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.
The M&A associate lateral market remains competitive but active, with strong demand in tech-heavy markets and emerging practice areas. Success depends heavily on timing, deal experience quality, and target market selection.
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.
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.
The T&E partner market for 2026 looks robust, driven by ongoing wealth transfer dynamics and tax uncertainty. High-net-worth population growth and family office expansion continue fueling demand for experienced laterals.
Non-equity partners typically earn fixed salaries ranging from approximately $300K-$800K plus bonuses, while equity partners receive profit distributions that can vary significantly based on firm performance and individual contributions.