How can I best position myself for a lateral move in L&E?

Advice for Positioning Myself for a Lateral Move in Labor & Employment Law

I’m currently a junior attorney at a Big 4 L&E firm, focusing mainly on litigation. In the next 2-3 years, I aim to transition to a large, full-service firm, ideally one that ranks within the AM Law 100 (my local market lacks major players like Jones Day or Kirkland & Ellis).

My intention is to expand my experience beyond single-plaintiff discrimination cases to include wage & hour disputes and class action litigation. However, I recognize that full-service firms often require attorneys in their L&E departments to work on both litigation and transactional matters. I’m uncertain about how much transactional experience I can realistically obtain. This leaves me wondering whether it’s wiser to specialize or to remain more of a generalist in L&E.

I’ve also been actively networking within and outside the L&E field to connect with other attorneys and understand the cultures at various firms. It’s important to me that my next position is with a firm that aligns with my values, as I hope it will be my long-term professional home. Additionally, I hold leadership roles in several bar associations focused on L&E.

Here are my questions:
– What steps can I take to effectively position myself for a lateral move?
– Will my litigation experience at a Big 4 firm be considered an asset?
– Do full-service firms typically expect lateral litigators to engage in transactional work as well?

I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice! For context, I graduated from a T-14 law school and have an impressive resume. Thank you!

It sounds like you are taking some thoughtful steps toward positioning yourself for a successful lateral move! Here are some insights addressing your questions:

1. How can I best position myself for a lateral move?

Diversify Your Experience: While it’s understandable that you want to gain more experience in wage & hour cases and class actions, consider seeking out opportunities to get involved in any transactional work your current firm might offer. This could include participating in projects, secondments, or cross-disciplinary teams. Even a limited amount of transactional experience can enhance your profile.
Networking with Purpose: Continue to network actively within the L&E space. Consider reaching out to attorneys at your target firms to learn more about their work and culture, and express your interest in potential roles. Leveraging your leadership positions in bar associations can also enhance your visibility and reputation in the field.
Consider a Niche vs. Generalist Approach: Given your goal to move to a larger firm, a focus on a specific niche, such as class actions or wage & hour cases, can make you a more appealing candidate if these are areas of demand in the firms you’re targeting. However, having a generalist background is also valuable, especially if your firm can showcase diverse experience. Assess the culture of the firms you’re interested in—some may prefer specialists while others value well-rounded lawyers.

2. Will my Big 4 litigation experience be viewed favorably?

Yes, your experience at a Big 4 firm will likely be viewed favorably, especially given their reputation for high-quality work and the rigorous training they provide. Emphasize the skills you’ve developed through your litigation experience, such as case management, strong writing abilities, and an understanding of client service, all of which are relevant in full-service firms.

3. Do full-service firms expect lateral litigators to handle some transactional work?

While full-service firms typically have their litigators focus on litigation and their transactional attorneys on transactional work, they do value versatility. In many firms, especially if you’re part of a labor and employment team, you may be expected to have some understanding of transactional issues as they relate to labor relations and HR matters. Expressing a willingness to learn and engage with transactional work can position you positively, but you should also clarify expectations with potential employers during the interview process.

Additional Tips:

Tailored Applications: When applying to firms, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experiences that align with each firm’s focus areas, including any relevant litigation success stories.
Interview Preparation: Be prepared to discuss your motivations for a lateral move, how your current experience prepares you for the challenges of a full-service firm, and your long-term career goals.
Feedback and Mentorship: Seek feedback from mentors or partners in your network about your career trajectory and lateral move plans. They can provide valuable insights and possibly even connections to your target firms.

Best of luck with your career transition! Your proactive approach and strategic thinking will serve you well.

2 Responses

rcloudadmin says:

14 March 2025 at 15:33
It sounds like you are taking some thoughtful steps toward positioning yourself for a successful lateral move! Here are some insights addressing your questions:

1. How can I best position myself for a lateral move?
- Diversify Your Experience: While it’s understandable that you want to gain more experience in wage & hour cases and class actions, consider seeking out opportunities to get involved in any transactional work your current firm might offer. This could include participating in projects, secondments, or cross-disciplinary teams. Even a limited amount of transactional experience can enhance your profile.
- Networking with Purpose: Continue to network actively within the L&E space. Consider reaching out to attorneys at your target firms to learn more about their work and culture, and express your interest in potential roles. Leveraging your leadership positions in bar associations can also enhance your visibility and reputation in the field.
- Consider a Niche vs. Generalist Approach: Given your goal to move to a larger firm, a focus on a specific niche, such as class actions or wage & hour cases, can make you a more appealing candidate if these are areas of demand in the firms you’re targeting. However, having a generalist background is also valuable, especially if your firm can showcase diverse experience. Assess the culture of the firms you’re interested in—some may prefer specialists while others value well-rounded lawyers.
2. Will my Big 4 litigation experience be viewed favorably?

Yes, your experience at a Big 4 firm will likely be viewed favorably, especially given their reputation for high-quality work and the rigorous training they provide. Emphasize the skills you’ve developed through your litigation experience, such as case management, strong writing abilities, and an understanding of client service, all of which are relevant in full-service firms.

3. Do full-service firms expect lateral litigators to handle some transactional work?

While full-service firms typically have their litigators focus on litigation and their transactional attorneys on transactional work, they do value versatility. In many firms, especially if you’re part of a labor and employment team, you may be expected to have some understanding of transactional issues as they relate to labor relations and HR matters. Expressing a willingness to learn and engage with transactional work can position you positively, but you should also clarify expectations with potential employers during the interview process.

Additional Tips:
- Tailored Applications: When applying to firms, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experiences that align with each firm’s focus areas, including any relevant litigation success stories.
- Interview Preparation: Be prepared to discuss your motivations for a lateral move, how your current experience prepares you for the challenges of a full-service firm, and your long-term career goals.
- Feedback and Mentorship: Seek feedback from mentors or partners in your network about your career trajectory and lateral move plans. They can provide valuable insights and possibly even connections to your target firms.
Best of luck with your career transition! Your proactive approach and strategic thinking will serve you well.
rcloudadmin says:

21 March 2025 at 15:17

Your ambitions to transition to a large full-service firm are commendable, and it sounds like you’re already taking proactive steps through networking and leadership roles. Here are a few thoughts that might help as you navigate this move:

1. **Focus on Developing Transferable Skills**: While you aim to expand your experience to include wage and hour disputes and class action litigation, consider also honing skills that are vital to both litigation and transactional work. For example, a strong understanding of compliance issues can be beneficial in both arenas. Seek opportunities to collaborate with transactional teams or take on projects that require a blend of both skillsets, even if it’s just within your current firm.

2. **Seek Out Mentorship**: Connect with attorneys at your desired firms who have made similar lateral moves. They can provide invaluable insights into the expectations for lateral hires, especially regarding their experiences with transitioning from litigation to transactional work. Their guidance can help you identify specific skills or experiences to focus on.

3. **Highlight Your Big 4 Experience**: Your current position at a Big 4 firm is a significant asset. Full-service firms often value the rigor and training that come from such prestigious environments, particularly in the context of litigation. Be sure to frame your litigation experience in a way that emphasizes the depth of your analysis, your exposure to complex cases, and your commitment to client service.

4. **Investigate Firm Culture**: As you continue networking, inquire about how different firms approach their L&E practices. Some full-service firms