Technology-adjacent practices, employment law, and privacy/data security lead 2026 lateral demand, with significant regional variations. High-growth markets like Charlotte and Seattle offer unique opportunities beyond traditional BigLaw strongholds.
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.
The Charlotte move likely makes financial sense when adjusted for cost of living, with senior associates earning $280K-$320K versus NYC's $435K+ but gaining 40%+ lower expenses. Partnership timelines are often faster in Charlotte's growing market.
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.
Partnership timelines typically range from 7-12 years depending on firm size, practice area, and market dynamics. Am Law 100 firms average 8-9 years, while mid-market firms often promote faster at 6-8 years.
Charlotte's IP transactional market is surprisingly robust, driven by the city's fintech boom and major corporate headquarters. While deal sizes may be smaller than Silicon Valley, the work is sophisticated and the market is growing rapidly.
Charlotte is experiencing exceptional growth as a legal market, driven by major financial institutions and expanding firm presence. The market offers strong opportunities for corporate and financial services attorneys, with competitive compensation adjusted for significantly lower cost of living.
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.
Charlotte's finance legal market is dominated by both national firms and regional powerhouses, driven by Bank of America and Wells Fargo headquarters. The market offers excellent training opportunities with 15-25% lower salaries than NYC but significantly lower living costs.
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.
Top-tier law firm interviews go beyond basic competency checks—they evaluate strategic thinking, business development potential, and cultural fit. Prepare for questions about deal specifics, client relationship management, and your long-term career vision.
Fenwick & West is an excellent choice for mid-level corporate and technology associates, particularly those with startup or emerging company experience. The firm's market-leading position in Silicon Valley tech transactions creates strong advancement opportunities for laterals with relevant backgrounds.
Breaking into financial services law from general corporate practice requires leveraging your M&A and securities experience while building regulatory knowledge. Target firms with strong banking practices and consider geographic markets with major financial institutions.
M&A partners specializing in private equity combine deal execution expertise with significant client relationship management and business development responsibilities. Their role extends far beyond transaction work to include practice leadership, team management, and strategic firm initiatives.