Patent litigation associates handle document review, prior art research, claim construction briefing, expert witness coordination, and trial preparation. The work is highly technical and substantive, with better work-life balance than M&A but intense periods during trials and key deadlines.
California's intricate wage and hour regulations, including PAGA claims and classification issues, create enormous demand for employment lawyers. The state's employee-friendly laws and high-stakes litigation make California-specific expertise incredibly valuable.
Securities litigation offers strong compensation and steady demand, particularly at elite firms and boutiques. The practice combines complex financial analysis with high-stakes litigation, making it an attractive specialty for experienced commercial litigators.
Fund finance focuses on subscription facilities and capital call lending to private equity/hedge funds, while traditional banking covers broader commercial lending. Fund finance typically offers higher compensation and more deal velocity, though both practices share core lending documentation skills.
Private credit service partners represent borrowers and lenders in direct lending transactions outside traditional banking. This rapidly growing practice area offers strong compensation but demands deep technical skills and significant client development.
AI is rapidly creating new subspecialties within California employment law, particularly around workplace surveillance, algorithmic bias, and data privacy. Employment lawyers should develop expertise in AI compliance, privacy regulations, and tech-specific wage and hour issues to capitalize on growing demand.
Employment litigation associates handle workplace disputes including discrimination, wage and hour claims, and wrongful termination cases. The practice offers diverse client interaction and growing market demand, though work-life balance varies significantly by firm type and case load.
IP technology transactions in life sciences involves structuring and negotiating deals around intellectual property in biotech, pharma, and medical devices. This includes licensing agreements, joint ventures, M&A support, and collaboration deals, combining IP expertise with business transactions skills.
Employment law is exceptionally strong in California due to the state's complex regulatory landscape, PAGA litigation, and tech sector employment issues. The market shows consistent high demand for skilled employment attorneys across both plaintiff and defense sides.
Bankruptcy and restructuring associates handle a mix of transactional and litigation work, from due diligence and document drafting to court filings and creditor negotiations. The practice combines corporate finance skills with specialized bankruptcy law knowledge.
PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) litigation remains a high-demand specialty in California despite 2024 reforms. Employment firms in LA and SF are actively hiring attorneys with wage-and-hour class action experience, making it a lucrative niche for career growth.
Investment management and funds law is experiencing robust growth driven by record private equity activity, new regulatory frameworks, and expanding alternative investment strategies. Demand is particularly strong in major financial centers and firms are actively recruiting experienced practitioners.