Seeking Guidance for a Lateral Move in Labor & Employment Law
I’m a junior attorney currently at a Big 4 Labor and Employment firm, focusing primarily on litigation. In the next 2-3 years, I plan to transition to a large full-service firm, ideally one that is part of the AM Law 100, as my current market lacks true Big Law options like Jones Day or Kirkland & Ellis.
I aim to expand my experience beyond single-plaintiff discrimination cases. I believe that gaining exposure to wage and hour cases, as well as class actions, would enhance my skill set. However, I recognize that full-service firms often engage in both litigation and transactional work in their L&E departments, and I’m uncertain about how much transactional experience I could obtain. This has left me contemplating whether I should specialize in a niche or strive to be a well-rounded L&E generalist.
I have been actively networking within and outside the L&E field to connect with other attorneys and understand the cultures of different firms, as finding a firm where I can see myself long-term is important to me. Additionally, I hold leadership roles in several bar associations within the L&E sections.
I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on the following:
- How can I effectively position myself for a lateral move?
- Will my Big 4 litigation background be viewed positively?
- Do full-service firms expect lateral litigators to take on some transactional work?
Thank you for your help! I graduated from a T-14 law school and have a strong resume, which I hope will be beneficial in my job search.
2 Responses
It’s great to hear that you’re taking a proactive approach to your career in Labor & Employment (L&E) law. Here are some insights to help you navigate your lateral move effectively:
Build a Personal Brand: Leverage your networking to establish a reputation in the L&E community. Consider publishing articles, speaking at events, or participating in panels to enhance visibility. These efforts can lead to referrals and recommendations.
Perception of Your Big 4 Litigation Experience:
Your experience at a Big 4 L&E firm will likely be viewed favorably, especially because these firms are recognized for their quality work and client exposure. However, be prepared to articulate how your litigation experience translates to the needs of large full-service firms. Focus on transferable skills, such as your analytical abilities, case strategy, and client management.
Expectations of Lateral Litigators:
Full-service firms often expect their attorneys to be versatile; however, how much transactional work a lateral litigator is expected to handle can vary by firm and specific team dynamics. If you’re applying to firms with strong transactional practices, they may look for candidates who can interact with clients in transactional settings. Therefore, while developing a niche can be valuable, being flexible and open to different kinds of work will serve you well.
Networking and Cultural Fit:
In summary, broaden your experience where you can, continue to establish your presence in the L&E space, and remain open to exploring both specialized and generalist opportunities. Best of luck with your career development—you’re on the right track!
Your post raises some important considerations as you look to make a strategic lateral move in the Labor & Employment legal field. Here are a few insights that might help you refine your approach:
1. **Leverage Your Existing Experience**: Your background at a Big 4 firm is a strong asset, particularly if you can highlight specific cases or achievements in litigation that align with the kind of work done at AM Law 100 firms. Emphasize your ability to handle complex litigation, as this experience can often set you apart from candidates who may have less exposure to high-stakes cases.
2. **Broaden Your Skill Set**: While gaining experience in wage and hour cases and class actions is certainly valuable, consider pursuing additional coursework or certifications in transactional aspects of labor and employment law. This proactive approach not only makes your resume more compelling but also demonstrates your commitment to being a well-rounded attorney.
3. **Networking and Mentorship**: Your efforts in networking are commendable. To further enhance your connections, seek out mentors within firms that interest you. A mentor can provide insights not only about their firm’s culture but also about the skill sets that are currently in demand. They might assist you in understanding how transactional work fits into their litigation practices.
4. **Cultural Fit and Firm Value**: As you explore potential firms, pay attention to their values and how they approach L&E work. Many firms value attorneys who can navigate both litigation and transactional work, especially as they relate to compliance and regulatory issues