How top firms compete for talent: City headhunter Ed Parker on the high-stakes game of elite lateral partner hiring

In this episode, we’re joined by Ed Parker, managing director at Fides Search and one of the most trusted headhunters in the City legal market.

With nearly two decades of experience advising on partner and team moves, Ed brings a nuanced, data-driven perspective on how top firms are growing, and what that means for lawyers navigating their careers.

We explore the structural shifts happening across the partner talent market, from the aggressive expansion of US firms in London to the growing importance of team moves and due diligence in lateral hiring. Ed explains why some firms are placing massive bets on high-performing partners, how they price those hires, and what really determines whether a client book will travel.

For ambitious associates, this episode is packed with insight. Ed shares honest advice on timing your move, the risks of chasing quick promotions, and how to position yourself for long-term success - whether that’s through internal promotion or switching platforms. He also unpacks the rise of non-equity partnerships and what clients really care about when it comes to partner titles.

Finally, we touch on where the market is headed in the second half the year, from fast-moving jurisdictions like Saudi and Luxembourg to the enduring pull of London as a legal hub. If you're interested in the economics, strategy, and personal dynamics behind law firm hiring, this is one not to miss.

Chapters

00:45 Introduction & About Fides Search

03:45 What Headhunting Actually Involves

07:15 Building a Practice from Scratch

10:15 The State of the Partner Market in 2025

14:15 UK Firms: Adapting or Falling Behind?

17:30 Team Moves vs. Individual Lateral Hires

21:15 The Economics of Big Hires

25:45 Is This an Existential Threat to UK Firms?

30:15 The Rise of Non-Equity Partners

35:15 Advice for Ambitious Associates

43:45 Market Outlook for H2 2025

47:45 Connect with Ed & Fides Search

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