This is the latest update on lateral partner and counsel moves in the Washington, D.C. area. The data included in these reports is primarily derived from Firm Prospects LLC. For more details and analysis, including a list of laterals for the month, please contact Steve Nelson.
Lateral hiring in DC declined in October, as 48 partner and counsel moves were reported, down from 70 in September. There were 45 moves reported in October 2023.
At the same time, firms continued to be active in hiring top lawyers from the government. More than a third of the 48 moves in October (17) came from the government. The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission were each the source of three of those laterals; other agencies represented included the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and the Department of the Treasury. In addition, four lawyers from Capitol Hill joined law firms (two each from the House and the Senate).
Four lawyers came from in-house positions, down from 14 in September.
Three group moves were reported in September. The largest involved a six-lawyer team of E-Discovery and Litigation Management practitioners who left Sidley Austin to join the boutique firm Redgrave LLP. Other groups moving in October were a two-lawyer Intellectual Property group that joined Covington & Burling from Willkie Farr & Gallagher and a two-lawyer Litigation group that left Paul Hastings for Linklaters.
Other firms reported multiple hires included:
- Kirkland & Ellis
- McGuireWoods
- Paul Hastings
- Polsinelli
- Womble Bond Dickinson
Thirteen of the movers (27.1 percent) were women, with 7 (53.8 percent) entering as partners. That compared to 24 of the 35 men (68.6 percent) who joined their new firms as partners.
Litigation was the leading practice area represented, with 14 moves. Other active practice areas included White Collar/Investigations (7), Antitrust (6), Intellectual Property (5), International Trade (3), and Energy (3).
With the election behind us, the political landscape is about to shift significantly. Many lobbyists will transition into new roles. Some will be tapped for positions in the incoming administration or will take on leadership roles in Congress, leaving key vacancies behind.
Are you prepared for this rapid transition?
The McCormick’s Group’s Government Affairs team can help. We bring extensive experience and a deep network and are uniquely positioned to help you secure top talent in this highly competitive environment.
If you are interested in expanding or strengthening your team, please contact David Ris.
