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Go to a biglaw firm for a few years is likely easiest path
Are you at a regulatory agency?
I am not, no
If you are at SEC, FTC, or DOJ, aiming for a gov investigations or regulatory position and network hard.
If you’re at a local or state gov agency, maybe you could go to a small/regional company with lots of networking.
But it’s going to be very hard in the current climate with lots of gov employees recently laid off or looking to leave. Your unfortunate best bet is getting into big law then transitioning 1-2 years later.
I did this recently by going from DOJ (AUSA) to big law to a large international tech company. I went to a top 50 law school and did two clerkships (federal and appellate).
You need consideration; look for absolved issues and report errors, privatization and discrimination. Then get credentials on a county and state level, identification privately blind ask of approval.
This will put you in the in-house department of affairs when applying for reciprocity; apply for something low level then take on bigger tasks that deal with the issues you’ve been working on.
All depends on the agency and your experience. The government is vast. Generally, you need to develop/flex your expertise and network hard. Look for jobs that need your expertise.
Warning: Many gov't lawyers (and adjacent roles) left their roles (voluntarily and involuntarily) in the last few years. Many companies have filled their open slots with these people. So, dont be discouraged if you dont see a million open positions.
Good luck!
Are you doing M&A?
The two are very different. A contract lawyer could not run an M&A deal, but an M&A lawyer could easily pick up contracts. But the good news is there are a lot of contract attorneys in IHC.
Following bc I’m in the same situation
This can be tough. Focus on what real transferable skills you have, or you will likely be passed over. Really look at the job postings and find the skills you have that match what they are looking for. How would you describe your main tasks now?
Really highlight all of that. There is skepticism that coming from government you really don't have much experience in what private companies do or what they handle, so being able to show that you do will have real value.