Is litigation for everyone? Forget about the billable hours I know that’s going to be there but is it the way to “pay your dues” before getting an opportunity in, in house counsel positions? If this is true how long do you have to be in litigation? And how likely is it for you to get an in house position? What type of skills/experience are they looking for?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

You’re looking at it the wrong way. A company hires your firm to litigate a dispute that’s gone to shit. Reactionary. As an in-house, it’s your job to proactively prevent disputes from becoming lawsuits in the first place and/or set yourself up to quickly (and cheaply) succeed should you find yourself there.

Generalizing a lot here, a company has 3 types of in house lawyers. 1- a business transactional lawyer to manage contracts/deals and keep Ops out of trouble. 2- an employment specialist who can ensure HR protocols are in place, followed, and defend against employment claims (need maybe 6-12 at any given time to make it worth while). 3- if a high volume of low level claims (think glorified small claims), someone with a license who can handle any suit/mediation/arbitration.
Any of the above will also need to be able to oversee outside counsel and keep them in line.

If you want to be an in-house litigator, employee defense for 5-7 years may be a ticket in.

helpful

*employer defense! Not employee

I am a litigator who went in house, but it is much, much more difficult to do so as a litigator than a transactional attorney. Even if you are at a top firm I would not count on you being able to find a good (high paying with room for advancement) in house role unless you are willing to search broadly for a long time (potentially years). Litigation isn't like corporate where you can put in 3 years at a good firm and be relatively sure you'll be able to find a decent exit opportunity. Sorry to be pessimistic, but I wish someone had told me that before I went into litigation. For the record, I'm excluding from my post low level things like in house at an insurance company, bank, small company, etc. where you're still doing day to day litigation (i.e. you're not managing things or outside counsel, you're just doing the same work you did at the firm for less pay).

That said, some random advice to help out: (1) labor and employment is by far the best practice to be in for litigators seeking to go in house, with IP (patent/trademark/copyright) and privacy second tier, and everything else far behind - but try to get more than just pure litigation experience, even in the good groups; (2) good in house roles for litigators generally open up later than those for transactional attorneys, so you should be prepared to put in at least 4-5 years; (3) if you have relevant industry experience, litigators can often move to regulatory or compliance roles, but beware as they can often be dead ends career-wise; (4) if you really want to be in a pure litigation/risk management, quasi-GC type of role at a big, sexy company, you will often need trial and partner-level experience.

like

Transactional practices are generally more marketable to in house positions than litigation.

Related Posts

Have any respiratory therapists found jobs OTHER than being a clinical RT? I want to possibly change careers, but I am finding that a lot of jobs (clinical liason, utilization review, etc) want you to have a nursing degree, not a respiratory degree. I feel like as an RT we are limited to jobs.

like

GCA Questions Help

Hi everyone!
I've had 2 rounds of interviews at Google (UK) for a non-tech role in Platforms & Ecosystems (L4/L5). Recruiter told me that I've been selected for the final rounds (GCA + Leadership Interview). From his feedback, one thing they wanted me to improve on was the GCA Questions. Would anyone have any tips on how to prepare for these? I've checked some of Jeff Sipe videos online but would appreciate any support! I find GCA quite stressful...
Thx
Thanks in advance!

like

Recently obtained my aPHR and I’m considering next steps in advancing my career. I am eligible to sit for the SHRM-CP presently and will not be able to sit for a PHR until 09/2023. Any pros/cons with either certification? Should I wait to sit for PHR or go for SHRM-CP now?

like

Hi. I have just joined PwC India as a Sr. Analyst, from Campus. How many months/years of experience do I need before I can become an Associate?
Now I understand, it pretty much depends on my project and manager(s). Still, any good practices or suggestions to expedite the process?
Thanks a lot.

like

Hi All,
I am having 10 years experience in IT-Automation Testing. Being offered Lead Quality Assurance and testing analyst role and grade i .
Is this a lower grade as per experience?

like

I am inquiring about a patient account coordinators salary. It seems I am asking way above average salary due to current position and experience I bring as well as education. Can someone give a number for this position and suggestions for negotiating pay to make what I’m worth.

Hi all - just joining and looking for some guidance! I am currently in an IT internship position (making pretty solid money considering) and following this summer I will stay on part time during my senior year (discussing a full-time job offer after already). I’m getting my computer science degree, so I would like to do something more technical in the workplace when I graduate. How do I advocate myself for that to my manager without sounding unappreciative of the position I’m in?

like

Rising 2nd year here: been rethinking my choice as an M&A attorney. I've had a rough go of it over the first year-and-a-half of practice and am thinking about moving to a different practice area. I'd like to stay on the transactional side, but am not quite sure what areas I can leverage my corporate and M&A skills in. I was thinking T&E (i.e. business succession planning, etc.)

Would greatly appreciate input from others.

like

What are some feasible exits to the investment industry? PE seems to be too hard. Currently at Strategy& Deals Strategy and will leave at the 3YOE mark

like

Hi Fishes,

I have two offers from

OPTUM- 16 LPA(FIXED)
Siemens- 16 LPA(FIXED)

I am currently having 3.5 yrs of industry experience as Java Full Stack Developer.

Out of these two which company will be a better fit in terms of career growth, WLF and overall work culture.

Can someone please guide me here?

like

What kind of exit ops are you seeing in accounting advisory? I’m in CMAAS and not sure what my options are other than traditional accounting roles. Also, salary expectations with 3 years of experience in HCOL? Thinking it might be really tough to beat current public accounting salaries.

like

Hi there can anyone tell me what a day in the life of a health unit coordinator is like and is it a step up from a regular CSR job or lateral move?

like

I'm looking for referral for EY GDS. For Salesforce Developer/ Sr. Salesforce Developer profile. YOE - 5 Can someone please refer me.EY

like

Hello, I have 4.5 years of NYS WC authorizations for orthopedic. I also have experience as a front office supervisor at a hotel. Any suggestions on a career move? I feel really stagnant where I am right now and I feel very under paid for the amount of labor I have to put in. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank You

like
like

I recently retired and I’d like to try out acting now that I have all this extra time to pour into it. What can an older guy (65) do to pursue a career in acting?

likeuplifting

Is HPE product based company? what kind of work will be there for a data engineer?

How is growth, wlb and job security?

skills : Python, Spark, Sql, AWS, Airflow.

like

I'm looking to leave the legal field. Its really toxic for my ADHD and I feel miserable everyday here. How can I pivot my career towards government/policy roles without having to take a huge step down in income?

like

Anyone from Bain here?
Could you please help me check if the job Specialist, CRM(Job Id-2021-5637) has been closed or is it still open l. Also this would be great if anyone can refer me for this role.

like

Hi all, what's average TC for the sr. engagement manager role in AWS? Thanks!

like

More Posts

Up for promotion this year to manager, it seems that EY and Deloitte already announced no bonus? Guess promotion freeze will be next?

like

Larsen & Toubro Infotech Can anyone tell whether rent agreement is required for hra exemption in LTI ? If yes then does it needs to be registered or notarized agreement will also work ?
Please let us know.

Larsen & Toubro Infotech

like

Hey folks my dog is wondering if you’re interested in helping her owner unlock DMs. She accepts likes and gentle petting.

Post Photo
like

“We had complimenting genitalia.”

likefunny

Hi
I'm a fresher moving for first time to office location
Can anyone suggest location I should prefer
My office is in international tech park kharadi
Thanks

like

Hi Fishes,
I have learned basic c# concepts n OOPS. Now planing to learn Asp. Net core. Is it good to learn html and css before starting the Asp. Net core?

like

Is anyone have done with Capgemini interview for tableau developer???
Have any1 faced elevator issue???

like

Hi sharks, any hints on the VP salary at MS&C

Guys, quick thing. I am currently into DUSI. Looking to shift to D UK. What is the process? I have seen many of my usi colleagues doing the same but not sure about the process. Am into solution architecture domain working as a technical architect.

like

Anyone got salary today??

like

Banff or Barcelona for a five-day trip with family? Parents are in their mid-fifties and like scenery/history; sister and I are in our twenties and down for anything. Not traveling on points.

like

For those of you on medication, how do you manage delayed flights causing you to miss appointments? Often, cancellation policies are strict, expensive, and require several days notice.

Bachelor party in vegas in september. Estimated 10 attendees. I’m not a groomsman so i’ve been held out of planning but im more of the well traveled attendees so trying to help. Any rec’s on suites/lodging in general for a group this size? Never traveled with such a big group and prices on the strip are insane rn

like

Is Woodford reserve double oaked worth the hype?

like

Where have you seen Siegfried people exited to?

Hello , I have accepted an offer from a UK firm , they mentioned that they will provide coc form to me and then I have to apply for a visa (they will reimburse the visa cost)
Is this a norm there ?
Do you guys have any experience with applying for a visa ?

like

anyone who moved to UK without a last name on passport?

like

recommendations for firm with good real WLB and open to remote work in Dallas or Atlanta? Doesn’t have to be true big law. Terrified to get it wrong…again… for the 4th time. 6th year Real Estate.

like

Does anyone else just not even want to be a people manager anymore?! The amount of work this is taking, I’m just so over it. In addition to them piling on my work (which is a full time job) the people management stuff is just as much a full time job that no one in management seems to take into account. I have tried countless times to explain this but I end up burnt out, everyone suffers including me. I just left one role bc of it and now this new role, same thing. I’m over it.

like

How did you guys know that this was the career for you? Some days aren't so bad and i think i can do this. Other days I wish i was doing something else with my life.

like

Additional Posts in Big Law

How many of you biglaw associates are on your grind trying to recruit people to earn a big referral bonus? I’m treating it like a side gig. Ironic that my firm does not give associates any kind of origination credit. If they took the same philosophy with business development, I would direct my efforts there too.!

likefunny

New to due diligence and not sure the timeline of projects. Tips to stay organized of the project and timeline, and how to update those leading the deal? Just keep track of new info and provide as necessary?

like

What is the average adoption assistance benefit at big law firms?

like

First couple times drafting ancillary docs—is it normal to not get everything/feel like I have no idea if I got stuff right. Or is the expectation that the docs be drafted 100% in executable form.

likefunny

4th year associate, 200k student loans—think I’ll be able to get a mortgage even with loans? Looking at a place for 450k. I have 3.5 years public interest work that counts towards PLSF and I plan on going back to government so I really don’t care to pay it down.

like

Is it a fail of character leaving biglaw? I want to leave, but despite the constant stress and suffering, I can’t avoid feeling like it’s my fault or that maybe I’m over exaggerating how I feel. All my colleagues feel ridiculously happy, I’m the grinch one that’s never enjoying the grind (but the grind is hard and competitive, very competitive) :( any thoughts? Is there future after quitting biglaw so young?

like

Already spoke with a partner who wanted something done this morning for him to review and then we discuss again. Sent it to him about 4 hours ago. Should take him half an hour to review max. At what point can I check in with him to see when we can catch up so I’m not waiting in the office all day?

like

Does biglaw give out swag bags to lateral hires working remotely?

likehelpful

Who’s working on the twitter acquisition? The dataroom has to be nuts.

likefunny

Senior attorneys at v100, how common is it for attorneys who start at small firms to lateral to biglaw? Have you worked with any? Conventional wisdom is always that if you don’t start there it’s hard to “trade up”. My coworker and I just did it to two different great v30 firms, and I’m wondering if it’s really that uncommon? Just out of curiosity. We’re not special counsel with special niche skills or anything, just associates. Pitfalls to beware? Positives?

like

Any big law associates high risk for COVID nervous about going back to the office even after you’re vaccinated? I just don’t see how a firm can require 100% of people to vaccinate so nervous about the people I’d be around

like

Dear first years,

When my door is closed, I am in the middle of something and trying to focus. Please stop knocking and letting yourself in to chat. I want to help you, I really do, but if my door is closed it means I am not able to help you right this second. I promise that my door will be open when I am available to do so.

Signed,
An overwhelmed second year

Edit: any advice on how to say this IRL without crushing their spirits?

likefunnyupliftingsmart

I’m a 9th year in a mostly litigation-based practice group at a one-tier partnership firm. My group’s billable hours have been low the last few years, so making partner will be nearly impossible, and a counsel position is not viable long-term in my group. What’s the best option here if partnership is the ultimate goal? Try to get a NEP/counsel position at another firm, which is likely difficult in my market, or offer to take a class cut by a few years?

likehelpful

Hi boys & girls!

Joined a big firm (Big4) not long a go and starting to feel like I got a good grip on my current work.

I've always been very technical, so I think that the only thing I am missing now is making sales. (I really wanna make partner)

Can any seasoned lawyer share tips and materials (i.e. books) which can help?

Would it be a good idea to join a Social Club where potential clients spend time? (gym/tennis/paddel/events)

Any advice welcome!

like

Which practice group (m&a, capital markets, or funds) would be best for someone who genuinely doesn’t care about this job/law but wants to stay in biglaw (NYC) as long as possible? Some folks say m&a is more “intellectually stimulating” and I wonder, for that reason, perhaps capital markets might suit me? (I’d rather take mind numbing repetitive tasks over more “challenging” deals)

like

Is it pandemic or burnout? Paralegals or admin staff are all trying to push work or bad attitude (FYI in transactions) more and more. Any similar experience?

like

I have ADD and occasionally make small mistakes in my work, like leaving a word missing when editing sentences, small formatting errors or leaving an internal comment in drafts sent to clients. All partners have been very understanding and care about the quality of my work, and no client has ever complained. Partners and clients praise my work.

But now, one partner has become super mad and when I explained ADD, he said:

likefunny

What would be an appropriate gift if I want to show appreciation to my juniors before leaving the firm to go in house? What about for partner/counsel?

like

Foreign trained lawyer (common law) and just starting bar study. Freaking out. Please tell me it’s possible in the timeframe.

like

Is it worth leaving big law for a FAANG job? Probably a $50k pay cut plus lose the partner track option for future. I'm probably 3 years away from making partner. Have a friend there already. Heard work life balance is better but comp not as good and lower ceiling. Thoughts?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal