There will be more mergers, both domestic and transatlantic, and these will generate lateral moves from those partners who don't want to be a cog in a global law firm - and from those who do. Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for another exciting decade. The recruitment market has expanded rapidly over the decade, and there are now roughly 30 recruitment agencies and headhunters in London trying to get a piece of the action. Both recruitment firms and headhunters have seen a surge in income from partner moves. At ZMB, the amount of income received from partner placements quintupled between 1992 and 1999.
Superstar placements command even higher fees.
A trend that may expand over the next decade is the use of headhunters. Law firms have become increasingly receptive to hiring a search firm rather than advertising with a recruitment agency. Headhunting has become more popular as law firms seek out the perfect partner, but most search firms cover a wide variety of industries rather than just law. If Steven and Adrian are prepared to learn new tricks, then I think they could do quite well,' says Peter Thompson of Michael Page. But the competition is stiff.