Are You an Attorney Thinking of Changing Legal Practice Areas? A Guide for Changing Legal Practice Areas for Attorneys

So, you are considering switching practice groups? Well, even if you don’t get the Tom Cruise movie references in the title of this article, you likely get the sentiment … just how hard is it to make the switch? One of the most frequent calls that we get from potential candidates is that they are unhappy in their current practice and want to switch practice groups. The situation generally looks something like this. The candidate has been doing litigation for several years when they decide/come to the realization that they want to switch to corporate or transactional work.
 
So, realistically, how easy is it to switch practice groups? The answer is ... while it isn’t a mission impossible, it can be very difficult! Below are some tips on how to evaluate your options, develop a strategy, and how and when a recruiter might be able to help you find that right next opportunity.

First, Stop and Analyze Your Current Situation! Maybe it isn’t the practice you are in that you dislike. Often times, when talking to a candidate it becomes clear that the current atmosphere is not fulfilling or is toxic to the candidate in some way. Maybe you are feeling overworked and understaffed/undersupported/undervalued. Perhaps you are working with a partner that always waits until the last minute to hand out assignments. Well, before you throw away years of experience in your current practice group, step back and really assess what you dislike about the current situation (write down the pros and cons if you need to).


My next point is one of the most important bits of advice that I give to almost every candidate: Every firm and practice group has its own culture. And sometimes that culture just isn’t right for you. I often say that it can be like a bad relationship. You don’t realize how bad your work fit/relationship was until you get a new position at a new firm that has a completely different yet satisfyingly compatible culture.

Recently, I was helping a candidate that was working as a litigator at a very big firm. The firm, as can be the case with many big firms, expected long hours including weekends and a non-stop high-volume of output. She also felt there was very little guidance and training provided. The candidate thought she hated litigation and wanted to make a switch. After speaking to her, we figured out that maybe it was the firm and not the work that was getting to her. After several conversations with me and talking to mentors and other lawyer friends, we were able to find her a spot in a different firm, a smaller firm that was more aligned with her long-term needs and goals.

Still Thinking of Making the Switch? Figure out what type of work you want to do! Talk to friends and see what they do on a daily basis in their practice groups and then follow these guidelines:

Pick an Overlapping Practice Group

If at all possible, chose an alternate practice group that is closely related to or has some overlapping features of your current work or work you did prior to going to law school.
 

• For instance, are you a finance attorney looking to transition into M&A at a junior level? Or, are you currently in the M&A group working on tech deals and have some experience in IP licensing? Think about transitioning into a Technology Transactions position.
• Have you been working in the Corporate Group and are interested in a bit more workout, restructuring and litigation type of work? If so, Bankruptcy could be an option (or vice versa).
• Have you been doing IP Litigation and want to do IP Transactional – this may be an option.

These are just a sampling of transitions that could work.

Get as Much Experience in the New Practice Area as Possible

Seek out billable opportunities at your current firm to do the new type of work or learn about aspects of the new practice that you can add to your resume to show that your interest is real, that you have actively pursued opportunities to learn about the new practice, and that your interest is not a passing fling. Attend CLE’s in your area of interest or take exams that will give you credentials in your new area. For instance, if you are interested in data privacy, a hot, up and coming area of law, look into IAPP/CIPP/US certification. Interested in Patent Prosecution? Take the USPTO exam if you are eligible.

Alternatively, you can seek out pro bono opportunities in the new field and seek out partners at your firm that might be able to provide guidance and with whom you can establish a rapport (which leads to the next point).

Think about Asking Your Current Firm If You Can Switch Practice Groups

While this can be a touchy subject, if you have built up enough good will and the firm does that type of work, you may be able to make the transition. They know you, they know your work ethic, they know your capabilities and will be taking less of a chance on you than they would be on taking a random applicant.

Tailor Your Resume

Make sure your resume speaks to your experience in the new field. However tangential you think the experience may be, highlight it in your resume and cover letter. You may also need to be flexible on title, class year and salary and should say so in your cover letter.

Network, Network, Network

Start talking to friends about openings at their firms or join a Bar Association group in the area of interest. You are trying to create an opportunity that might not otherwise be available.

Start Early

While it is best and usually easiest to transition practice groups in your first few years of practice, senior attorneys can also make the switch, though it can be more difficult and it may be more important that you are switching to a related practice group area.

How Can a Recruiter Help You?

My advice, pick up the phone early in the process and talk through your options with a legal placement professional. That’s what we are here for. If we think we can help, we will! However, when it comes to the run of the mill switches (3 or 5 years out, been doing litigation and now you want to do corporate), with very few exceptions, recruiters may not be able to help in the transition.

Generally speaking, firms look to recruiters to help find highly qualified candidates with established experience in the area of need. Unfortunately, the firms are being bombarded with resumes from candidates that are either not qualified or don’t have the required experience. They often don’t want recruiters to add to that pile of resumes. There are several reasons for this: (1) they don’t want to pay a recruiter fee when they will also have to pay to re-train the associate in the new area; (2) firms often fill the very junior slots from their incoming first year classes; or (3) even if the ad says that the firm is looking for someone with 1-3 years of experience, you can almost guarantee that you will be competing against candidates that have some experience in the new field.

Bottom Line: We are here so that you don’t go in with your Eyes Wide Shut. And, we are here to take the risk out of this Risky Business. Enough of the Tom Cruise movie references … but we are definitely here to help make you the Top Gun in your field.
 
See the following articles for more information:
 

• How Can I Change Practice Areas Early on in My Career as an Attorney?
• What’s Your Advice on Trying Out Another Practice Area in My Current Law Firm?
• A Realistic Approach to Changing Practice Areas
• Is Changing Practice Areas within a Law Firm a Good Move?
• Biglaw Associate Thinking of Changing Practice Areas
• Third Year Associate Wants to Switch Practice Areas
• Is It Possible to Change Practice Areas in Big Law Firms?
• Changing Your Practice Area

About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

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Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

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This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

• Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
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He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

• His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
• He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
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Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

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With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

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A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

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For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

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If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

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Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.