NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
 
State of the Market Report: San Francisco

by Claudia Barnes, Manager of BCG Attorney Search

Healthy Practice Areas:

Corporate / Finance
 
The market for corporate and finance attorneys remains strong in San Francisco which shows little signs of slowing down. Candidates with experience in any of the following will likely get interviews: private equity, structured and debt finance, corporate finance, emerging company/venture capital, M&A, and securities. While membership to the CA Bar is a huge bonus, it is not necessary in most cases.
 
Employment and Labor
 
Experienced labor and employment attorneys at all levels continue to be in demand in San Francisco. Candidates with experience in the following: wage and hour, discrimination, and client counseling experience as well as class action, deposition, and trial experience are highly valued. Firms typically want candidates who are members of the California Bar, are located in California and/or have experience with California employment/labor laws.
 
Litigation
 
Litigation has not slowed down at all and continues to be the hottest practice area in San Francisco – and the State. Firms seek candidates at all levels with the greatest need at the mid-level (3-5 years). Candidates with experience in complex commercial and general litigation, construction, insurance coverage and securities/white collar litigation are in demand. Candidates with strong academic and professional credentials as well as clerkship experience will get many interviews. Firms prefer candidates who are already admitted to the CA Bar, but it is not always necessary for those with stellar academic credentials coming from a large firm.