Career Center: State of the Market - Washington, D.C.

Last week, we discussed the end of the legal recession, and we made some predictions about 2012. Many of you were interested in more information on your specific market, so today, we’re launching a new Career Center series: “State of the Market.”

Over the coming weeks, we will discuss hiring prospects in major legal markets based on analysis by Lateral Link‘s recruiting team.

We start with our nation’s capitol, Washington, D.C….

As we climb out of the recession, D.C. continues to be one of the healthiest lateral associate markets. After a dismal 2009, 2010 was a solid year for recruiting here. And 2011 was even better.

As in 2010, litigation, intellectual property, and corporate were the three practice areas with most lateral activity.

Corporate hiring was relatively steady over the four quarters. IP hiring increased rapidly, with twice as many openings in the second quarter as in the first. The surge continued all year, as the third and fourth quarters each saw three times the number of IP openings as the first quarter.

Litigation led all other practices in each quarter, and even saw a final hiring bump at the end of the year.

As in 2010, the second half of 2011 was just as busy, if not busier, than the first. This new “trend” runs counter to historical patterns, when most of the lateral activity occurred in the first two quarters, as associates collected their bonus checks and sought greener pastures. Firms worked to fill those holes through spring.

So far, 2012 looks to be on par with 2011. Even if economic growth remains flat, firms will still need to replace mid-level associates who opt out of Biglaw or who find a better fit across the street, or across the country. Bottom line, there are almost always opportunities for candidates with strong credentials and solid experience, especially in D.C.

This State of the Market report was prepared by Lateral Link’s Jordan Abshire. For more information, please contact Jordan at jabshire@laterallink.com.