For government attorneys, the current market boasts a surge in demand for their unique skills. Prestigious firms such as Cravath, Sidley Austin, Skadden, Cleary, Kirkland, Jenner, Arnold & Porter, Mayer Brown, and Boies Schiller have all recently integrated high-level government attorneys into their cadre of legal expertise. Notably, this could be an opportune time for government attorneys to consider a transition to private practice.
The Surge in Hiring
Several factors are contributing to the large wave of hiring. One of these is the client demand, as companies now more than ever require attorneys with a sound understanding of government operations to navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape. Additionally, strategic timing for attorneys also plays a part, with those who joined the government at the beginning of the term now boasting significant experience with the current administration – a valuable asset that few in firms can offer.
- Client Demand: Companies need attorneys capable of understanding and interpreting the recent changes to the regulatory landscape. This necessity fuels the current hiring boom.
- Strategic Timing for Attorneys: Attorneys who joined the government at the beginning of the term now possess significant experience with the current administration, which holds value for law firms and their clientele.
Government Attorneys Offer Valuable Expertise
The experience accrued by government attorneys serves as a rarely found and advantageous resource. Specifically:
- Shapers of Policy: The ability to interpret and shape policy developments is a distinct advantage of recent government attorneys, and their insights are greatly valued by firms.
- Guiding through Uncertainties: In an era of new rules and sparse precedents, government attorneys can provide fresh insights that help companies navigate unchartered regulatory territories.
The Risk of Limiting Your Options
On transitioning to private practice, many government attorneys often consider an easy and familiar route such as returning to their former firm. While this may be efficient, it risks missing better opportunities elsewhere. Other firms may offer a stronger platform, successful track record with former government attorneys, more remuneration, higher titles, or better leadership opportunities.
- Easier is Not Always Better: Although it might be flattering to receive an invite to return to an old firm or for an interview, it’s worth considering the potential opportunities you might miss by saying ‘yes’ quickly.
- Keep Your Options Open: Explore other firms that may offer more suitable platforms, have a greater success rate with former government attorneys, or promise more leadership opportunities.
How to Efficiently Navigate the Market
Moving from government to private practice comes with its unique set of challenges. These include professional and ethical guidelines, understanding profits when joining a firm, dealing with confidentiality issues, and more. Finding the right recruiter who is known for working with government officials can greatly simplify this process. A good recruiter can also enable a more fruitful job search and help secure a better outcome than one might achieve alone.
To explore a potential move, government attorneys can connect with the likes of Amy Savage, Chair of the Government Enforcement & Regulatory Group, and the Lateral Link team. To be successful, strategic guidance is just as important as expertise in ensuring that the move aligns with both immediate goals and long-term career aspirations.
The original article provides a more comprehensive view on why this is a prime time for government attorneys to consider a lateral move to the private sector.