Executive Overview

The corporate legal market is experiencing dynamic movement YTD in 2024, with 2,400 associate transitions nationwide and 167 in the DC market alone. M&A, private equity, and capital markets practices remain cornerstone opportunities in the current market.

Market Leaders & Movement Patterns

Top Recruiting Firms

• Kirkland & Ellis LLP (50+ hires) - Known for elite PE/M&A practice

• Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (30+ hires) - Premier capital markets/PE platform

• Paul, Weiss (25+ hires) - Strong M&A/securities practice

• Goodwin Procter LLP (20+ hires) - Leading PE/technology platform

Firms with most CORPORATE ASSOCIATE departures

• Kirkland & Ellis LLP

• Goodwin Procter LLP

• Latham & Watkins LLP

• Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Key Geographic Markets

• New York

• Boston

• Chicago

• Houston

• San Francisco/Silicon Valley

• Washington DC

Current Market Dynamics

Associate Experience Level Demand

The highest concentration of movement occurs among associates with 2-5 years of experience, particularly classes 2019-2021. This trend reflects firms' strong appetite for mid-level talent with established expertise.

High-Demand Practice Areas Deep Dive

1. Private Equity Opportunities

• Leveraged buyout transactions

• Portfolio company representation

• Fund formation and structuring

• Family office transactions

• Mezzanine financing

• Current salary ranges for active roles: $275,000-$435,000

2. M&A Practice Highlights

• Public company transactions

• Strategic acquisitions

• Joint ventures

• Cross-border deals

• Industry focus opportunities in technology, life sciences & health care

• Current salary ranges for active roles: $180,000-$345,000

3. Capital Markets Focus

• Public securities offerings

• Exchange listings

• Public company reporting

• Securities regulation

• Current salary ranges for active roles: $170,000-$345,000

Current Opportunities: DC Market Highlights

• 60+ active corporate opportunities in DC/Tysons Corner

• Multiple PE/M&A positions at market-leading firms

• Strong demand for capital markets expertise

• Growing technology and life sciences transaction practices

How Your Firm Measures Up: Retention Insights and Market Position

Five-year associate retention rates show significant variation:

• Manatt: 45%

• Am Law 50 Average: 62%

• Am Law 51-100 Average: 61%

• Am Law 101-200 Average: 60%

• Non-Am Law Average: 68%

Notable Market OPPORTUNITIES

• M&A Associates (Classes 2017-2020): $310,000-$435,000

• Private Equity Fund Formation (Class of 2018+): $390,000-$435,000

• Securities/Capital Markets (2019-2021): $260,000-$365,000

This data suggests opportunities for strategic moves to firms with stronger retention rates.

Strategic Considerations for Candidates

Optimal Timing for Transitions

• M&A: Sweet spot for transitions is 3-7 years

• Private Equity: Highest demand at 4-7 years

• Capital Markets: Strong market for 2-5 year associates

Current Active Searches

1. M&A Opportunities

• Multiple firms seeking 3-7 years experience

• Deal management experience highly valued

• Public company M&A expertise in particular demand

• Technology and life sciences sector focus

2. Private Equity Positions

• Strong demand for 4th-5th year attorneys

• Leveraged buyout experience crucial

• Fund formation expertise highly valued

• Family office experience a differentiator

3. Capital Markets Roles

• Public company reporting expertise needed

• Securities compliance experience valued

• Underwriter-side experience beneficial

• Cross-border capabilities advantageous

Looking Ahead

The market remains robust for M&A, private equity, and capital markets associates, with particular strength in:

• Technology sector transactions

• Life sciences and health care deals

• Cross-border capabilities

• Public company work

• Private equity transactions

This analysis reflects current market conditions as of early 2024 and is based on comprehensive data tracking of lateral movements and active opportunities across major markets. The strong demand for M&A, PE, and capital markets expertise suggests continued opportunity for strategic career moves.