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Lateral Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Central Intelligence Agency

Lateral Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$143K - $197K/yr

This "Lateral Attorney" job posting is an opportunity for generalist candidates to highlight experience in multiple practice areas. Education * Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited ...

Gutwein Law

Lateral Attorney

Indianapolis, IN

$150K/yr

An attorney ready to practice full-time * Focused in business and/orreal estate * Licensed to practice law in Indiana and/or Minnesota * Have 3+ years of legal experience * Maintains client ...

Gutwein Law

Lateral Attorney

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

An attorney ready to practice full-time * Focused in business and/orreal estate * Licensed to practice law in Indiana and/or Minnesota * Have 3+ years of legal experience * Maintains client ...

Gutwein Law

Lateral Attorney

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$150K/yr

An attorney ready to practice full-time * Focused in business and/or real estate * Licensed to practice law in Indiana and/or Minnesota * Have 3+ years of legal experience * Maintains client ...

Wilmerhale

Lateral Recruitment Manager

Boston, MA

Our lawyers work at the intersection of government, technology and business, and we remain ... The Manager, Lateral Recruitment should work collaboratively in achieving the firm's and Legal ...

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Lateral Attorney information

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$34K

$147.9K

$281K

How much do lateral attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for lateral attorney in the United States is $147,929.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $205,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Lateral attorneys, experienced lawyers who switch firms or practice areas, can earn high salaries, but making $500,000 annually is typically reserved for senior partners or highly specialized attorneys in large firms. Most lawyers earn less, with median salaries significantly below that figure, depending on location, practice area, and experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lateral Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lateral Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor degree, bar admission in the relevant jurisdiction, and proven expertise in your legal practice area. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and relevant certifications (such as board certification in a specialty) are often required. Strong client relationship management, adaptability, and superior communication skills set top candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for quickly integrating into a new firm, delivering high-quality legal services, and building lasting client trust.

What are lateral attorneys?

Lateral attorneys are lawyers who move from one law firm, organization, or legal department to another, typically at the same level or with similar responsibilities as their previous position. This move is often made to seek better career opportunities, higher compensation, a different practice area, or a more desirable location. Lateral moves are common in the legal profession and can involve both associates and partners. Law firms often seek lateral hires to bring in new expertise, clients, or to fill gaps in their practice groups.

What is the difference between Lateral Attorney vs Associate Attorney?

AspectLateral AttorneyAssociate Attorney
CredentialsJD degree, bar admission, relevant experienceJD degree, bar admission, typically less experience
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, often with client interactionLaw firms, legal departments, primarily research and drafting
Employer & Industry UsageMajor law firms, corporate legal teamsLaw firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding career moves, experience levels, or job rolesEntry-level to mid-level legal roles, career progression

In summary, a Lateral Attorney is an experienced lawyer transitioning into a new firm or role, often with specialized skills, while an Associate Attorney is typically an early-career lawyer working on foundational legal tasks. Both roles require a JD and bar admission but differ mainly in experience and career stage.

How to make $500,000 as a lawyer?

Lateral attorneys can reach a $500,000 income by working at large law firms with high billable hour requirements, developing specialized expertise in lucrative practice areas, and building a strong client base. Advancing to partnership or senior roles, negotiating higher compensation, and maintaining a high level of productivity are also key factors.

What is the 80 20 rule for lawyers?

The 80/20 rule for lawyers suggests that roughly 80% of a lawyer's results come from 20% of their efforts, emphasizing the importance of focusing on high-impact tasks such as client development, case strategy, and billable work. Prioritizing these key activities can improve efficiency and overall success in a legal career.

What is a lateral attorney?

A lateral attorney is an experienced lawyer who joins a law firm from another firm, often to bring specialized skills or client relationships. They typically have several years of practice, a portable book of business, and may be involved in negotiations, client management, and legal research within their practice area.

What are some common challenges lateral attorneys face when transitioning to a new law firm?

Lateral attorneys often encounter challenges such as adapting to a new firm's culture, understanding different workflows, and establishing relationships with new colleagues and clients. Building trust and demonstrating value quickly are key, especially when integrating into established practice groups or client teams. Additionally, they may need to familiarize themselves with the firm's technology platforms, billing practices, and performance expectations, all while maintaining high-quality service for existing and new clients.
More about Lateral Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Lateral Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Lateral Attorney job openings:
What states have the most Lateral Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Lateral Attorney jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lateral Attorney jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lateral Attorney jobs are:
Lateral Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lateral Attorney job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,929 per year, or $71.1 per hour.
Lateral Attorney

Lateral Attorney

Central Intelligence Agency

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$143K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Summary
Attorneys at the CIA provide legal advice and policy counsel on a variety of legal issues relating to intelligence and national security law and other routine practices of an executive agency.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) provides legal advice and policy counsel to the Director of the CIA (DCIA) and other CIA officers on a variety of legal issues, to include intelligence and national security law; procurement and acquisition law; employment and personnel law; government ethics; fiscal law; general administrative law; privacy and civil liberties, and legislative affairs.
As an attorney, you will be responsible for:
  • Providing legal advice and policy counsel to CIA leadership on complex areas of law affecting the CIA's duties and responsibilities under authorities including the National Security Act, the CIA Act, and Executive Orders.
  • Conducting legal research and analysis on sensitive matters.
  • Providing training on a variety of laws and policies affecting CIA personnel.
  • Engaging with other Intelligence Community elements, federal agencies, and congressional committees.
  • Maintaining productive working relationships with other OGC and Agency officers to further CIA's mission.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • You must be physically in the United States or one of its territories when you submit your resume via MyLINK.
  • You must be registered for the Selective Service, if applicable.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years of age (dual-national US citizens are eligible).
  • You must be willing to move to the Washington, DC area.
  • You must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview, and a comprehensive background investigation.
  • For further information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/how-we-hire/

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
  • Active membership of the bar (any US jurisdiction).
  • Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation
  • Demonstrated experience of at least three years in one or more of OGC's practice areas.

Desired Qualifications
  • All candidates are reviewed for the following competencies:
    • Legal analysis, reasoning and writing, including the ability to effectively integrate and synthesize facts and law to make legally sound decisions, including in compressed timeframes.
    • Interpersonal and communication skills.
    • The ability to work both independently and as a team member in a demanding environment.
    • The ability to exercise sound judgment in challenging situations.
    • Ability to navigate changing circumstances.
    • Ability to effectively manage multiple work assignments and competing priorities concurrently.
    • Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships inside and outside the CIA.
    • Demonstrated expertise on complex legal matters, and strong client counseling skills, in one or more of the following practice areas: Constitutional Law, Government Contracts, Employment Law, Ethics, Fiscal Law, FOIA, International Law, Investigations, Litigation (Federal), Privacy Law, Operational Law, Surveillance Law, and Tech/Cyber Law.
  • Lateral (or mid-career) hires have more than three years of post-law school experience and work on the most complex legal issues in the Agency.
  • Please note other OGC job postings on CIA.gov tailored to specific practice areas (e.g., government contracts, employment law, etc.). Candidate may apply to a specialty practice area through the tailored job postings. This "Lateral Attorney" job posting is an opportunity for generalist candidates to highlight experience in multiple practice areas.

Education
  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
  • OGC prefers that lateral attorneys have a law school GPA of at least 3.0 for schools on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent on other scales.

Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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