American Lawyer: Why Financial Regulation Is Big Law's Newest Battleground

The American Lawyer tapped Macrae recruiters Rose Corbett (NYC) and Rachel Nonaka (D.C.) for their insight into why law firms are eager to add lateral partners and senior government attorneys in the financial regulatory space.

Here’s a glimpse of what they shared:

There is “unmet demand” for sophisticated regulatory attorneys, said Rose Corbett, a New York-based legal recruiter at Macrae, who pointed to the crypto winter as one driver of demand, which is putting a new emphasis on building compliance programs.

“We’re seeing firms that are well-balanced are able to ride out market conditions,” Corbett added. “Many firms are firing up their engines for regulatory work with new hires for that reason. Meanwhile, firms that are already established in financial regulation are enjoying a lot of business.”

Corbett’s colleague, Rachel Nonaka, noted that senior government officials are in high demand despite a bigger emphasis on a portable book of business because of their unique expertise.

“Senior government officials are often the exception to this, as firms anticipate/expect the government experience will be attractive to clients and generate new work,” Nonaka said. “Recently, during the interview process, we have seen firms really probe government candidates as to their ability to be entrepreneurial. Firms are hoping the candidate will hustle to generate new work, quickly.”

We encourage you to read the article in full here: Why Financial Regulation Is Big Law's Newest Battleground