In recent years, a notable number of federal judges have made the transition from the bench to big law, reshaping the career trajectory in the legal industry. Abdul Kallon, who served as a federal judge for twelve years before rejoining private practice at Perkins Coie, emphasized the challenge of business development within a law firm. Despite his reputable background, Kallon found himself depending on his partners to secure clients and cases. A similar trend was observed among other former federal judges like Gregg Costa and George Hazel, who after their departure from the bench have also embarked on the journey to build their own practices. The Vetting Room’s research indicates such transitions have become increasingly common, especially among those appointed at younger ages.
However, originating their own work and securing their own clients have posed significant challenges for these judges-turned-partners. Debevoise & Plimpton partner, John Gleeson, who resigned from the Eastern District of New York in 2016, underscored the difference between the bench where work comes to you and a law firm where one has to be entrepreneurial. He also emphasized the initial nerves and disillusionment of getting beaten in court, an experience federal judges are largely unfamiliar with.
To underscore the magnitude of the income discrepancy, an additional factor contributing to this career shift is the stark difference in pay grades. Federal judges’ salaries sit around $243,000 per annum, while partners at many firms can earn up to ten times that amount. For law firms and their partners, having a former federal judge as a representative can add a certain degree of provenance and credibility when facing clients. However, in order to fully harness their potential, these judges will need to effectively develop the skills to drive business opportunities.
Insight into how judges might react to certain situations and cases is one unique viewpoint these former judges can offer. Latham’s Gary Feinerman has frequently been asked by colleagues and clients about how he, as a judge, would respond to certain legal issues or sets of facts. As these former judges navigate their new professional landscapes, they rely heavily on their new partners and colleagues, their reputations, and their multifaceted experience, to carve out a niche in the competitive world of Big Law. They may need to find their own specialised area of law, or offer something broader which can encompass many facets of legal expertise.