How to make the move from a litigation associate to a transactional? Forum

[hous]

I'm a class of 2014 associate with a litigation background. I want to lateral to a transactional position but my resume screams litigation. Any tips on how to bring it up in a cover letter?

[Anonymous User]

Out of curiosity, why do you dislike litigation so much?

[Anonymous User]

Reach out to partners directly in the area you want to practice. I would start with partners that went to your law school. You also might want to research firms that are looking to grow their corporate practice. These firms will be more willing to take on entry level lit attorneys. Just be ready to take a class yr hit though.

[Anonymous User]

Out of curiosity, why do you dislike litigation so much?

I rather do something less adversarial and something that requires less travel.

[General_Tso]

How many years out of law school are you? I'd probably look at boutique transactional firms. Work at one for 2-3 years and try to lateral back to a big firm.

[NotMyRealName09]

I don't know, but a guy at my former large-ish midwest firm did it, so its possible. He also left within a year or so after that. Anecdotal.

[hous]

How many years out of law school are you? I'd probably look at boutique transactional firms. Work at one for 2-3 years and try to lateral back to a big firm.

14 months in.

[Anonymous User]

Out of curiosity, why do you dislike litigation so much?

I rather do something less adversarial and something that requires less travel.

Isn't there some adversarial element in transactional as well? I probably wouldn't harp on that too much in your transactional interviews.

[General_Tso]

I posted that ^ don't know why it is anon

[Anonymous User]

tried 2 do this after about 2 yrs of lit

got a few interviews and a CB or two but it didnt happen (ended up lateraling WAY up in my lit practice...got lucky)

it helps 2 have connections/contacts and u have 2 be CRYSTAL CLEAR about your intentions and have a bit of luck regarding the open position

sometimes, it's outside of your control, so if a group is hiring for a position that needs 2 be a major contributor immediately, it dont matter how much u want the jerb or how tight u r with the hiring partner

[Anonymous User]

I received an offer from a corporate group at another firm within my first year of practice as a litigator. I think it's definitely possible, if not preferable (for the law firms), to make the switch early on in your legal career. Law firms don't want to spend too much time breaking your old habits to try and teach you how to be a corporate attorney. Just from my experience, my firm was ecstatic to take me on fresh, so they could train me from the ground up. But I really can't stress this enough, you really have to seek out the firms that are really looking to grow their corporate practice.