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Hello friends -- I'm a 6th year M&A associate in a major market. I think it is fine, but I've got a big pile of cash and a family I'd like to see more of. I am not particularly interested in going in-house; transactional work is really a drag, and having been in government before biglaw, I'd like to get back to something outside of the corporate fishbowl.

I'm interested in trying out litigation -- I think being a DA or PD would be interesting, potentially rewarding, and if nothing else, a change of scenery.

Any comments or experiences with such a move? I'm not looking for any speeches on motivation, dedication, "you have no idea what you're getting into," etc. I think I've got about 1 more year left in me before leaving biglaw, so I haven't started applying or even seeking out someone to discuss it with, but am wondering if even getting the job is reasonably likely with 6-7 years of transactional experience.

I could do some pro bono that might get me courtroom time, but doubtful.

I'm not seeking prestige or a premier office/region/jurisdiction.

Thank you.

This type of career transition is so unprecedented that it's unlikely that anyone will be able to give you advice. Just apply and see what happens. If you're able to demonstrate genuine interest and that you truly understand the rigors of what the DA/PD job entails, you could very well get it.

I went to PD as a second year transactional associate. The biggest hurdle you'll have is explaining why you want to be a PD. Once I got through that hurdle I had no issue getting the job.

A lot of PD offices need attorneys pretty badly so it's not like they're swatting away people with legal experience.

Dcc617 wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 30, 2024 10:37 pm

I went to PD as a second year transactional associate. The biggest hurdle you'll have is explaining why you want to be a PD. Once I got through that hurdle I had no issue getting the job.

A lot of PD offices need attorneys pretty badly so it's not like they're swatting away people with legal experience.

It’s completely doable. PD/ADA work is so different from biglaw lit anyway that coming from biglaw transactional isn’t that big a deal. Like PDs, lots of DAs also need the bodies. I know someone who made a biglaw lit to ADA transition at a similar level, moving from a major market to a mid-size city, and it worked well for them. I think having good time management skills from biglaw, and some confidence, goes a long way toward improving your work and experience as an ADA.

I know an ex-corporate associate who is a sex crimes prosecutor at a NYC DA's office and loves her job.

OP here - thanks for the feedback folks. I'm encouraged!