In a similar position as OP and similar (though not the same) practice area/class year. I have to imagine there is a decent mid-sized/small firm/boutique market in DC, yet whenever I talk to recruiters all I hear is "firms don't really hire at your level - we have an opening at Skadden though." I'm in Boston biglaw and not interested in going to another biglaw firm so senior because chances are they'd give me 1-2 yrs to make partner, I wouldn't, and then I'd be out. I'd rather transition straight to a mid/small firm which may not be "up and out." Any thoughts on how to even tap into that market? In a city like DC, it has to exist but I'm not even seeing postings on linkedin and any DC biglaw atty I talk to usually says "gee - I don't know, I have been at Gibson Dunn my whole life." Am I missing something?

Anonymous wrote:Will you need to pay for childcare out of that?

Why are you asking that?

Any salary - OP's, her DH's, or any other parent's - will need to have childcare expenses factored in.

There is a good market for insurance coverage counsel in DC -- always is. But I think you would need to be interested in an of counsel position.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The law firm market is generally only "great" here if you went to a top school, because everyone from a top school seems to want to work here - the wall street for lawyers per se. If you went to an okay school, you might find a job with an "okay" firm but maybe not for $120. In-house would be your best option in that case, and it's my understanding that those jobs are very hard to come by unless, again, your resume is awesome like a top school or top firm or a firm known for the industry.

School is rarely relevant as far out as the OP is.

It is always relevant.

Anonymous wrote:The law firm market is generally only "great" here if you went to a top school, because everyone from a top school seems to want to work here - the wall street for lawyers per se. If you went to an okay school, you might find a job with an "okay" firm but maybe not for $120. In-house would be your best option in that case, and it's my understanding that those jobs are very hard to come by unless, again, your resume is awesome like a top school or top firm or a firm known for the industry.

School is rarely relevant as far out as the OP is.

or if you know someone = bingo you are in wherever.

The law firm market is generally only "great" here if you went to a top school, because everyone from a top school seems to want to work here - the wall street for lawyers per se. If you went to an okay school, you might find a job with an "okay" firm but maybe not for $120. In-house would be your best option in that case, and it's my understanding that those jobs are very hard to come by unless, again, your resume is awesome like a top school or top firm or a firm known for the industry.

Commercial litigation, insurance coverage.

You are at a good point in your career to consider in-house, if you are so inclined, and Washington is a GREAT city for that with all our associations, tech companies in Va. and MoCounty, defense companies, etc.

Something to think about if your practice area matches up.

What's your specialty?

Yes, but my husband's new position pays well, so I'm not as worried about the salary, more just that I will be able to find something.

Will you need to pay for childcare out of that?

I'm looking for $120+

I would imagine it depends on what salary range you expect.

I am currently a practicing 7th year associate at a mid sized firm in Philadelphia. My husband was just offered a new position in DC and we will mostly likely be relocating in the next few months. I am just wondering about the current market for attorneys in DC right now and about how long it will take me to find a new position? Any input would be greatly appreciated!