Seattle's lateral market continues to thrive, anchored by major tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft that drive substantial demand for corporate, IP, and employment attorneys. The region's unique employment law landscape and growing practice areas make it attractive for career pivots.
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.
Legal recruiters typically charge law firms 25-33% of the placed candidate's first-year total compensation. Partner-level placements often command higher percentages due to complexity and revenue potential.
BigLaw associates handle sophisticated transactions and litigation with significant client responsibility, billing 1,900-2,400+ hours annually. Work varies dramatically by practice area, from M&A due diligence to complex commercial litigation, with clear advancement tracks to counsel and partnership.
Law firm partnership offers significant financial rewards through equity participation and profit sharing, plus professional autonomy, business development opportunities, and long-term wealth building potential. However, partners also assume substantial business risks and client responsibility.
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.
Seattle offers higher attorney salaries but significantly higher housing costs, while Portland provides a lower cost of living but fewer BigLaw opportunities. Tax differences and lifestyle factors also impact the real value of compensation packages.
Non-equity partners receive fixed compensation and limited firm governance, while equity partners share in firm profits and have ownership stakes. The choice depends on your book of business, risk tolerance, and long-term career goals.
The Am Law 100 ranks the highest-grossing U.S. law firms by annual revenue, with 2024's #100 firm earning approximately $400+ million. These firms typically offer Cravath-scale compensation, global platforms, and prestigious client work.
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.
Top-tier law firm interviews go beyond basic competency checks—they evaluate strategic thinking, business development potential, and cultural fit. Prepare for questions about deal specifics, client relationship management, and your long-term career vision.
Seattle offers strong work-life balance opportunities for attorneys, driven by tech industry culture and regional firms that prioritize sustainable practices. Corporate lawyers find good opportunities at regional powerhouses and tech-focused firms with competitive compensation adjusted for the market.
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.
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.