With the recent election concluded, albeit with some remaining uncertainty, one thing is clear: significant shifts are on the horizon at the federal level. For attorneys currently in federal government roles, this period of change might be an ideal opportunity to reassess and possibly transition your career. Whether you’re considering a return to BigLaw or exploring it for the first time, it’s essential to be thoughtful and strategic about the steps you take. Below are some important considerations to help you navigate your next career move:
Connect with a Career Advisor or Recruiter Early
Federal government lawyers often work in highly specialized fields, primarily within litigation or regulatory functions, which may not align directly with all BigLaw roles. The opportunities that best suit your expertise and experience will likely be very specific, so starting with a recruiter can help you focus on the right options. A skilled recruiter can provide honest insights into the current hiring market, explain realistic timelines, and discuss the types of BigLaw roles that might be a fit. This is especially helpful if you’re coming from a public sector environment and are less familiar with the private sector's dynamics. Additionally, a knowledgeable recruiter can discuss potential practice areas or specialties within BigLaw that align with your background and may even help identify alternative paths you may not have considered.
Organize and Update Your Application Materials
When applying for BigLaw roles, especially as an experienced attorney, it’s crucial to have all necessary materials prepared well in advance. These materials include:
Your Resume: This should be meticulously detailed and targeted, highlighting relevant achievements and experiences that align with BigLaw’s expectations. Tailor it to demonstrate how your government experience translates into valuable skills for a law firm setting.
Law School Transcript: An unofficial copy of your law school transcript is typically required, as law firms often weigh academic achievements in their evaluations.
Matters List (if feasible): A matters list is a comprehensive summary of cases and projects you’ve worked on, detailing your role and responsibilities. While this might be challenging to compile based on the nature of your government work, especially with confidentiality restrictions, it’s useful for recruiters and prospective employers if you are able to prepare one.
Writing Sample: Many firms require a writing sample as a demonstration of your analytical and writing skills. If you don’t have a formal piece of legal writing from your government role that you can share, discuss alternative options with your recruiter. In some cases, firms may accept redacted versions of public documents or other forms of written work that showcase your expertise.
Work Closely with Your Recruiter to Target Specific Roles
Once you have a clear sense of the BigLaw roles that interest you, your recruiter can curate a list of potential opportunities tailored to your skills and experience. Take the time to walk through this list carefully, discussing each opportunity in detail to ensure it aligns with your career goals. It’s crucial to maintain control over where your resume and materials are submitted. Reputable recruiters should not submit your resume or information to firms without your explicit, written consent. This is especially important for government attorneys moving into BigLaw, as you’ll want to ensure that the firms you target are genuinely interested in candidates with your public sector background. A good recruiter will be transparent about which firms are more receptive to such transitions and can provide insights into the types of experiences that appeal to each firm.
Consider a Broader Range of Career Paths
While many recruiters focus primarily on placements in BigLaw due to its established recruiting structure, don’t overlook opportunities in state government, corporate in-house positions, or the nonprofit sector. While large law firms regularly pay recruiters for strong candidates, in-house roles tend to do so less frequently, and state government and non-profit employers rarely engage outside recruiters at all. However, an honest and experienced recruiter or career advisor can guide you in exploring these options if they align with your career goals. Moving into state government or the nonprofit sector can offer rewarding opportunities to continue your public service mission while gaining unique experience, while in-house roles provide direct client-focused work and a different perspective on legal practice.
Plan Your Timeline and Manage Expectations
The transition from a federal government position to BigLaw (or any new sector) requires strategic planning and patience. Understanding the timing of hiring cycles, especially in BigLaw, can make a significant difference in your search. Some firms hire on a rolling basis but may have distinct peak periods or hiring cycles based on practice area needs. Others may hire much less frequently.
Tap Into Your Government Network
As a federal government attorney, you likely have access to a valuable network of colleagues and contacts. Consider leveraging your network to gain insights from peers who have successfully transitioned into private practice or other fields. This can provide you with firsthand perspectives and practical advice that goes beyond what any recruiter can provide. Your network can also open up additional job leads, professional recommendations, and networking opportunities that could prove invaluable.
Understand Your Transferable Skills and Value Proposition
Attorneys in government roles often have strong regulatory, litigation, and analytical skills that can be highly valuable to firms and organizations outside of government. Be prepared to articulate how your specific skills, such as managing complex cases, interpreting regulatory statutes, or drafting formal litigation documents, translate to the private sector. Work with your recruiter to hone this narrative so that prospective employers clearly understand the unique strengths you bring from your government experience.