Confidentiality
In most cases, first approaches to law firms can be carried out on a no-names basis to ascertain if they would be interested in a hypothetical person with XYZ background. If they are interested, and you are in them, then we would need to disclose your name at this stage. Many firms will answer the question with, “It depends who it is”. Again, without disclosing the name, the process will not go any further. Most of our first approaches will be at a very senior level, typically at managing partner level, with individuals who are highly professional who are approached by partners on a regular basis. These people respect the fact that confidentiality must be observed at this stage.
It is after 3 or 4 interviews at a number of law firms that confidentiality becomes more complicated. The more people involved, the greater the chance of a leak. Hopefully, if anything does get out it will be so late that you are already under offer and are about to resign.
In the vast majority of partner moves, confidentiality is kept and the news of you (or your team) looking does not get back to your own firm or your clients. It is, however, always useful to have a clear answer should any of your partners hear anything and confront you.
It does happen but, in our experience, it is rare.