Big law firms in Washington, D.C., are experiencing an influx of resumes from an unexpected source: lawyers leaving government positions. According to industry experts, the departure of attorneys who have worked with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is creating a surge in applications to these firms. “We’re seeing probably at least double the amount of usual applicants,” noted Haley Lelah, the global director of talent acquisition and integration at McDermott Will & Emery, indicating the distinctiveness of this situation.
Kristin Koehler, managing partner at Sidley Austin’s D.C. office, emphasized that the volume of resumes is unusually high, and the caliber of talent currently on the market is remarkable. This influx presents both opportunities and challenges for law firms. While there is a chance to acquire lawyers with valuable experience and insights into government operations, the sheer volume of applications might exceed the demand for new hires, potentially leading to a competitive job market.
The transition of government lawyers into the private sector following a change in administration is not uncommon, but the current scale seems to be strikingly significant. It reflects underlying shifts in political and regulatory landscapes that encourage such movements. To read the full article, follow this link.