California's legal market, one of the largest and most dynamic in the U.S., thrives on its diverse economy, heavily influenced by the technology, real estate, and entertainment sectors.
As these industries continue to evolve, demand for legal services has heightened, particularly in the way of Litigation as businesses protect their new innovations and navigate regulations.
This demand in reflected in the data. For instance, partner moves within Litigation in California increased by 20% between 2022 and 2023, and associate moves saw almost a 9% uplift. (Pirical)
In fact, across the U.S Litigation partner headcount growth (between 2019-2024) across the AM Law 100 firms increased by 14%. (Pirical)
Hot Areas
With the fast pace of technological advancements, companies in California are frequently launching new products and services, making Patent Litigation a crucial practice area.
In San Francisco, Partner headcount growth across Patents Litigation has increased by 44% between 2019-2024. (Pirical)
Privacy litigation is another area witnessing considerable expansion. As technology companies collect, store, and process vast amounts of user data, issues surrounding data breaches and privacy violations have become hotbeds for litigation. California's Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), one of the strictest in the nation, further fuels this trend, leading to a spike in privacy-related lawsuits.
California is generally known to be a very employee-friendly state. One reason why employment litigation is challenging for employers in California is because employees have nothing to lose by filing lawsuits in the state, as long as they have some colorable claim to assert. Even if they lose, they know they will not have to pay attorney fees. Learn more about why California is a hotbed for employment litigation here.
In San Diego, Partner headcount growth across Employment Litigation has increased by 44% between 2019-2024. (Pirical)
Fuelled by steady demand for financing in key sectors and undeterred by demands for increased transparency, litigation finance is poised for continued growth in 2024. Similarly, Robert Dillard, a Legal Analyst at Bloomberg Law, noted that commercial litigation will continue to be one of the largest beneficiaries of third-party funding in the coming year.
Looking ahead, the litigation landscape in California is poised for further evolution, driven by ongoing technological innovations, regulatory changes, and the state's diverse economic activities. As legal complexities increase, so does the opportunity for litigation professionals to thrive in this dynamic environment.
For litigation lawyers looking to best position themselves in this competitive market, several strategies are essential:
- Stay Informed and Specialized: Given the fast-paced changes in technology, privacy, and environmental law, continuing education and specialization can help lawyers stay ahead of emerging trends and legal requirements.
- Speak to a Recruiters: Engaging with legal recruiters who specialize in the California market can provide insights into industry demands and help identify potential career opportunities that match your expertise and career goals.
- Updated your CV: Always have an up-to-date CV that highlights your specific areas of expertise, recent cases, and relevant accomplishments. This readiness allows you to act swiftly when opportunities arise.
Hot Jobs
- IP Litigation – Associate (Class year 2018-2022) - California
- Employment Litigation - Associate (Class year 2018-2021) - California
- Patent Litigation – Associate (Class of 2018-2022) - California
For more tailored advice, reach out to us on info@sonderconsultants.com for a no-obligation discussion.
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