Lawyer Switching Practice Area after 8 Years

[Anonymous]

I am an 8th year attorney (partnership is not on the table) and have recently been thinking about trying to find a position in a different firm in a different field of law. I would be willing to take a few steps back, year-wise, as far as salary is concerned. Does anyone have any experience doing this, or know someone who did? Just wondering how hard it is to do something like this, since I've already been practicing 8-years.

[Anonymous]

It depends on what you have been doing and what you are thinking of doing. Certain niche areas are hot. Others are saturated. It also depends on your contacts.

[Anonymous]

What niches are hot?

[Anonymous]

What niches are hot?

[Anonymous]

IP is hot; bankruptcy used to be hot but seems to be waning as the economy improves. I think things like general lit are over-saturated but I have heard disagreement on that.

[Anonymous]

Why do you think after 8 years of practice that you will be more successful in another area of law? I would want a solid answer to that question before I was willing to hire you. I also would expect you to take about five steps back in terms of compensation. If you have no expertise in this new area of law, I doubt I can bill you out as more than a 3rd year associate.

[Anonymous]

I would talk to a firm that does legal recruiting OP such as Major Africa. As you know, times are tough at law firms, so this might not be the best time to change practice areas. You might have to re-invent yourself a little by getting experience in a new area. You could do this by working on Capitol Hill on a committee or by working for the feds in a new issue area. Then, you'd be highly desirable in a few areas by another firm. You could also take a leave from your firm and clerk for a judge and gain new knowledge in a topic area.