Big law senior associate here. Eligible for partner in 1-2 years. I like the firm, but I’m also really curious about doing a stint (2-5 years?) as an AUSA. Two main questions:
1) Is it now or never for an AUSA gig? I’ve also kicked around the idea of going for partner and if I make it, trying it out for a few years then making a go for AUSA for a while. Would the USAO ever hire a BL partner? Or is that way too late?
2) Anyone have any experience/insight on whether an AUSA stint can be valuable in big law, outside a white collar practice? I understand there are many BL white collar partners with AUSA experience, but what about other lit practices? And can AUSA experience net a larger paycheck/set you up for being a BL trial attorney (there are a handful of attys at my firm who do all the trials; wondering if AUSA experience could set me up for a role like that)? Any other benefits to AUSA experience on a return to BL?
Appreciate any feedback (really hoping this topic wasn’t previously raised)!
Big Law -> AUSA timing and opportunities? Forum
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Re: Big Law -> AUSA timing and opportunities?
Re #1 -- our office has an ex-biglaw partner. It probably varies by office, but in a biglaw-heavy office, I suspect you can make it work as long as you can convince them you have a good reason for waiting as long as you did to make the transition.Anonymous User wrote: ↑Wed May 03, 2023 10:12 amBig law senior associate here. Eligible for partner in 1-2 years. I like the firm, but I’m also really curious about doing a stint (2-5 years?) as an AUSA. Two main questions:
1) Is it now or never for an AUSA gig? I’ve also kicked around the idea of going for partner and if I make it, trying it out for a few years then making a go for AUSA for a while. Would the USAO ever hire a BL partner? Or is that way too late?
2) Anyone have any experience/insight on whether an AUSA stint can be valuable in big law, outside a white collar practice? I understand there are many BL white collar partners with AUSA experience, but what about other lit practices? And can AUSA experience net a larger paycheck/set you up for being a BL trial attorney (there are a handful of attys at my firm who do all the trials; wondering if AUSA experience could set me up for a role like that)? Any other benefits to AUSA experience on a return to BL?
Appreciate any feedback (really hoping this topic wasn’t previously raised)!
Re #2 -- in my market, ex-AUSAs are seen a lot in commercial lit. as well given their trial experience, though I suspect it's hard for them to get away from white collar completely, and that depends on them pursuing trials while at the USAO.
