California does not offer bar exam reciprocity, so out-of-state attorneys must take the California bar exam. However, experienced attorneys may qualify for admission by motion under specific circumstances.
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.
Labor and employment partners typically need $1-3M in portable business for lateral moves, though requirements vary significantly by market and firm tier. Strong client relationships and specialized expertise can sometimes offset lower book numbers.
Moore & Van Allen is Charlotte's premier regional firm, particularly strong in banking, financial services, and corporate law due to its proximity to Bank of America and Wells Fargo headquarters. The firm dominates the local market in commercial real estate and maintains solid litigation capabilities.
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.
Choose a substantive, well-written sample from your current practice area that showcases analytical thinking and clear writing. Most firms prefer 5-10 page excerpts from briefs, memoranda, or opinion letters over transactional documents.
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.
Building a portable book requires years of relationship investment, starting with your current in-house network and industry contacts. Focus on becoming a known expert in your practice area while systematically nurturing professional relationships that could generate referrals.
Intellectual property presents excellent lateral opportunities for partnership-minded attorneys, driven by consistent client demand, specialized expertise requirements, and strong economics. However, success requires strategic positioning and often additional technical credentials.
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.
Generally, keep your job search confidential until you have a firm offer. However, there are strategic exceptions where early disclosure might benefit your relationship with current employers.
The right time for a lateral partner move depends on market demand for your practice, your book's true portability, and your firm's trajectory. Strong lateral markets and personal growth momentum often align with optimal timing.
A portable book of business refers to the clients and revenue that will likely follow you to a new firm. Most Am Law firms expect partners to bring $2-5+ million annually, though requirements vary by practice area and market.