Employment law partners typically need $1-3M in portable business for lateral moves, though demand varies by market and specialty. PAGA expertise and wage-hour class action experience can reduce these thresholds significantly.
Corporate associates handle M&A, securities, and general corporate work, with firms evaluating deal experience, drafting skills, and client management abilities. The current market strongly favors experienced corporate laterals, especially those with 3-7 years of experience.
Legal recruiters are paid by law firms, not candidates, typically earning 20-33% of the attorney's first-year salary as a placement fee. This creates important dynamics attorneys should understand when working with recruiters.
The LA employment law market remains exceptionally strong for senior attorneys despite 2024 PAGA reforms. California-specific expertise in wage & hour and class actions commands premium compensation as firms struggle to meet demand.