L&E Lateral Market: A Dynamic Landscape of Opportunities
Our twelve-month snapshot of transitions through June 2024 demonstrates that the labor and employment legal sector is experiencing significant talent reshuffling, with approximately 825 lateral associate moves. This surge in attorney mobility paints a vivid picture of a highly competitive talent market.
Major metropolitan centers are leading this trend, with Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco emerging as the primary hubs of activity. These cities, along with Chicago and Washington D.C., are witnessing a flurry of moves while the firms most actively involved in this talent exchange are often the same on both sides of the equation. The large L&E specialty firms such as Jackson Lewis PC, Ogletree Deakins, Littler Mendelson, and Fisher Phillips are seeing significant numbers of both arrivals and departures. This two-way flow suggests a robust market where attorneys have a spectrum of new opportunities and firms are actively reshaping their talent pools.
The data reveals a particularly active market for mid-level associates. Graduates from 2018 to 2022 account for the majority of moves, with the class of 2020 leading the pack. However, the substantial movement among senior associates (classes of 2014-2017) indicates that this experience is also highly valued and needed.
In terms of specialties, litigation continues to dominate the field, followed closely by wage and hour issues, class actions, and immigration law. This diverse range of in-demand skills reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of modern labor and employment law.
As we analyze these trends, it's clear that factors such as changing workplace dynamics, evolving regulations, and the ongoing ripple effects of recent global events on employment practices create an abundance of opportunities for ambitious L&E associates seeking to level up their practice with groups who are highly regarded for their abilities to help clients navigate this dynamic landscape.
Here's a summary of the key trends:
Number of Lateral Moves:
Through June 2024, there are approximately 825 lateral associate moves in the labor and employment practice.
Markets with Most Movement:
Los Angeles
New York
San Francisco
Chicago
Washington D.C.
Firms with Most Hires:
Jackson Lewis PC
Ogletree Deakins
Littler Mendelson PC
Fisher Phillips
Gordon & Rees LLP
Firms with Most Departures:
Jackson Lewis PC
Littler Mendelson PC
Ogletree Deakins
Fisher Phillips
Fragomen
Most Active Specialties:
Litigation
Wage & Hour
Class Action
Immigration
Class Year Trends:
Most active class years (in descending order):
2020 (183 moves)
2019 (167 moves)
2018 (166 moves)
2021 (178 moves)
2022 (157 moves)
Senior Associates (2014-2017) also showed significant movement:
2017 (128 moves)
2016 (84 moves)
2015 (79 moves)
2014 (56 moves)
7. Current Demand
There are over 400 active needs in the L&E space. Overall, mid-level associates are in the highest demand, with a strong focus on litigation and counseling skills across various aspects of labor and employment law. There's a significant demand for attorneys with NLRB experience nationwide, and immigration-specific roles are prevalent, especially in California
Markets with the most opportunities:
Los Angeles/Orange County, California
San Francisco/Silicon Valley, California
New York City, New York
Chicago, Illinois
Washington D.C./Northern Virginia
Experience level breakdown:
Junior level (1-3 years): Approximately 115 opportunities
Mid-level (4-6 years): Approximately 160 opportunities
Senior level (7+ years): Approximately 25 opportunities
Most in-demand specialties:
Litigation
Counseling
Wage & Hour
Class Action
NLRB (National Labor Relations Board)
EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)
7. Immigration
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act)
Investigations
Are you interested in exploring Labor and Employment Associate opportunities? Contact one of our seasoned consultants to discuss the market.