Big Law -> AUSA timing and opportunities?
Posted: Wed May 03, 2023 10:12 am
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)!
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)!