Status of litigation lateral hiring? Forum

[baronsol]

What’s the current state of the lateral market for litigators in major markets (DC, NY, LA,SF)? I know corporate work is overflowing right now and laterals are receiving large bonuses; is the litigation market in a similar spot?

[Anonymous User]

What’s the current state of the lateral market for litigators in major markets (DC, NY, LA,SF)? I know corporate work is overflowing right now and laterals are receiving large bonuses; is the litigation market in a similar spot?

In, short, no. I've had recruiters reach out, but my understanding is that demand is not nearly as hot as corporate (which isn't to say there isn't any), and that there won't be nearly as large signing bonuses or anything like that. Would welcome any corrections if I'm wrong.

[Anonymous User]

What’s the current state of the lateral market for litigators in major markets (DC, NY, LA,SF)? I know corporate work is overflowing right now and laterals are receiving large bonuses; is the litigation market in a similar spot?

In, short, no. I've had recruiters reach out, but my understanding is that demand is not nearly as hot as corporate (which isn't to say there isn't any), and that there won't be nearly as large signing bonuses or anything like that. Would welcome any corrections if I'm wrong.

Dc antitrust is on fire right now. Midlevel and have been offered a 6 figure signing bonus and full year end bonus to lateral. If you have legit antitrust and trial experience, you can get PAID right now in dc

[Anonymous User]

I agree with both posts as a midlevel in lit who’s been looking. It’s nowhere near as hot as the top corporate practices, but compared to normal times, it’s pretty warm and still a good time to move. There are at least a couple firms paying signing bonuses but they are the exception and not the norm in lit. And yes, I have had multiple recruiters ask me (again, a midlevel) if I’d be open to shifting to antitrust because there are firms desperate for those associates right now.

[Anonymous User]

I agree with both posts as a midlevel in lit who’s been looking. It’s nowhere near as hot as the top corporate practices, but compared to normal times, it’s pretty warm and still a good time to move. There are at least a couple firms paying signing bonuses but they are the exception and not the norm in lit. And yes, I have had multiple recruiters ask me (again, a midlevel) if I’d be open to shifting to antitrust because there are firms desperate for those associates right now.

Ugh, I'd love to make a switch to antitrust, but I'm in transactional.

From my experience, the litigation market isn't very hot. I've raised it with multiple recruiters if they think there is a chance I could switch out of my practice area in a lateral, but they've indicated (and also during the interviews I've had) that they're really only looking for more people in corporate.