BigLaw partner lateral moves involve extensive due diligence on portable business, client relationship verification, and detailed compensation negotiations. The process typically takes 3-6 months and requires careful timing around non-competes and client notifications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lateral attorney moves typically take 3-6 months from initial outreach to start date, though the timeline varies significantly based on practice area demand, seniority level, and market conditions.