The economic slump has caused demand for most transactions lawyers to come to a screeching halt. Deal flow is stagnant, credit is scarce, and many attorneys who specialize in real estate and structured finance are looking for jobs.
Areas that continue to experience growth – and hiring -- include:
- Renewable energy project development. Attorneys with experience in power project development, especially wind projects, are in high demand.
- International trade & global compliance. FCPA violations, import/export issues and customs audits keep GCs awake at night. These are mission-critical positions within legal departments.
- E-discovery managers. For many companies that experience a high volume of litigation, these positions are starting to become more prevalent. Recessions tend to increase litigation, so this position will likely play an important role on corporate legal teams.
- Regulatory practices. Demand is increasing for regulatory lawyers, including those who specialize in energy, environmental, securities and now banking.
