How a Select Few Mid-Market Firms Beat Big Law in the Race for Government Talent

Law.com (August 20, 2021) The revolving door between government and Big Law is a well-known phenomenon. But when it comes to seeking out talent from the Halls of Power, Big Law is usually the big winner. Yet recent data analysis shows that there are a few key firms in the middle market that have found great success in finding and retaining talent from the Federal government. Amarveer Brar, an associate at Allen Matkins, spent three years in Washington in the DOJ’s environment and natural resources division before transferring to the civil division of U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles. Brar said his time in public service equipped him with skills and experience that would have been more difficult to obtain at an early stage compared to if he started his career in private practice. But as rewarding as the civil division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office was—representing the government in a broad array of matters—Brar wanted to return to the practice area closest to his interests. “I’ve always considered myself a land use and environmental lawyer,” he said. “I really didn’t think about firm size and was looking at everything from Big Law to boutiques. What was important to me was that the firm had an excellent reputation for real estate generally, and land use and environmental practices in particular,” said Brar. “Allen Matkins was one of those firms that’s always been on my radar.”

“Being a leading real estate and business law firm, Allen Matkins frequently negotiates and partners with public agencies on behalf of our clients in order to move projects and cases forward,” said Jeffrey Patterson, managing partner at Allen Matkins. “We welcome the talent and experience that come with attorneys such as Amarveer who can provide hands-on knowledge of government policies.” Read More (subscription required)