𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗻
The news is official; it was announced over the weekend after much speculation that David Moyes will be returning to Everton Football Club, a club he managed over a decade ago.
It’s a bold move that raises an interesting question: Should professionals, whether in football or law, ever return to a former employer?
In the legal field, the idea of rejoining a past firm isn’t uncommon. More often than not it happens when a law firm rehires a former associate/senior associate as a partner. Some examples of firms who have done this over the last year include:
Clifford Chance , DLA Piper, Latham & Watkins Ropes & Gray LLP and White & Case LLP
but, like Moyes’ potential return, it comes with both opportunities and risks.
The Pros:
✅ Familiarity with the Culture: You know the firm’s environment, values, and people - making reintegration smoother.
✅ Proven Track Record: Just as Everton fans remember Moyes’ successes, a lawyer’s return often reflects strong performance in their previous tenure.
✅ Bringing New Skills: Time away either at a rival law firm or in-house may allow you to develop expertise or perspectives that can be a game-changer for your old team.
The Cons:
⚠️ Unrealistic Expectations: Past achievements might set a high bar, leading to pressure to recreate old successes. Will the reasons you left the firm first time round come to fruition again?
⚠️ Resistance to Change: Law firms, like football clubs, evolve. Returning to a different environment than the one you left can be challenging.
⚠️ Stagnation Perception: Will colleagues question your ambition or see your return as a step backward?
As lawyers, and as professionals, these considerations are important. My personal view is that pride should be put to one side and if one is presented with the opportunity to return to their previous firm, then if it is at the right juncture in one's career, it is certainly worth exploring.
#LeadershipLessons #Everton #LegalCareers #londonlawyers #DavidMoyes
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