Free Guide for Big Law Attorneys

The Lateral Move Checklist

Nine money questions to answer before you accept an offer from another firm — most are much harder to fix after you start.

Before You Sign

A lateral move changes more than your title. Check each of these against the new offer.

You compared total compensation, including how the first-year bonus is treated at the new firm. You know your options for your old 401(k) and the new plan’s match and waiting period. You have mapped benefit start dates and any gap in health, disability, or life coverage. You have considered any change in state taxes, including part-year situations. You understand the repayment terms on any sign-on or relocation payment if you leave early. Beneficiaries and group life insurance are updated for the new employer. Your W-4 withholding is set correctly across two employers in the same year. Estate documents, account titling, and your address are updated if anything changed. You told your CPA and your advisor before you accepted the offer.

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Check Off What You've Done

Tick each item you've already handled — we'll show you what's left.

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