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Lateral moves look straightforward from the outside. In reality, most fail for reasons attorneys don’t always see coming.

In this episode of the Sidebar Advisors Podcast, Niraj Chhabra sits down with Melissa Peters, founder of MP Legal Search, to break down what’s actually happening in the lateral partner market — and how firms evaluate candidates behind closed doors.

Melissa shares real-world insight into shifting compensation structures, how firms assess portability and fit, and the common mistakes that quietly derail otherwise strong candidates. The conversation cuts through the noise around lateral hiring and focuses on what matters now.

They discuss:
• What firms really look for when evaluating lateral partners
• How compensation expectations are changing across the market
• Why strong books still aren’t enough on their own
• The most common pitfalls that derail lateral moves
• How attorneys can make themselves more marketable before they explore a transition

A practical, candid conversation for partners and senior attorneys considering a move — or simply trying to understand how the market actually works.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on the Sidebar Advisors Podcast.

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A lot of people in Big Law hear the phrase “professional development” — but don’t always know what it actually means in practice.

In this episode of the Sidebar Advisors Podcast, Niraj Chhabra sits down with Hedieh Fakhriyazdi, Chief Engagement & Development Officer at White & Case, to talk about how growth really happens inside a global law firm — for associates, business services professionals, and everyone in between.

Hedieh shares how White & Case thinks about development beyond titles and promotions, including how associates get real leadership experience early, why listening matters just as much as training, and how employee-led affinity groups shape culture from the ground up.

They cover:

• What “engagement” actually looks like day-to-day
• How associates get a real seat at the table earlier than you’d expect
• Why development can’t just be classroom training
• How firms build trust by acting on feedback — not just collecting it

If you’ve ever wondered what a large firm can do better when it comes to growth, culture, and belonging, this conversation is worth your time.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on the Sidebar Advisors Podcast.

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Few people have a clearer view into the legal talent market than Merle Vaughn, Partner and Law Firm Diversity Practice Leader at Major, Lindsey & Africa.

In this episode of the Sidebar Advisors Podcast, Merle joins Niraj Chhabra to share her journey from practicing attorney to one of the most respected legal recruiters in the industry — and what she’s learned from advising firms and attorneys through some of their most pivotal career decisions.

They discuss:

• What law firms are actually looking for today — beyond résumés and credentials
• How DEI efforts have evolved, and where firms still struggle to align intent with action
• The shifting expectations between attorneys and employers in a competitive market
• Why self-awareness is the most important starting point when considering a move
• How relationship-building — especially with recruiters — shapes long-term outcomes

Merle offers a behind-the-scenes look at legal recruiting and practical advice for attorneys and firms navigating change with clarity and confidence.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on the Sidebar Advisors Podcast.