How Attorneys Can Successfully Switch Practice Areas

 

The Specialized Nature of Law Practice

In large law firms, attorneys are often hired for their expertise in a specific practice area. These firms, particularly those in big law, rely on their attorneys to be specialists, providing clients with deep knowledge and experience in niche areas. For example, a corporate attorney in a large New York firm might focus exclusively on capital markets or mergers and acquisitions (M&A), without touching other corporate work. This specialization is one of the reasons clients are willing to pay high fees—they expect a level of expertise that only comes from deep, focused experience.

Because of this, transitioning to a different practice area within such a firm can be extremely difficult. Clients expect their legal representatives to be highly specialized, and law firms are generally reluctant to hire or even retain attorneys who do not fit this mold.
 

• For a deeper breakdown of whether switching internally or joining a new firm is viable, see the definitive guide to switching practice areas.

 

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See Related Articles:

• How to Find Your Ideal Practice Area
• BCG Attorney Search’s Quick Reference Guide to Legal Practice Areas
• Likely Ranking of Attorneys in Different Practice Areas
• Is Changing Practice Areas within a Law Firm a Good Move

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Common Motivations for Switching Practice Areas

Attorneys may want to switch practice areas for a variety of reasons. Some discover that their initial choice of practice does not suit their interests or strengths. Others might be drawn to a different area after exposure to it, perhaps through a case or client that piqued their interest. However, a significant number of attorneys who seek to switch practice areas do so out of dissatisfaction, hoping that a change in focus will renew their passion for the law.
 

• Exploring the rationale for firm transitions, this linked analysis outlines the three compelling reasons to switch law firms.

 

Despite these motivations, it is important to understand that dissatisfaction in one practice area might not necessarily be resolved by switching to another. In some cases, the underlying issue is not the practice area itself, but rather a broader discontent with the legal profession as a whole.
 

• When dissatisfaction goes beyond practice focus, Should You Quit the Practice of Law? A Comprehensive Exploration considers whether leaving law is the right move.

 

Challenges of Switching Practice Areas

The difficulties attorneys face when trying to switch practice areas are numerous. First and foremost is the issue of expertise. An attorney with years of experience in litigation, for example, may be seen as a "first-year associate" if they try to move into a transactional area like corporate or real estate. This is because the skills required for these different practice areas can be vastly different, and firms are unlikely to invest the time and resources needed to train an attorney in a completely new area.
 

• To understand practical steps in making a move, this section could reference how lawyers can change practice areas in a firm emphasizing study, mentorship, and networking as key strategies.

 

Moreover, the marketability of an attorney is often tied to their experience in a specific practice area. Law firms, particularly those hiring laterally, are looking for candidates who can immediately add value in their existing practice. This makes it difficult for attorneys to switch practice areas, especially when trying to do so through traditional recruiting methods.
 

• If you want a solid foundation before making a move, see this comprehensive overview of key legal practice areas.

 

Possible Paths to Making the Switch

Despite these challenges, there are potential paths for attorneys who are determined to switch practice areas:

1. Transitioning Within the Same Firm: Some attorneys have successfully switched practice areas within their existing firms. This usually requires the attorney to have built a strong reputation in their current area, making them valuable enough that the firm is willing to accommodate their request. In some cases, attorneys may start by taking on work in the new area alongside their current duties, gradually making the transition.

2. Moving to a Smaller Firm: Attorneys may find it easier to switch practice areas by moving to a smaller firm. Smaller firms tend to require their attorneys to be more generalist, handling a variety of matters rather than specializing in one narrow area. This can provide an opportunity for attorneys to gain experience in a new practice area that would be difficult to enter in a larger firm.

3. Switching Markets: Moving to a smaller legal market can also increase the chances of successfully switching practice areas. In smaller markets, there is often less competition for positions, and firms may be more willing to hire attorneys with less experience in the desired practice area, especially if the attorney has strong overall credentials.

4. Targeting In-Demand Practice Areas: Another strategy is to focus on practice areas that are in high demand. For example, when the economy is strong, corporate law is often in high demand, and firms may be more open to hiring attorneys from other practice areas. However, even in such cases, the transition is challenging, and success is not guaranteed.

5. Shifting to Consumer-Facing Firms: Attorneys who want to switch practice areas might also consider moving to firms that cater to individuals rather than large corporations. For example, a litigator might transition into trusts and estates or consumer bankruptcy, where the skills required are somewhat different, and firms may be more flexible in their hiring criteria. These positions, however, often come with lower compensation compared to corporate-focused firms.
 

• See Also: It’s also important to recognize when the timing may no longer work in your favor—this article outlines scenarios when it may be too late to switch practice areas.

 

Success Stories: Exceptions, Not the Rule

While the challenges are significant, there are examples of attorneys who have successfully switched practice areas. One such example is a patent attorney who transitioned into environmental law after persistent efforts and a willingness to move markets—from Silicon Valley to Sacramento. Another is a litigator who successfully moved into corporate law within his existing firm after extensive networking and proving his value. Attorneys unsure of their long-term path may find 15 Reasons Law Firm Attorneys Should Not Look for New Jobs valuable in understanding why job-hopping rarely solves underlying career questions.

• Considering a change? This resource lays out the practical steps when you want to change practice areas.

 

These stories, however, are exceptions rather than the rule. Success in switching practice areas often requires a combination of factors: a willingness to relocate, a flexible attitude towards compensation, strong networking skills, and a bit of luck.
 

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See Related Articles:

• Comprehensive Overview of Key Legal Practice Areas
• How Attorneys Can Switch Legal Practice Areas: The Definitive Guide to Switching Legal Practice Areas for Attorneys
• So You Want to Switch Practice Groups?
• BigLaw Associate Thinking of Changing Practice Areas
• How to Successfully Transition Between Small Law Firms and BigLaw
• Strategies for Attorneys Transitioning to More Prestigious Law Firms
• How to Move Your Career to Another City

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Final Thoughts: Considerations Before Making the Switch

Before attempting to switch practice areas, it is important for attorneys to carefully consider their motivations and the realities of the legal market. Switching practice areas is not impossible, but it is difficult, and the road is fraught with challenges. Attorneys should weigh their options, perhaps exploring opportunities within their current firms or considering moves to smaller firms or markets where their chances of success might be higher. In some cases, attorneys not only change practice focus but also return to larger firms—this video explains how that process works:
Transitioning Back Up-Market in Firm Size

• Before switching practice areas, attorneys can benefit from reviewing Navigating Career Transitions: When and Why Attorneys Should Consider Moving Between Law Firms for additional guidance on career moves.

 

Ultimately, the decision to switch practice areas should be made with a clear understanding of the potential risks and rewards. For some, the challenge may be worth it, leading to a more fulfilling career in a practice area that better aligns with their interests and goals. For others, the difficulties might outweigh the benefits, leading them to either find ways to make their current practice area more fulfilling or to consider alternative career paths outside of traditional law practice. Law firms that encourage flexibility, like Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, empower attorneys to thrive in new areas.

• The example of LeClairRyan pursuing opportunities in a dynamic legal environment demonstrates how practice diversification can be a survival strategy.

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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.