Lawyers - what is it like to work at an association?

[Anonymous]

Can anyone share what it's like to work as a lawyer at a trade association, and what it's like to get hired?

I am a mid-level attorney with a varied background that I think could make me a good match for trade associations (some govt relations, a stint doing regulatory and enforcement work at an agency relevant to a lot of industries, good academic credentials). What I don't have is any big law experience - would that be a huge detriment?

I think it might be something I would enjoy too, since I like helping clients and reading the federal register ... So I think I would be good at/enjoy helping an industry interface with dc. Not looking for an actual Hill lobbying job, though - would prefer to work with agencies.

[Anonymous]

The trade ass'n I used to work for tended to hire either from the agency it dealt with or sometimes from the law firm it used as outside counsel.

[Anonymous]

It's good, although you will have to fend off constant demands from members to do their individual legal work. Maybe that's just my members.