Politics: Only One Factor, Maybe Not Even That, in Lawyers' Decision to Cut Loose from Their Firms

The "flight" of partners and especially of associates from prominent law firms supposedly because of dealmaking with the Trump administration certainly did make headlines. Still do. Both in legacy media and social. 

Recall the fanfare when "60 Minutes" featured former Skadden associate Brenna Frey. Her exit was attributed to the politics of the firm.

The same for the noisy former Skadden associate Rachel Cohen. She remains an attention magnet. 

On the partner level, the brandname litigation partners such as Karen Dunn who left Paul, Weiss to form their own boutique broke loose a story with legs. That was especially since other lawyers later joined them in dribs and drabs. Yes, keep that going.

The political angle is a convenient hook. Since Anything Donald Trump is a source of page views, comments and reposts it's smart business. 

But, Bloomberg Law introduces the reality that departure decisions could have been driven by myriad factors. 

From my coaching, I know this: Usually there's a tipping point associated with quitting. But typically there's been an ongoing agitated assessment of whatever related to whether to keep hanging around or to hang it up.

For example, as many know A&O Shearman had recently gone through a merger. Those bring internal upheaval, including possible shifts in power and layoffs. It should have been expected that some would size up the situation as not in their favor or sense they'll be forced out. The merged firm lost 10 associates and eight partners.

At Paul, Weiss, which has been a high-profile target for its deal with the administration, the departure of 11 associates and six partners could have been primarily the expected outcome of this: Since 2008, the firm has focused on expanding its transactional practices. 

Paul, Weiss had started out as a Wall Street litigation firm. Overall, transactional is more lucrative than litigation. That grows Profit Per Equity Partner. And it's PPEP which attracts, retains and motivates the star players. 

Recently in guiding mergers and un-mergers Paul, Weiss has been doing jolly fine. That, of course, triggers the question about the actual bottom-line impacts of reputational hits on a professional services firm. Paul, Weiss isn't Cracker Barrel. 

In addition, human beings, particularly when it comes to earning a good living, are complex creatures. So convoluted can be the psyche, as The New York Times reports, that they come for a tarot reading to shake loose what's going on in the unconscious. Why are they really so discontent and frustrated? Here is my free customized guide in how to do your own tarot reading. Five easy steps.

So here we are. The obvious takeaway is: Don't trust media angles. Beware of social. The data points to gather and interpret should entail a deep knowledge of how human nature operates in a capitalist system based on individualism and risk-taking. Players look out for number-one and overcome fear about bolting from something solid.

Thrown off your game, maybe the first time since you started working? You made all the right moves and then the world moved in another direction.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, reskilling and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. There’s no risk.