Thinking of leaving government for private practice? Discover what to expect, key challenges, and how to successfully make the transition as a lawyer.
Thinking of leaving government for private practice? Discover what to expect, key challenges, and how to successfully make the transition as a lawyer.
A growing number of federal and state attorneys are exploring law firm roles — some by choice, others due to layoffs or shifting agency priorities. If you’re considering a move, you may be wondering:
This guide breaks down the key differences between public and private sector legal work, the biggest challenges attorneys face when making the shift, and proven strategies to position yourself for success in today’s competitive legal market.
Work Environment and Culture
Government work often prioritizes policy implementation and public interest outcomes. In contrast, private practice is driven by client relationships, efficiency, and profitability. Autonomy in choosing cases and clients can be a new (and often welcome) experience, but it comes with added business considerations and client-facing responsibilities.
Pace and Workload
Private firms typically move at a faster pace, with more urgent timelines, tighter deadlines, and heightened responsiveness to client demands. The rhythm of the workday - and expectations for availability - may differ significantly from the public sector.
Performance Metrics
In government roles, success might be measured by legal soundness, policy alignment, or caseloads closed. In private practice, business development, client retention, and revenue generation are primary performance indicators. Understanding these metrics is key to adjusting expectations and redefining professional goals.
Skill Transferability
Public sector attorneys often underestimate how valuable their skills are in private practice. Deep legal research, regulatory fluency, and public-facing communication are all highly transferable. The key is learning to frame these abilities in ways that resonate with private clients.
Networking and Brand Building
Many government attorneys have not had to build a personal client base. Moving into private practice means proactively creating professional connections, finding mentors, and beginning to market one’s services - skills that can feel foreign at first but are essential to success.
Cultural Adjustment
Transitioning into a modern private firm can require learning new technologies, remote collaboration tools, and internal workflows. It also means adapting to a more entrepreneurial environment, where your success is tied not just to your legal skill but also to your ability to generate business, work effectively in teams and deliver results that will advance a client’s business.
Self-Assessment
Begin by reflecting on your core strengths, ideal practice areas, and long-term goals. What clients or industries do you want to serve? What do you enjoy most about legal work?
Skill Development
Be prepared to invest time in learning business development best practices, legal technology platforms, and efficient communication practices. Mastering these tools will make you more agile and better equipped to integrate into a fast-paced firm environment.
Networking
Engage with professional associations, attend industry events, reach out to law school classmates, and connect with private sector attorneys. Let people know you’re exploring private practice - many are happy to offer guidance and referrals or indicate that they would like to engage your services if you made the switch to private practice.
Tailored Application Materials
Your resume and cover letter should emphasize impact. Highlight your decision-making, negotiation, and case management skills, and show how they apply to private sector work. If you managed teams or led cross-agency projects, mention those leadership experiences, too.
Understanding Ethical Considerations
Familiarize yourself with any restrictions related to your government service, such as conflicts of interest, cooling-off periods, or confidentiality rules. Be prepared to navigate these boundaries in early client engagements.
From Federal Prosecutor to Private Practice Leader
At Scale LLP, former DOJ attorney Samer Korkor successfully pivoted into white collar defense and civil litigation, using his prosecutorial experience to build trust with corporate and individual clients. His approach combined clarity, responsiveness, and a focus on outcomes - earning repeat business and high-profile referrals.
From Agency Leadership to Private Practice with Public Overlay
Scale attorney, Jacqueline Post Ladha, transitioned from a senior agency role by leveraging deep transactional and in-house experience, in which she has led high-stakes, complex deals nationwide with precision and strategic insight. By building a niche practice, staying active in key industry circles, and cultivating trusted relationships, she has shaped a private practice that is both high-impact and aligned with her personal and professional values.
See how attorneys are thriving at Scale LLP
A transition from government to the private sector will have its challenges - and also real opportunities. Whether you’re navigating a layoff or exploring a new chapter, your government experience is a powerful asset that can bring unique value to the private sector.
At Scale LLP, we’ve seen firsthand how public service lawyers can thrive when they have the right support: a collaborative culture, modern tools, and a flexible model that respects their expertise and time. Your next move doesn't have to be just a job search — it can be the start of something more fulfilling.
See more attorney success stories here.
