Trying to Transition: Hot Practice Areas in 2013

In recent years, we have seen certain practice areas fall off and certain areas come back.  This process is unpredictable, and has many associates looking to transition to other, seemingly busier, practice areas.  What areas are “hot” right now, and how does an associate go about making a transition?

After several “down” years, we have seen a huge upswing in real estate and corporate law nationwide.  These practice areas pretty much died during the economic downturn, and the net result is that there are very few mid-level corporate and real estate associates.  Those still standing are valuable commodities, but many are appropriately grateful to the firms who retained them despite the recession, and are not looking to move to other firms.
 
Therefore, firms with vacancies in these practice areas are having a hard time filling them, and are being more flexible with associates who have some experience in the area, even if they have been practicing primarily in another practice group.  For example, I recently worked with an associate who was coming from a split litigation/real estate practice, but who had enough transactional real estate experience that he was able to market himself as a real estate associate, and I was able to place him with a top firm.


By contrast, certain practice areas, like litigation, have not recovered nearly as well, and many of these associates are looking to transition to another practice area, and are wondering the best way they might go about this.  The most obvious strategy, which still bears stating, is that the associate needs to gain substantive experience in that practice area.  If your work area is slow, it may be possible to use this as an opportunity to transition.  You should aggressively make yourself available to partners in other practice areas that interest you.  If you are aware that corporate is going gangbusters, for example, and this is an area you might like to transition into, go and pay a visit to a partner in the group, and volunteer your time.  Politically, you need to be sensitive that this will not offend partners in your own group, of course.  Generally speaking, however, if they cannot keep you busy, it relieves your own work providers of pressure if you are taking the initiative to find other work.

Pro bono experience in your chosen field is also helpful, but it should ideally not be your only experience.  Again, any substantive skills you can gain and can put on your resume will help, and billable work shows that you are being taken seriously.

Understand that you may be asked to take a step back class-wise if you are transitioning to another practice area.  If you are interviewing with other firms, you should be flexible when asked what class year you consider yourself.

As a final note, remember that nothing is forever, and that you never know what practice areas are going to remain hot.  There is always the possibility that you will transition, only to find that area trending downward shortly after- many associates who transitioned from corporate into restructuring and bankruptcy found this out the hard way.  Much of it is a gamble, so research as much as possible, do your best to transition wisely, and hope that the market is on your side.
 

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

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Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.