Gov to Private Practice (Antitrust DC) Forum

[Anonymous User]

Been on government enforcement side for 7-10 years (hired through DOJ Honors; not a section chief, etc.), looking to transition to DC private practice. Not typical profile for a lateral hire, ideally looking for a counsel-type position with path to partner.

Curious to know any thoughts on angles to pursue, good places to land, thoughts on prospects, intel on antitrust needs/hiring.

[Anonymous User]

My guess is you will have to take a haircut on class year and come in around a mid to senior level associate, especially since you have no previous biglaw experience. You are an unknown quantity as a line attorney, I would not expect a counsel position.

[zanderjames]

I'm curious why you think you don't have a typical profile for a lateral hire. I've been doin antitrust in DC for about 15 years and your profile is pretty common (as in, very much in demand).

[Anonymous User]

Agree that most biglaw shops consider DOJ/FTC as relevant, valuable, desirable experience. Whether you can swing for a counsel position will probably depend on your YOE, actual responsibilities and skills so far. More likely, firms will credit your YOE and you'll have some associate options. Also depends if you've been doing mergers or criminal lit for example. Way more demand for merger investigations/lit than other lit.

I assume the goal here is just the paycheck bump? I always viewed FTC/DOJ as a potential end goal (although I've heard the hours/experience is not what it used to be in some cases). Guess if you've been gov't since graduation, you're feeling some $$ FOMO; totally understandable.

[Anonymous User]

Just that typical path seems to be some law firm experience, some gov, then counsel or partner. Or maybe very senior gov then partner. Recognize I have a gap without law firm experience (even maybe a year or two would help) and having to come in higher than mid-level in terms of # of years of clerkship + government.

I'm curious why you think you don't have a typical profile for a lateral hire. I've been doin antitrust in DC for about 15 years and your profile is pretty common (as in, very much in demand).

[Anonymous User]

Yeah, the government work is certainly rewarding and interesting. And I don’t need to leave my current job. More just evaluating whether there’s a good fit somewhere that allows me to further expand my practice, work with clients, etc. And compensation is factor too.

Agree that most biglaw shops consider DOJ/FTC as relevant, valuable, desirable experience. Whether you can swing for a counsel position will probably depend on your YOE, actual responsibilities and skills so far. More likely, firms will credit your YOE and you'll have some associate options. Also depends if you've been doing mergers or criminal lit for example. Way more demand for merger investigations/lit than other lit.

I assume the goal here is just the paycheck bump? I always viewed FTC/DOJ as a potential end goal (although I've heard the hours/experience is not what it used to be in some cases). Guess if you've been gov't since graduation, you're feeling some $$ FOMO; totally understandable.