Washington and California employment law markets differ significantly in regulatory complexity, with California's PAGA and wage & hour laws creating more plaintiff-side opportunities, while Washington's noncompete ban and tech concentration drive corporate employment demand.
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.
A strong lateral resume emphasizes concrete deal experience, quantifiable achievements, and relevant skills rather than law school credentials. Focus on demonstrating your value through specific transactions, client matters, and practice area expertise that aligns with target firms' needs.