How Can Government Attorneys Successsfully Transition Into BigLaw or Private Practice?

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See Related Articles:

• How Difficult Is It for Attorneys to Move from a Government Position to Law Firm Attorney Job?
• Public Interest and Government Careers and When to Apply
• Why Law Firms Do Not Like to Hire Attorneys From Most Practice Settings Other Than Law Firms

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I’ve spent most of my legal career working in government, and while I have solid litigation experience, I know I’m not a traditional BigLaw candidate. What are some unconventional ways I can demonstrate the value of my background—such as my impact litigation or regulatory experience—especially if law firms are looking for high-value skills beyond education? It’s true that moving from a government role into BigLaw—or any large law firm—can be difficult, but it’s not out of reach. You just have to understand the reality of how law firms think. Firms are businesses. They make money by billing hours, serving paying clients, and maintaining a certain rhythm and expectation of performance. Government work, while valuable, happens in a completely different setting. You’re not billing time to clients. You’re not measured by profitability. You’re often dealing with policy, impact, or public service. All of that is honorable—but from a law firm’s perspective, it doesn’t always translate easily to their world. That’s the obstacle.

But it’s not a dead end—it’s just a different path, and you have to be strategic about how you tell your story.


First, you need to reframe your background through the lens of value. Law firms don’t hire credentials—they hire problem-solvers. If you’ve led complex litigation, influenced regulations, worked with high-level agencies, or handled major investigations, those are high-value experiences. Frame them as such. Think like a law firm partner: How does this attorney help me serve clients? If you can tie your background to regulatory insight, deep subject-matter knowledge, or litigation strategy that a firm’s clients care about, you’re immediately more compelling.

Second, remember that some firms—and some markets—do value government experience highly. This is especially true in Washington, D.C., where regulatory, administrative, and policy-driven work is central to many firms. But even outside D.C., firms that handle government investigations, white collar matters, or public interest litigation often see government lawyers as assets. You have to target the right firms. Mass-mailing applications to firms that only do high-billing corporate work probably won’t go far. But if you research firms with government crossover and position yourself as a specialist in that area, you’ll have a better shot.

Third, don’t underestimate the power of storytelling in interviews and cover letters. You’re not a “nontraditional” candidate—you’re someone who chose a mission-driven path, gained deep experience, and now wants to apply that in a different context. Own that. Talk about your leadership, your judgment, the stakes you’ve navigated, and how those experiences shaped your perspective as an attorney. Many law firm partners are actually intrigued by candidates who bring something different to the table, if you can explain how it benefits them.

Lastly, be open to taking a stepping-stone approach. If BigLaw doesn’t bite right away, consider joining a boutique or mid-sized firm where your government background is highly relevant. Build private sector experience, learn the billing and client side of the business, and then reevaluate your options down the line. You don’t have to jump straight to the top.

In the end, it’s not about where you started—it’s about how you position where you’ve been and what you’re capable of doing next. That’s what law firms care about most

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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.