In 2014, lawyer departures reached another record year, up 7 percent over the prior year to more than 2,700 moves, according to The American Lawyer’s 2015 Lateral Report.

While nearly 3,000 lateral moves in one year may seem like a lot, it represents only a fraction of the total head count of U.S. law firms. Still, it’s a troubling trend that’s fraught with challenges for firms and one that is, most likely, just in its infancy.