In a webinar this week delivered jointly by Katherine Allen, CEO of Flo Recruit, and Adam Oliver, CEO of Firm Prospects, we saw the impact of the recent headcount cuts in Government agencies.
Attorneys working in Government departments have had to look to private practice for lateral moves in high numbers.
Firm prospects data from Q2 shows partner hires in DC matching those of New York – a rare occurrence in the lateral market. We also saw a shift in sourcing, with more partners coming from Government than in-house roles, which would typically be the larger source of partner hires in firms.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Justice, and the SEC were the departments that saw the largest numbers of hires into law firms.
The encouraging news for attorneys is the industry found a place for their talents. In fact, experience in in-house or Government roles can be an accelerator in an attorney’s career. An ability to understand the inner workings of the firm’s clients; knowing how to lobby a Government department or negotiate better with them are all prized skills in a law firm.
