How Not to Get Pigeonholed Early in Legal Career - Paul Weiss Lawyers Explain the Reach of Restructuring Experience

 On professional anonymous networks Reddit and Fishbowl junior lawyers frequently lament how boxed in they are in their practices. Yet, those who understand the complexities of a successful career in law understand how difficult it is to pivot to another department within the firm or lateral to another.

A surprise navigation route might be to start a career or take a run during a career at restructuring. In an opinion piece in Bloomberg Law Paul Weiss co-chair of restructuring Brian Hermann and associate Shafaq Hasan explain the mobility embedded in that practice:

"Practicing restructuring law opens the door to significant growth opportunities. With both transactional and litigation aspects, restructuring offers a range of experiences and skill sets."

Operating in that function provides experience in M&A, tax, litigation and executive compensation. Here is how Paul Weiss positions and packages that transactional practice.

Of course, in a volatile global economy the demand for restructuring is bound to continue to grow. Paul Weiss' Brad Karp sized up that opportunity when voted in by partners to be chair in 2008. Back then Paul Weiss was essentially a powerhouse litigation firm for Wall Street. In adding on transactional services Karp started out with the high demand areas of restructuring and M&A. That lowered the risk. Today the firm provides a growing array of transactional services, including AI. 

The lesson here goes beyond a career in law. The market can change on a dime. Yes, the specialist was and is the most employable in myriad knowledge worker categories. The influencers earning the most with the least number of followers are the specialists.

However, as we observed in the massive layoff by iconic public relations firm Edelman, there is a new wrinkle in that: Clients coming for that expertise now simultaneously demand the other standard services provided by a full-service public relations firm. The specialists were axed. Here is my analysis of that trend, along with implications for careerists and those entering semiretirement. 

The culture of Paul Weiss has encouraged junior lawyers to seek out stretch assignments. One could be in restructuring.

Coach Jane Genova provides end-to-end services, ranging from diagnosis of the challenges and out-of-the-box strategies to preparation of resume/cover letters and how to gain control of an interview. For a confidential complimentary consultation please text/phone 203-468-8579 or email janegenova374@gmail.com. Fees custom-made for your unique budget.