While large firm associates looking to move to a smaller firm routinely bring first-rate credentials, excellent training and familiarity with complex matters, they may lack the hands-on experience a midsized firm is looking for.

Ronald Shechtman, managing partner of Pryor Cashman, said one young litigator whom Pryor hired from a larger firm said he had worked at more matters in four months at Pryor than his four years at the larger firm.