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?? This would not even be a retool
Most firms have separate groups for arbitration and (court) litigation.
What do you mean by "arbitration" here in terms of your actual work product and process? If you are working within a firm or group which primarily practices before arbitrators but you're representing clients engaged in arbitration (international or otherwise) I think most firms with broad practices would label that work litigation (especially if you are occasionally arguing arbitrability and such in federal court). You shouldn't have much trouble at all finding litigation roles you have experience for.
If you have a practice which is heavily focused on providing support for arbitrators (e.g., you are an associate who works for a partner whose business is basically entirely arbitrating other parties' disputes under the AAA rules), then I could see it being harder to analogize to standard litigation roles at other firms. One option, if you're willing and able to take a temporary salary reset (and it sounds like you are), would be to clerk for a judge in federal or state court. Those aren't easy to get but you can likely show a judge you have exactly the type of experience they need (especially if you can write). That is often a nice bridge into a litigation role.
I’m trying to do the opposite! Lol
I don’t think breaking into litigation is going to be as difficult as you think. There should be plenty of spots available wherever you are given the high turnover and burn out that’s often found in firms with litigation practice. I had a couples year experience as a law clerk at a lit firm prior to passing the bar. my current firm i’ve been working for for almost 3 years and is very litigation heavy. I had never done my own trial until being with this firm and two months into the process, I was already doing my first trial. Just seek opportunities where maybe there’s less supervision if your goals to get trial experience.