South East firms have a pretty balanced mix of
laterals and internals. DMH Stallard has had a
rash of laterals, but they have been mostly in
its London office (following its takeover of
Stallards) rather than in the South East.
ASB Law tends to promote from within,
but not exclusively – Crawley has seen the
biggest growth there. Cripps Harries Hall
hired two laterals last year, but that was
unusual – most of its appointments have
been internal.
Penningtons has taken on 11 laterals in
three years. Its Basingstoke office has taken
the lion’s share of total partner appointments,
with eight out of 20.
The best bet for movers is the South of
England area. Things have been looking good
for associates at Blake Lapthorn Linnell (the
firm promoted eight last year), but you will
have to move to Southampton or Portsmouth,
which have dominated the appointments.
Southampton is promising ground for Bond
Pearce associates. It has accounted for six of
the firm’s 14 promotions in three years.
Shoosmiths’ Solent office has taken on four
laterals in three years.
