Should I switch from Patent Lit to Tech Transactions? Forum

[Anonymous User]

V30 3rd yr Patent Lit bro here (bckgnd in comp sci). Been seeing job offers for tech transaction associate in my area (SF/SV), and thinking about making the switch. Exit options and lifestyle seem much better and work seems more interesting. Has anyone else made the switch?

[oblig.lawl.ref]

Not really here to be helpful (sorry) but I have suddenly been getting bombarded by recruiters trying to sell transitioning to tech trans. I used to think that was hard to break into but I'm not sure about the quality of the practices they are pitching. Not sure what's going on but demand does seem to be up...

[Anonymous User]

I practice in tech transactions in SV/SF after lateraling from patent litigation/prosecution. Exit options are probably the best part. It is extremely easy to land an inhouse position at a large tech company. Anecdotally, in-house pay is pretty close to biglaw if you take into account RSUs, 401K matching, etc. The downside is that it is hard to make partner and/or build a book of business since a lot of our work is done inhouse. I think the work is interesting since you have to understand the business and technology in order to think through all of the issues, although not everyone may enjoy drafting agreements all day. Hours are better than IP litigation as a whole, but can be more unpredictable if you do a lot of deal work. Demand is always high for laterals because of the exit options for midlevels.

[Anonymous User]

Curious whether you decided to make the switch? I'm in a very similar boat right now (junior patent lit associate in SV/SF, plan is to go inhouse, and looking at tech trans). Thank you!