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Washington

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Washington is quickly recovering from a slump in the legal market and shows a lot of potential for rebounding. Boasting a cost of living lower than any of the major markets, Washington is a wonderful place to settle down. Good schools, exclusive neighborhoods, and celebrated coffee and music cultures make Washington an ideal spot for candidates looking to establish themselves in a growing market. The hottest practices are in litigation, products liability, and patent prosecution. Washington has reciprocity with many other states, so if you have three years of experience, you could waive into the bar without taking the Washington Bar exam.

Seattle, like Rome, is a city erected on seven hills. The jewel of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is more than just the home of the famous Space Needle and the Supersonics. The eccentric, artsy Fremont neighborhood in Seattle is the alternative music capital of the world. Seattle's Frank O. Gehry-designed Experience Music Project offers unique exhibits exploring American musical expression from blues and jazz to punk and hip-hop. Their motto: "You don't need to be a rock star to appreciate EMP, but you might leave here feeling like one." To get in touch with the city's roots, Pike Place has been a farmer's market, an arts and crafts fair, and a unique collection of ethnic wares and dishes for 96 years.

The legal market here is composed of many small and mid-sized firms. Attorneys can expect fewer billable hours required than in California, for example. Still, the market is tight and competitive. Only strong candidates will be considered. Many firms seek candidates with ties to the area. For junior or mid-level attorneys, those with three to six years' experience are most marketable. Partners with small books of business can still make it in Seattle. The lawyers and law firms in Seattle are a good mix of the hip and conservative.

It's been said that there is something for everybody here. Litigation, products liability, IP, and real estate are practices that will stay hot even in a bad environment. The corporate market is still sluggish. However, a big turnaround is expected. Typically, a surge in the major markets serves as an indicator that an upswing in the smaller markets is imminent. We've witnessed the legal market in New York bounce back, and we expect big advancements from Washington in the immediate future.

Despite its reputation, Seattle gets less rain annually than Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, or New York. With balmy winters and idyllic summers, Seattle residents have no need for an air conditioner. The downtown area never sees much snow. However, the ski areas in the mountains, as close as an hour away from Seattle, see more snow than anywhere on earth. Seattle's pleasant climate allows for year-round fishing, golfing, hiking, and whale-watching. Exhibiting a balance of a strong economy, a pervasive natural environment, and scientific advancement, Seattle is a city ahead of its time.

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