Public Finance Blog

With a new year upon us, challenges are always a great part of the January effect.  Goals are being set, expectations are high for that banner year, but then reality sets in.  You start to look around, and sometimes you just don’t like what you see. Are other firms like this? 

Every First Quarter…

This is the situation I find myself dealing with every first quarter of the year.  It happens due to a myriad of reasons like disappointment in bonus compensation, the change in firm philosophy, or the merger activity that always closes right after the beginning of the year.  Calls start coming into our office asking us, “Where’s the market going and who’s hiring? What’s it like at other firms?”  The same answer again as last year is, “This year is up, especially if you are that special banker or attorney.”

Too Good To Be True?

There is a catch.  You have to act expeditiously, especially if you find yourself in a position where you look around your current situation and your co-workers are feeling the same way.  The key to a great new opportunity is to act quickly and be the first one to make a move.  If you wait for others to leave first, you are going to find that an offer by another firm will not be as high as it could have been because it will be perceived that you are not as valuable as your co-workers (or competitive bankers or attorneys at other firms).

Following The Leader

Being the first one out makes you the leader.  Other firms will pay more for the leaders, the ones who are willing to take the risk rather than the followers.  This is so true when you find yourself in a merger frenzy, and your firm is being acquired.  Acting quickly will get you a much better seat at the table.  Here’s to a great 2026 for all!

Conclusion

You don’t need a resume to chat with us! If you would like to discuss your options, please reach out for a confidential conversation at 760-477-1284 or email at harlan@hfriedmansearch.com. He can also be reached on LinkedIn. Harlan publishes a blog every Thursday here. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here, which is a compilation of our weekly blogs, so you never miss one. We have also been mentioned in Forbes this year, click HERE to read more.  

About Harlan Friedman, JD & Founding Member, H. Friedman Search LLC. Harlan is a thirty-year veteran Public Finance Banker turned recruiter who specializes in the placement of all levels Public Finance Bankers, Healthcare Bankers, Municipal Advisors, Compliance Officers, Issuers, and Bond Counsels.