litigation case, or neglecting contractual obligations in transactional matters. Given that you have already held discussions with your clients informing them of your intentions and that they have agreed to move with you to your new firm, there should not be any surprises during this step.
  8. For all pending matters, inform all of your clients by letter of the name, address, telephone number and other pertinent contact information of your new firm. Include your new business card.
  9. Make the necessary arrangements, and document it through a confirming letter, with your old firm so that you will receive all incoming correspondences and letters the same day or hour they arrive.
  10. Inform the postal service and other mail carriers regarding your new address.
  11. Your new firm should assist you in making the necessary arrangement for the physical transfer of your clients' files.
  12. Likewise, your new firm should assist you in transporting your personal items, files and furniture.
  13. Your new firm should prepare and send out a press release announcing that you are joining the firm.
  14. Your new firm should consider publishing a notice in various legal journals announcing your arrival at the firm.
  15. Your new firm should also send out announcements to your and the firm's clients, potential clients, professional acquaintances, associations with whom you have a membership, and anyone else in your Rolodex.
  16. In the event the press interviews you, you should never say bad things about the firm you are leaving. Stay positive! Also, get assurances from your new firm that no disparaging comments about your old firm will be made to the press as it relates to your departure.

Obviously, this is not an exhaustive list and you may need to add to it depending on your particular circumstances. In our experience assisting partners and practice groups in making a successful and smooth transition to a new firm, preparing ahead of time is vital. In making your preparation, your focus should be on your clients and proceeding expeditiously. Assume that you will encounter surprises and difficulties, but preparing in advance will make the process less daunting.


About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

  • Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
  • Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
  • Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
  • Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

  • Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
  • Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
  • Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.

This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

  • Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
  • Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
  • Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
  • Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.


About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.

Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom

Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom

You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays

You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts

You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives


Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.

Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.

To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.


AGREE/DISAGREE? SHARE COMMENTS ANONYMOUSLY! We Want to Hear Your Thoughts! Tell Us What You Think!!

Related Articles

We've changed thousands of lives over the past 25 years, and yours could be next.

When you use BCG Attorney Search you will get an unfair advantage because you will use the best legal placement company in the world for finding permanent law firm positions.