Q1 2026 Partner Lateral Market: Three Markets, Three Stories
Our Macrae+ 2026 Q1 partner movement data across London, New York, and California has been picked up by Solicitors Journal this week - and the story is that the three markets are moving in very different directions.
New York posted its strongest opening quarter in three years with 186 partner moves, led by a near-doubling of Investment Management & Funds activity. London came in at 122 - its lowest Q1 in three years - though Corporate and Finance both reached new Q1 highs. California recorded 72 moves, with Corporate drawing level with Litigation at the top of the practice area rankings for the first time in recent years.
Dechert led Q1 gross additions in New York. In California, non-traditional firms - Willkie and Ballard Spahr among them - topped the hiring tables.
Read the full Solicitors Journal article: Regional Trends Impact Global Legal Hiring.
Please note: A subscription may be required to access the full article.
Download the Macrae+ 2026 Q1 Partner Lateral Market Reports here: