Landing a Big Law Career in Washington DC
Breaking into Big Law in Washington DC takes strategic planning and insider knowledge. The DC legal market offers exceptional opportunities, but competition is fierce. Here's your roadmap to landing a coveted position at a top firm.
Understanding the DC Legal Market
Washington DC's legal market differs from other major cities. While New York focuses on finance and corporate law, DC emphasizes regulatory work, government relations, and policy matters. The city's proximity to federal agencies and Congress shapes the type of work and client relationships.
Top practice areas in DC include:
Government Relations
Regulatory Compliance
Antitrust
International Trade
White Collar Defense
Telecommunications
Educational Requirements
DC firms typically hire from top-tier law schools. But don't count yourself out if you attended a lower-ranked school. Strong academic performance, relevant experience, and specialized knowledge can offset school ranking.
Key academic factors include:
Class rank (aim for top 15%)
Law review or journal experience
Moot court participation
Relevant coursework in regulatory law
Building Your Experience
DC firms value government experience. Consider these stepping stones:
Summer Associate Programs
These remain the primary pipeline for entry-level positions. Apply early and widely to maximize your chances. Strong interview preparation is essential for securing these competitive spots.
Federal Agency Experience
Internships or clerkships at agencies like the SEC, FTC, or DOJ make you more attractive to firms handling related matters.
Judicial Clerkships
A federal clerkship, especially in the DC Circuit, opens many doors. Some firms offer clerkship bonuses.
Networking Strategies
DC's legal community is tight-knit. Build your network through:
Bar association events
Practice area committees
Alumni networks
Industry conferences
Pro bono work
Application Strategy
Your personal brand matters in applications. Focus on:
Resume
Highlight DC-relevant experience, regulatory knowledge, and leadership roles. Quantify achievements where possible.
Cover Letter
Demonstrate knowledge of the firm's DC practice areas and explain why you're specifically interested in their office.
Writing Samples
You’ll most likely need to present at least one writing sample from your professional career that showcases your skill and expertise as an attorney.
Interview Success
Successful interviews require thorough preparation:
Research firm-specific DC practices and recent cases
Prepare examples showing regulatory knowledge
Be ready to discuss policy issues in your practice areas
Show commitment to DC-based practice
Practice Area Selection
Choose practice areas matching DC's market needs:
Focus on regulatory-heavy practices
Consider growing areas like privacy law or fintech
Look for practices with government agency overlap
Lateral Moves
If you're making a lateral move to DC:
Build DC-relevant experience at your current firm
Develop relationships with DC offices of your firm
Consider temporary government service
Join DC-focused bar associations
Compensation and Expectations
DC Big Law offers competitive compensation but demands high performance:
Market-rate salaries ($215,000+ for first-years)
Billable requirements (often 2000+ hours)
Client development expectations
Pro bono commitments
Long-term Career Planning
Plan your career trajectory:
Build expertise in DC-specific practice areas
Consider government service opportunities
Develop policy expertise
Build relationships with federal agencies
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't derail your chances by:
Applying too narrowly within one practice area
Neglecting DC-specific networking
Overlooking regulatory experience opportunities
Failing to research firm-specific DC practices
Landing a Big Law position in DC requires focused effort and strategic planning. Start early, build relevant experience, and leverage every opportunity to demonstrate your value to DC firms. The competition is tough, but with the right preparation and approach, you can secure your place in Washington's legal elite.
