Continue practicing or compliance Forum

[A1phatraz]

Hi all,

I went to a T2, median, secondary journal. I've been a prosecutor in a large metro for about 2 1/2 years. I'm realizing that I don't like to be on trial. Hate prepping for it, hate taking testimony, hate witness prep, too much stress. I'm looking to do something different. Wife wants to move back to Charlotte NC within the next year (where she's from). I've contemplated taking the NC bar (since i've only been admitted 2 years), but i've also been thinking about trying to move into a compliance role at a bank. I've seen the various threads on here and through google about compliance, but does anyone have any information on salary, career progression, etc compared to practicing law within recent years? Can any compliance professionals on here give any insight on what you do daily?

I've also thought about a different practice area, but am unsure if my experience as a prosecutor would translate to a higher paying legal job compared to a career in compliance. Money is a motivation for me right now since my wife is social worker, and we have a 1 year old. Any advice or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[jd20132013]

what about sending some apps to biglaw selling yourself as a "trial lawyer"

Even if u hate it you can make it 15 months, grab a. K us and then move on

[A1phatraz]

Interesting idea, I didn't know that was exit option. Thing is, I only have Bench trial experience. I would imagine presenting a case to a Jury is very different from presenting it to a Judge. Appreciate the advice though.

[JohnJSullivan]

I have the same question. I don't necessarily hate the legal work so far, but don't particularly like it. I've heard compliance is a pretty good field. Even talked to one of my former classmates who went into it and prefers it over doing legal work

[albanach]

Interesting idea, I didn't know that was exit option. Thing is, I only have Bench trial experience. I would imagine presenting a case to a Jury is very different from presenting it to a Judge. Appreciate the advice though.

How far away are you from getting to do a jury trial? Is there a process/timeline in your office? Can you hint that you're willing and ready?

Seems if you're going to walk away after a few years, it would be better if you could reach that point first. That way, if you ever do return to the law, you have the experience.

[A1phatraz]

It would probably be another 6 months before I can second seat, and then a year after that before I can have the opportunity to do one on my own. If I did consider continuing to practice, I would prefer something where I am not in court as much. I am just curious if my long term career and salary prospects are worth the time needed to find a new legal job, as opposed to trying to get into compliance and working up that career ladder. Im 28, so I'm trying to get as much information as I can and choose a long term path while still relatively young.

Also I am looking to move to Charlotte, NC around October of this year so I would be taking the bar exam and looking for a new legal job in a new market. Not sure if anyone has any insight into switching legal markets.

[CanadianWolf]

Insight is that you need to be a member of the state bar in your new location.

Charlotte, as you know, is a banking center. Compliance work is not high pay typically, but should pay much better than local prosecutorial positions.