Tech trans vs privacy Forum

[Anonymous User]

I have an SA offer for a tech trans group and another offer from a different firm's privacy & cybersecurity group. The tech trans group would let me try some privacy assignments as well, but mostly transactional privacy (and could also involve some privacy compliance projects). The other firm's privacy & cybersecurity would allow me to do more in-depth work in privacy, not only product counseling and compliance, but also helping clients with FTC investigations.

I have some background in privacy, and I know that I will enjoy regulatory work. I don't know much about tech trans and a part of me is afraid that I would do a poor job because I don't have any transactional experience.

But one of my potential goals is going in-house. I wonder tech trans experience is going to be ultimately helpful in terms of building skillsets, even if I were to want to ultimately become a privacy counsel. Also, would it be easier to go from tech trans to privacy than vice versa?

I'm curious to hear your thoughts. Thank you!

[Anonymous User]

Wondering about this too.

[Anonymous User]

I’m a tech trans associate. Your experience in tech trans can vary widely. If your offer is at a large NY-based firm, for example, you’re likely going to be doing mostly deal support, reviewing relevant agreements and writing diligence memos. If you’re at, say, a large Bay Area-based firm, you can probably get a lot of reps in with commercial contracts, which is a key skill to have when applying in house. If your offer is at the former, and if you don’t think you’ll mind privacy work, then I’d probably go in that direction. Doing only deal support as a tech trans associate can be mind numbing.

[Anonymous User]

Thank you! My offer is from a large bay-area office. In your opinion, what kind of person makes a good tech trans associate? I have no experience doing transactional, so I'm concerned that I would do a poor job. (I feel much more comfortable with privacy).