Better the Devil You Know? How Fear-Based Career Decisions Hold Associates Back
Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.
This phrase comes up frequently in conversations with law firm associates who are considering a career move. The fear of leaving a familiar firm, even one that isn’t the right long-term fit, often outweighs the possibility that a new opportunity could be better.
As legal recruiters, we see this pattern play out every day. Associates stay in roles they’ve outgrown not because they’re satisfied, but because uncertainty feels riskier than staying put.
Why Associates Hesitate to Change Firms
Lateral moves are high-stakes decisions. Concerns about culture fit, workload, partnership prospects, and reputation are valid—and they shouldn’t be ignored. But too often, those concerns turn into paralysis.
Associates frequently ask, “What if the next firm is worse?” While that’s a reasonable question, it’s only part of the equation. The more important question is whether staying in an environment that no longer aligns with your goals is truly the safer choice.
Fear vs. Informed Career Risk
The most successful lateral moves are not made on impulse or fear. They are informed, intentional decisions based on clear information and realistic expectations.
Reducing risk in a lateral move means:
Asking thoughtful, specific questions during law firm interviews
Evaluating culture, expectations, and growth opportunities after the offer stage
Speaking with current and former associates about their experiences
Working with a legal recruiter who understands the market and can identify strong long-term fits
These steps help associates move forward with confidence rather than uncertainty.
The Long-Term Cost of Staying in the Wrong Role
One of the most overlooked risks in legal careers is staying too long in the wrong firm. Over time, misalignment can lead to stalled professional development, limited compensation growth, and burnout.
Many associates later reflect that their biggest regret wasn’t moving firms, it was waiting too long to explore their options.
Making Intentional Legal Career Moves
The goal of a lateral move isn’t speed; it’s alignment. When associates take a strategic, informed approach, the “unknown” becomes clearer, and fear gives way to opportunity.
If you’re questioning whether your current firm still supports your long-term career goals, exploring your options doesn’t have to mean committing to a move. It starts with gathering information, asking the right questions, and making decisions intentionally.
