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.
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.
Legal recruitment consultants are specialized headhunters who connect attorneys with law firms, handling everything from market intelligence to interview coaching. They're typically most valuable for lateral moves rather than entry-level positions.
The transition from BigLaw to in-house can be excellent for work-life balance and business exposure, though it typically involves a 20-40% salary reduction initially. Charlotte's strong financial services sector offers robust in-house opportunities, particularly given Bank of America and Wells Fargo's headquarters presence.
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.