From ALJ to Associate? Forum

[toolfan]

Does anyone have any experience transitioning from an ALJ position with a state agency to a traditional associate position at a mid - large law firm?

I am a recent grad and recent admit to the Illinois state bar, and I was offered an ALJ gig with a state labor board (conducting hearings, writing opinions, etc). Great experience but state pay. I am considering taking the job for a few years and then try to transition into traditional associate work. The attorneys I have spoken to think that this experience will be invaluable in the long run. But none of these attorneys have any direct experience either making the transition or hiring ALJs into their firms. My general thought is that if I'm going to take a financial hit now, it better pay off in 2-3 yrs. This route seems doable but risky. To complicate things, I have a job offer from a large bank to do compliance work (good salary, 4 weeks paid vacation, etc).

Either I take the ALJ position and its low pay (hoping for better things) OR take the compliance job (and be comfortable).

Thoughts appreciated.

[banjo]

No particular advice, but was your ALJ job difficult to get? What kind of background did you have? What is the pay/hours approximately? Just really curious. Feel free to PM me, but I think the advice would be useful for the whole forum.

[toolfan]

I think the Board interviewed roughly 30 candidates for the position. Fortunately they hired two of us. The position pays 60k with good benefits, and I get the sense that the office opens at 9 and closes by 5.

My background really helped me land the interview, and I think my personality took it from there. Graduated from a midwestern T2 and really honed in on L&E during school. Clerked for 3 years at a law firm during school and acquired a lot of skills and experience (tons of research and writing, and developed a professional tone etc). Wasn't law review or moot court, but I did write for and edit a L&E trade journal. Participated in an arbitration competition. Won a few L&E related scholarships. And ensured my resume aligned with the job (predominately public sector labor law and general employment law - which is a huge area of interest for me).

I think they liked me mostly because I am more of a subject matter expert in L&E than the average attorney, and they think I possess the right demeanor to conduct a hearing (utilizing civ pro, evidence, and taming opposing counsel).

Can an admin please move this post to "Legal Employment"? Might be able to get a little more traction over there.

Thx.

[banjo]

I think the Board interviewed roughly 30 candidates for the position. Fortunately they hired two of us. The position pays 60k with good benefits, and I get the sense that the office opens at 9 and closes by 5.

My background really helped me land the interview, and I think my personality took it from there. Graduated from a midwestern T2 and really honed in on L&E during school. Clerked for 3 years at a law firm during school and acquired a lot of skills and experience (tons of research and writing, and developed a professional tone etc). Wasn't law review or moot court, but I did write for and edit a L&E trade journal. Participated in an arbitration competition. Won a few L&E related scholarships. And ensured my resume aligned with the job (predominately public sector labor law and general employment law - which is a huge area of interest for me).

I think they liked me mostly because I am more of a subject matter expert in L&E than the average attorney, and they think I possess the right demeanor to conduct a hearing (utilizing civ pro, evidence, and taming opposing counsel).

Can an admin please move this post to "Legal Employment"? Might be able to get a little more traction over there.

Thx.

Very helpful -- thanks. I'm a 2L interested in L&E (and a couple other things) and had no idea this was a job a recent grad (albeit one with insane experience) could get.