Big Law Firms Actively Hiring Government Lawyers Amid 2025 Transition
By Legal Affairs Correspondent
Published August 15, 2025
Washington, D.C. – As the federal workforce undergoes significant upheaval following the 2024 presidential election, Big Law firms in Washington, D.C., and beyond are capitalizing on a wave of government attorneys seeking private-sector opportunities. A combination of policy shifts, layoffs, and job insecurity has driven a surge in applications from former federal lawyers, particularly from agencies like the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Federal Trade Commission (FTC). However, firms are proceeding cautiously, prioritizing strategic hires with specialized expertise or high-profile credentials, according to industry recruiters and recent data.
A Surge in Government Talent
Since President Donald Trump’s re-election in November 2024, a notable exodus of government attorneys has reshaped the legal job market. The Firm Prospects report highlights that, since November 1, 2024, Jenner & Block has led the pack with six hires from federal roles, followed closely by DLA Piper and Paul Hastings, each with five. Other prominent firms, including Crowell & Moring, Kirkland & Ellis, Akin Gump, Freshfields, Greenberg Traurig, King & Spalding, Weil Gotshal & Manges, and Winston & Strawn, have each onboarded three to four government attorneys, leveraging their regulatory and litigation expertise to bolster practice areas like white-collar defense, antitrust, and compliance.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has seen the highest number of departures, with 24 attorneys moving to private practice, followed by the DOJ with 19 and the SEC with 12, according to Firm Prospects. Other agencies, including the Department of State, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and Internal Revenue Service, have also reported significant transitions. High-profile hires include:
- Lisa Brown, former General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Education, joining WilmerHale’s Education Practice and Crisis Management Group.
- Lisa Miller, former Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the DOJ, moving to Sidley Austin’s White Collar Defense and Investigations group.
- Sanjay Wadhwa, former Acting Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, joining Weil Gotshal as a partner in Securities Litigation and White Collar Defense.
- Robert Hur, former DOJ Special Counsel, hired by King & Spalding for its government investigations practice.
Driving Forces Behind the Trend
The influx stems from aggressive federal workforce restructuring, including President Trump’s February 2025 directive to terminate all remaining U.S. attorneys appointed under the prior administration and cost-cutting measures led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). These policies have resulted in layoffs, program defunding, and voluntary exits due to job insecurity. Bloomberg Law reports that D.C. firms are “inundated” with resumes from agencies like the IRS, FTC, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, with recruiters noting at least double the usual applicant volume.
However, the hiring landscape is complicated by political and economic uncertainties. Some firms are hesitant to hire attorneys perceived as “scorned” by the current administration, fearing they may be ineffective in government-facing roles or attract retaliation against clients. Rachel Nonaka of Macrae noted to the National Law Journal that firms are wary of candidates whose networks are tied to the previous administration, as this could limit their immediate value. Additionally, executive orders targeting firms like Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, and WilmerHale for their past representation in high-profile cases have created a “chilling effect,” prompting some to scale back hiring to avoid government scrutiny.
Strategic Hiring Priorities
Despite the flood of applicants, Big Law firms are selective, prioritizing candidates with specialized expertise or leadership credentials. “Firms are being more cautious with their investment dollars. They want candidates who are really going to move the needle,” said Lauren Drake of Macrae. Areas of high demand include:
- White-Collar Defense and Investigations: Firms like Sidley Austin and Latham & Watkins are seeking attorneys with DOJ or SEC experience to navigate complex regulatory and criminal matters.
- Antitrust and Competition: Milbank and Skadden have hired former FTC and DOJ antitrust attorneys, such as Mark Seidman and James Fredricks, to strengthen their practices amid heightened scrutiny of corporate mergers.
- Regulatory and Compliance: McDermott Will & Emery is targeting talent in healthcare, privacy, and regulatory work to meet client needs in evolving sectors.
- Tax and Procurement: Firms like Kostelanetz LLP are hiring IRS veterans to address growing demand in payroll taxes, cryptocurrency, and state and local tax issues.
Government attorneys without senior titles or niche expertise face a tighter market, as firms lack positions for lower-profile career lawyers who don’t bring immediate business. Of the hires since November 2024, 44 joined as partners, 32 as associates, and 12 as counsel, reflecting a preference for experienced leaders.
Challenges and Outlook
The hiring slowdown reported by the ABA Journal in April 2025 reflects broader uncertainties, including a potential recession and the Trump administration’s scrutiny of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Some firms are reevaluating their pro bono practices and DEI programs to avoid conflicts with federal policies, which could impact recruitment of younger attorneys. Junior lawyers and law students with progressive leanings may hesitate to join firms at risk of being blacklisted, while others may seek opportunities in less politicized markets.
Despite these challenges, the demand for government attorneys remains strong in key practice areas. Recruiters like Leatherwood Legal emphasize that judicial clerkships and regulatory experience continue to add value, particularly in litigation and compliance. Firms are also leveraging independent recruiters to identify high-caliber, diverse talent that aligns with strategic goals.
Looking ahead, the trend of government-to-private-sector transitions is expected to persist through 2025 as the administration reshapes the federal workforce. Firms like Buchanan, Foley Hoag, and Miles & Stockbridge have recently announced D.C. hires, signaling continued activity. For government attorneys eyeing Big Law, experts advise developing high-level expertise and leveraging networks to stand out in a competitive market. As the legal industry navigates this dynamic landscape, strategic hiring will remain critical to meeting client demands and maintaining a competitive edge.
Sources: Firm Prospects, Bloomberg Law, ABA Journal, National Law Journal, Leatherwood Legal, Macrae, Above the Law, X Posts by @TheNLJ and @CourtNewsNet