Dallas BigLaw Lateral Market Forum

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone know how the Dallas Biglaw lateral market is? Are any of the big firms hiring? Specifically interested in mid-level litigation... TIA for any insight!

[unlicensedpotato]

Saw a Dallas Hayboo posting today for a lit associate.

Dallas has few enough firms that you should just apply though if you want to move. Reach out to people you know at the firm, otherwise go through recruiting.

[Anonymous User]

Not sure how helpful this is but know a 4th year that recently latereled from an AmLaw 200 firm to another AmLaw 200 (both in the Dallas office of non-Dallas based firms)

[Anonymous User]

Is the lateral market in Dallas really bad or do Dallas firms rely more on recruiters?

I've been checking the jobs webpages for the national firms, but there aren't many openings in their Dallas offices. I have seen a couple job postings from recruiters (even offering bonuses to come to Texas), but I can't tell which firms they represent.

Also, for firms that never advertise job openings on their websites, is it best to just send blind cover letters? For example, the following firms never advertise job openings, but have recently hired new associates:
JACKSON WALKER
SIDLEY AUSTIN
GARDERE
ANDREWS KURTH
WEIL

[Anonymous User]

Is the lateral market in Dallas really bad or do Dallas firms rely more on recruiters?

I've been checking the jobs webpages for the national firms, but there aren't many openings in their Dallas offices. I have seen a couple job postings from recruiters (even offering bonuses to come to Texas), but I can't tell which firms they represent.

Also, for firms that never advertise job openings on their websites, is it best to just send blind cover letters? For example, the following firms never advertise job openings, but have recently hired new associates:
JACKSON WALKER
SIDLEY AUSTIN
GARDERE
ANDREWS KURTH
WEIL

This was my experience too. I lateraled into Dallas earlier this year. No one was hiring according to the websites but that seemed impossible. I just used a recruiter and got 5 interviews immediately at major firms. Often, firms won't even post a position on their website until deep in the conflicts check process with a candidate...that may be why you don't see anything. That was my experience anyway.