I’ve done insurance defense litigation for 8 years (med mal, professional liability) and have an opportunity to transition to commercial litigation. How difficult will the transition be and are there books/guides to bring me up to speed quickly on this practice area?

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

Practicing insurance defense is NOT akin to being a paralegal or a legal secretary, like not even close. I can’t believe anyone would even say that. The salary is low but I found the hours to be on par with the AMLaw 100 firm I’m at now. It’s great experience but I agree it’s worth getting out for a better salary and more interesting work.

likesmart

Same here. ID gave me so much experience, including 3 jury trials. 2 of those trials were first chair, as a 5th year. But I agree, get that experience and get out when you can. I also did commercial lit while doing ID and the biggest thing you'll need to learn is the new claims & case law. You should be fine. Congrats!!

likehelpful

I agree with L1 it’s a wise move but I think you’ll find you’ve got much more substantive experience than most “commercial litigation” attorneys your year. I’ve also found insurance companies perfectly willing to go to trial when appropriate. I’d recommend searching the court docket for your new firm’s recent work to see what’s the same and what’s different. The hardest transition is probably going to be billing, instead of a carrier fighting over 0.1’s you’ll be getting time slashed to keep clients happy. Good luck!

like

Chiming in to say here I find billing on commercial way easier than insurance. You can block bill and can actually account for your time for things like conferring with the partner or a junior associate. Yes there are write offs but there are write offs in ID too

like

Wise move. Get out now. Insurance defense is akin to being a paralegal or legal secretary. Underpaid and decision makers have little to no experience and insurance companies afraid to try cases.

likefunny

I’ve done both. I’ve been in commercial litigation now for about two years and have 0 regrets. Commercial litigation is a lot more mentally engaging imo, which I throughly enjoy. As long as you’re good about checking each judges’ procedures, you should be fine and your skills as a litigator will be transferable. Best of luck.

like

Same as Atty 2– done all 3. Commercial litigation is way more interesting, clients are better and no more reviewing thousands of pages of medical records.

If you were up front with your new job about your experience level with commercial stuff, I’m sure they have resources for you. As an aside, how did you pull this off?

like

F

like

Do it!!!!! My experience was there was a learning curve on legal writing especially contractual issues. It’s very different but you can definitely acclimate

like

F

Related Posts

Hello All,

I am currently working as Talend ETL Developer. Company which I am working currently doesn't have projects for this skillset. Need some suggestions. Which technology is good now in current market similar to the skills which I am having. So I will be upskilling me in that technology.

Has anyone taken the below course for learning Microservices with Java, Spring Boot, Docker and Kubernetes?

Post Photo
like

Does getting snapshot at partially next level in 4 perimeter and next level in 1 perimeter will be enough to get promotion? I have received similar kind of 5 snapshot. ( some cases next grade in 2 perimeter)
Current position is associate 2 in Assurance

like

Hello,
I have been in accounting for 5 years....and thinking about switching to a marketing role where I can combine my love for numbers and creativity. How can I make the switch??? Any pointer would help

like

Any PowerBI consultants out there? Curious if the need for this is really out there, how lucrative it is, and what other skills help in your process (sql, python, etc)

Tks!

likefunny

Heard that in a Zoom call with all 2024 PE candidates today, the head of CPI was encouraging everyone to sit out of oncycle if it’s this early. If true, that’s huge given that CPI basically runs the game

like

Anyone know how hard it is to switch from Risk Assurance to Strategy consulting?

likefunny
likefunny

Hi Fishes, I've 2.25 Years of experience in SAP Basis, but I've lost interest in the same due to not receiving proper training, inability to practice on customer's system and shifts. I'm looking forward to go for MBA/changing technology, which one would be a better option? In case of the latter can you guys suggest lucrative technologies which has little/no coding and can definitely give good packages? I've tried changing jobs in Basis for nearly one year and didn't get through. Please help me.

like

How do I train my critical thinking skills? Any book recommendations?

like

Anyone tried the new Sanctions Certificate (CGSS) offered by ACAMS? Trying to see how difficult it is considering I don't have a lot of experience with sanctions compliance. I have CAMS & work in AML

like

Career paths for informatica power center developer with 10 yr+ experience?.

1) big data
2) iics

Anyother?

like

Should I transition to a tech sales job? Thoughts on risk vs reward? I am 34 yo, married with a baby incoming. I work at Google Cloud in solutions engineering (I help develop quantitative business cases with sales teams for customers). My cash base + bonus is $220k (going to ignore equity). I have an MBA from the University of Chicago, not that it matters much in sales. I have always been in a consulting role but I think I can make more in sales. I have a competitive personality and I am bored.

like

Is there such things as FP&A positions in Big 4? If so, are there better times to make the change than others (I.e. at senior vs manager)? I’m currently in FP&A and looking to work at a Big 4, or another company that offers the ability to move abroad. My current company and many others I know about do not offer the mobility to do so until much later, which is not what I want. Thank you.

like

I got asked today if I would prefer to do more data visualization work through Qlik and be more client facing. Or continue to work on database/pipeline and SQL work. My question is what would be best for professional development if I want to eventually work my way up from a Data Analyst to a Data Scientist? I'm leaning towards more SQL work...

How useful is a CPA license in finding a non-accounting job? Eventually I want to go into more of a financial analyst role but tbh I’m curious about what most people leave auditing to go into. I’m open to anything.

like

Looking to take the CISA exam. I have over 5 years of audit experience. How long do you think it’d take to study? Also, what study material should I use? Any good boot camps you’d recommend?

How to get a network engineer job in FAANG companies? Please share your suggestions.

like

Hello all, I’m a senior studying business and data science. Are there any entry level (2023) data science or SWE positions you recommend for me? I’ve really enjoyed ML and I’m proficient in Python and data science models like regression, decision trees, and k-means clustering etc

like

Upcoming interview with large tech company for biz ops go-to-market role. Any book recommendations to learn about go-to-market / sales op strategies for tech?

funny

More Posts

Hello Fishes!

Can anyone give me a referral for the role Management Trainee-Customer Care- Bangalore-HIG011426 in Genpact !

Post Photo
like

Hi Fishes. I am currently holding offer from BP and Citi , both offering the same package for penetration tester. Any idea which is an overall better option to choose?

like

What is leave policy and encashment policy at Citi India

like
like

Hell YEAH!! They JUST approved!!!! Make it rain on Monday!!!

Post Photo
likesmart

I love when my dog comes up and cuddles/sleeps on me, but she gives off so much heat! Like a little Chernobyl lying on my chest

likefunny

Best consulting firms to work for that will allow 100% remote work indefinitely regardless of what clients do?

like

Can anybody refer me for pwc jaipur.
M wrking as finance executive
Yoe 1 years
Education ca final 1st group cleared

like
like

idk if this is the right place to post but...
Ok so I was carless -- I was assembling my new bed frame and one as I was grabbing one of the long parts; I set it vertically and my fan was on and hit the edge. I literally just moved in 5 days ago and I already scratched these pristine fans, I'm irate and I want to fix it.
Is there any kind of paint. or is there a way to polish it so it doesn't look as bad :(

Post Photo
like

Only senior on a demanding client, managing multiple staff and managers. I really like my team and the work but I’m starting to lose motivation and burn out after the long time being the only one in my position here... and I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but feels like I don’t get fairly paid for the amount of time and effort I put in... any advice to get out of this negative mindset?

like

Can anyone refer me to the Starz/Lionsgate Legal Affairs, Counsel role? I’d be happy to send you my resume first. Thanks!

likesmart

My law school experience has built heavily around bankruptcy and tax. I’ve been interested in pursuing a tax LLM. Doing corporate bankruptcy now. Admittedly I like both fields. Can anyone share some insight and/or advice for pursuing the LLM?

like

What's your favorite restaurant in Houston, hands down? I'm trying to test out all of the best spots before I move! Please drop your favorite

like

Anyone here from Barclays finance/investment banking domains. Since most of the roles and packages discussed here are for technology/IT related. If anyone from finance background could share, whats the package Barclays offers for BA4 level in finance for anyone with 6-7 years of experience? Barclays, Barclays global service center

like

What is a good hourly amount to ask for as a PRN social worker/therapist in the DC area?

like

What is notice period in Capgemini during probation ?

Question, which do you prefer Sweet Potato Pie or Chocolate Pecan Pie?

like

Current CTC: 19
Exp: 7.1
Stack : Fullstack with angular and java
What salary I can expect from VMware any suggestions?

like

Additional Posts in Litigation & Arbitration

I feel like this is the busiest billable December I’ve had. Anyone else absolutely swamped with work this month?

like

Should Dropbox be used as the main file system for a busy Litigation office? Help me prove that it shouldn’t and suggest a software that your firm uses.

like

To the author the the “Lately I’ve been getting the vibe that I am [being Frozen Out (BigLaw term of art for your concerns or situation)]. My TOME on how to handle the situation through every route if and until you leave BigLaw appears to have suddenly NOW posted. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️. My keyboard is sticking on the site so there are surely typos (I long ago turned off Auto-Corrupt). My sympathy, best wishes, and offer of trustworthy support(BEEN THERE, SEEN IT, put in my decade in BigLaw) still stands.

like

I have my first solo hearing in front of opposing counsel and the Judge, were asking for a fee multiplier on a contingency case. This is in Florida BTW. Any tips or advice for my first hearing will be greatly appreciated.

like

I’ve been working at a rather prestigious midsized firm in a big city for almost a year and a half now. I have been having a lot of trouble picking up work from senior partners. We are required to bill at least 150 hours per month to meet our requirement. My months are typically only 110-130 hours. It seems like the senior partners already have their “go to” associate for things. Does anyone have any suggestions on how i can increase my workload? I reach out for work pretty much weekly.

like

Hi All,

Anyone have a recommendation for a good headhunter? I am currently a 2nd year associate (many years paralegaling before that) at a mid-sized firm in NY and am looking for a change.

Also, any cons of working with a headhunter?

like

Whats your favorite case management software? My growing small practice is looking for recs

like

Anyone have insight on Adams and Reese (culture, pay, hours, etc)?

like

I work at a small firm with not that many workable templates so I usually have to do everything from scratch like drafting motions, pleadings, and researching all potential counts every time. Do bigger firms have better and more templates that allow you to have to do less research?

like

What does being a “great lawyer” mean to you? The term is thrown around so frequently, it sometimes loses its meaning and probably means entirely different things to different people.

like

FL peoples: I signed a lease for a new place to start May 1 as my current landlord sold the unit I'm in. Turns out, the buyer wants to keep renting the unit and asked if I want to stay. Of course I want to stay. My new lease hasn't started so I'm pretty sure I can easily back out. For the new lease, I'm still pending full approval from a condo association as I have to do an in person interview. I have paid first months rent in advance. Is there anyway to get that money back?

like

So is it just me or do people who have been doing ID for decades generally fall into one of two groups? The first group are cynical people who have been divorced, their kids hate them, etc. then the second group are BS artists who are skilled at avoiding both work and responsibility for anything?

likefunnyhelpful

Recently lateraled as a public defender in HCOL area to ID in LCOL area for $$$. I’ve been at the job a little over a month. My concerns are that I’m getting very little guidance or mentorship, and I’m worried about not hitting billable hours (2000 requirement but I am just over 80 for the first month). I am only in charge of a ~5 cases atm and struggle with figuring out the next steps, etc. I’ve met all my deadlines that have come up. Thoughts or advice?

like

Is there such place as non toxic ID firm? Or does any of ID attys like what they do? I moved from general practice to an ID firm six months ago. Biggest mistake of my life. I am trying hard not to just quit and walk away as I’m battling head cold but still have to bill bill bill and get criticized for not billing right and etc and cases being piled up - while everyone is looking forward to the long weekend. I seriously question my judgement. Need word of wisdom just to get through this hellhole

like

Hello, second year commercial litigation associate here looking for a recruiter. Preferably Suffolk County or eastern Nassau County. Any recommendations?

like

Anyone heard of Koeller, Nebeker, Carlson & Haluck? Thoughts?

like

Does anyone work at a firm where legal assistants don't do legal assistant things? For example, I have to do my scheduling and calendaring. I have to upload documents to our file management system. This morning, a name partners assistant didn't realize the name partner had a depo and didn't confirm it. This is how this firm as been for decades and it's incredibly frustrating to work this way. It's so hard to not stress over this daily.

likefunny

In house insurance defense comp. What’s the highest paid and lowest paid companies? Which companies give bonuses? Please provide yoe and salary.

like

What’s the most unprofessional thing you’ve seen in a deposition recently?

like

Does anyone else constantly put off putting their time in as they go and then hate their life at the end of the month? Then once you get caught up, you don’t want to enter more time, and so you fall behind again. It’s a vicious cycle.

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