Swan Legal Search

According to a survey of more than 400 lawyers conducted by Fulbright & Jaworski, regulation could be a huge driver of more work for attorneys in the next 12 months.

It seems that most of those surveyed thought that litigation would increase in the near future, although the answers about why the litigation would increase varied. More regulation, company growth and the poor economy where several of the top answers.

Among the respondents, regulations have caused more of them to retain outside legal counsel in 2011 than in 2010.  And, the trend is predicted to continue.  Approximately  1/3 of U.S. respondents expect litigation to increase next year. By sector, both insurance and energy led the way in expecting an increase in regulatory proceedings.

For you, the litigation attorney, this is great news!  If the respondents of this survey are correct, litigation opportunities will increase throughout 2012.  If you’re ready for a jump to a new firm or a new practice area, please contact us.

McDermott Will & Emery has been hiring intellectual property attorneys like it’s going out of style, and they aren’t alone!  The firm is rapidly expanding its patent prosecution practice, and law firms all around California seem to be following suit.  In the last few weeks Jones Day has announced new hires, as has VLP law Group.  Delia Swan, owner of Swan Legal Search, assures us that more of this trend is on the way.

“It’s true that we’re seeing an increase in intellectual property positions throughout the state,” Swan said.  “This is an area of law that we don’t see slowing down anytime soon.”  In particular, Swan said, she is seeing a lot of positions for lawyers who have experience with the technology sector in the Silicon Valley area.

“From what we at Swan Legal Search have seen, IP attorneys are more in demand now than they have been at any time in the last few years.  This is great news for patent attorneys and other IP lawyers who have an EE, CS or physics background.”  Just a quick review of the search engines for IP jobs produces a slew of recent hires and need-to-hires.

“This is a very exciting time for attorneys.  We are starting to see a real increase in jobs across the state,” Swan said.  “It appears that California lawyers have something to celebrate – finally!”

So, what does this mean for you?  If you have patent and IP experience, now is the time to start thinking about making a move.  There are definitely jobs to be had, and firms are ready to hire.  Be sure to get your resume in order, brush up on your interviewing skills and don’t forget to contact us.  We’re in the know about IP jobs throughout the state, and we’re here to help you get the job you’ve always wanted!