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.
Equity partnership means owning a stake in the firm with voting rights and profit-sharing, while non-equity partners receive salary/bonus without ownership. Equity partners typically earn significantly more but face greater financial risk and responsibility.
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.
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.
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.
Evaluating firm culture requires a multi-pronged approach combining strategic interview questions, reference checks with current associates, and analyzing concrete data points like turnover rates and advancement timelines. Focus on speaking with attorneys 1-2 years senior to your level and asking specific questions about work-life integration and professional development.
Law firms evaluate lateral candidates on portable business potential, cultural fit, immediate productivity, and strategic practice area needs. Bar admission timing and market-specific expertise often matter more than traditional credentials.
Most lateral partners receive some form of income protection, though the structure varies significantly by firm size, market, and individual circumstances. Guaranteed draws are common but typically decrease over time as partners are expected to build their client base and contributions.
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.