Can I switch to litigation from corporate?

I’m a first year associate doing transactional and I think I made a big mistake choosing transactional. Is it too late or am I stuck being a corporate lawyer forever?

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Not too late!

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Thank you!

Corporate is the best! But defo not too late as a first year

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Awesome thank you! I will do just that.

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You can switch! Someone in my firm made the opposite switch as a second or third year and it was fine.

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That’s encouraging thank you!

Yes, that shouldn’t be a problem. Happens occasionally at my firm. An associate I knew did that as a 3D year recently. And even in the 1% scenario where it is you can find a recruiter who will switch you to a new firm as a lit associate. You really have no choice but to go for it. Otherwise it will haunt you forever.

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You can do it. I made the same move last year. It was challenging and took longer than expected (considering I also have a federal clerkship on the resume), but something eventually hit. Just got to stick with it and not be discouraged! And good luck!

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Thank you! Do you think it’s do able without a federal clerkship? I have T14, median grades, 4 years of work experience in government, DOJ litigation as 1L summer, and big law V30.

You can move! Just move fast now and consider applying for clerkships to facilitate a move. I know corporate work is booming now, but litigation is heating up too. Litigation recruitment will never be as hot as corporate but you can start networking with ppl you know, firms, etc.

(1) you never know until you apply. But I would say it’s not bad! Especially if you apply to newer judges or judges who have random openings in the middle of the year. Prestigious judges and circuit courts may not be realistic opportunities, but you really never know.

(2) Yes, apply! Think of it as an opportunity to advocate for yourself, you are your client. Very few litigation 1st years have experiences that warrant deep responsibility/respect. Just hustle and have fun meeting ppl and perfecting your elevator pitch!

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