Best Markets for Employment Attorneys Leaving BigLaw

Dear Camille M.,

Employment Law Market Demand Continues to Surge

The employment law landscape has never been more dynamic, and attorneys with your background are finding exceptional opportunities across multiple markets. The convergence of regulatory changes, workplace litigation trends, and economic shifts has created sustained demand that extends well beyond traditional BigLaw centers.

Some lateral candidates find that employment law may offer more flexibility for market moves than certain other practice areas, since workplace issues are universal and state-specific expertise is highly valued. Here's where the strongest opportunities appear to exist currently.

California Remains the Employment Law Capital

Following the 2024 PAGA reforms (AB 2288/SB 92), which introduced manageability requirements, cure opportunities, and penalty reductions for proactive compliance, California's employment litigation market continues to generate enormous demand (verify current requirements as implementation continues to evolve). Employment litigation firms in Los Angeles and San Francisco are actively recruiting experienced associates, particularly those with class action or wage-and-hour experience.

The numbers tell the story: California-specific expertise around AB5 gig worker classification, Cal/OSHA compliance, and the state's complex pay transparency laws often creates significant client need. Bay Area firms are particularly busy with tech layoff litigation, while a new subspecialty around AI employment law is emerging at firms like Fenwick & West and Wilson Sonsini.

For attorneys seeking boutique environments, California's employment-focused shops often provide the hands-on experience you're seeking while maintaining competitive compensation structures.

Pacific Northwest Tech Boom Drives Employment Demand

Seattle and the broader Pacific Northwest present compelling opportunities for employment attorneys. Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta's continued expansion drives massive corporate employment practices, while regional powerhouses like Perkins Coie and Davis Wright Tremaine are building out their teams.

What makes this market unique is Washington's 2020 noncompete restrictions (verify current requirements as laws may change), which created distinctive employment law dynamics that require specialized knowledge. Immigration practice demand remains high due to H-1B dependency among tech employers, and many firms are integrating employment work with their growing privacy and data security practices.

The lifestyle advantages are significant—many attorneys report better work-life balance compared to traditional BigLaw markets, while compensation remains competitive with major metropolitan areas.

Southeast Markets Offer Growth and Balance

Charlotte represents one of the fastest-growing legal markets in the Southeast, with major firms like K&L Gates, Moore & Van Allen, and Robinson Bradshaw actively expanding their employment practices. Bank of America and Wells Fargo headquarters drive substantial financial services employment work, while the region's insurance and healthcare sectors create steady litigation demand.

The economics are compelling: associate salaries may run below New York levels, and cost of living advantages often result in better net financial outcomes. Many attorneys find the pace more manageable while still handling sophisticated matters.

Lateral demand appears to be strong across the region, with firms actively recruiting from DC, Atlanta, and New York. If you're willing to consider bar reciprocity requirements, consider checking the bar reciprocity tool to understand admission requirements for target states.

Boutique and Mid-Market Opportunities

Beyond major markets, employment-focused boutiques are thriving nationwide. These firms often provide the hands-on experience BigLaw associates crave—direct client contact, courtroom opportunities, and involvement in case strategy from inception through resolution.

Mid-market firms (50-200 attorneys) frequently offer the best of both worlds: sophisticated work, reasonable hours, and compensation that, while below BigLaw peaks, often provides better lifestyle value. Many of these firms report growth and are actively building employment practices.

The key is identifying firms where employment law is a true growth area rather than an ancillary practice. Firms with dedicated employment litigation teams, workplace investigations practices, or compliance counseling services typically provide more engaging work and advancement opportunities.

Timing Your Market Move

Current market conditions favor lateral moves for employment attorneys. The combination of regulatory complexity, workplace litigation trends, and corporate compliance needs has created sustained demand across markets and firm sizes.

For attorneys seeking better work-life balance, consider that some employment practitioners report that the practice area may lend itself to more predictable schedules than M&A or capital markets work. While litigation deadlines create periodic intensity, the work often allows for more controlled time management.

Before making any move, consider researching target firms' recent growth patterns, client bases, and attorney retention rates. The legal market's current strength provides leverage for candidates to be selective about culture and work environment—key factors for attorneys seeking to escape BigLaw burnout.