Questions about Assistant District Attorney, to law firm…..?
Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at
5:04 pm
Hi!
I am thinking about becoming a lawyer. I have a question, however.
Would an Assistant District Attorney who switched to a private practice (a prestigious firm) have a better chance of making partner compared to the lawyers who went online drugs without prescription to the firm straight out of law school?
Thanks!
Of course it’s hard to say without knowing the "prestigious firm", but generally yes. At a large firm, new attorneys seldom go to court for 3-5 years. If you’ve been an ADA, you will have been to Court more frequently than any of the other associates. If there’s an emergency and someone needs to fill in–they’ll look to you first. You’ll also know the judges better and, if the firm does criminal defense, no one is as skilled as an ex-prosecutor.
He would certainly have the advantage of practical experience compared to someone who is fresh out of law school. If the firm specialized in Criminal Defense, then his experience would put him far ahead of those who did not have the same amount of experience. Also he would have made contacts during his career as ADA, and based on his performance as ADA, the firm may have extended an invitation to him to join the firm. His performance at the firm would be taken into consideration when and if they decided to offer him a partnership.