For lawyers considering a move to California, Los Angeles offers an appealing combination of career opportunities, diverse industries and a lifestyle that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Home to a thriving legal market, LA attracts lawyers working across everything from corporate transactions and litigation to technology, entertainment, sports and aerospace. Beyond the professional opportunities, Southern California's climate, cultural diversity and distinctive working environment continue to draw talent from across the United States and internationally.
However, relocating to Los Angeles involves more than choosing a new firm. Understanding the local legal market, finding the right team and deciding where to live are all important considerations, particularly for associates moving from the East Coast.
Few people understand that transition better than Michael McGinnis, Director of Los Angeles at Sonder Consultants. Originally from Ohio, Michael studied law in Arizona before relocating to Los Angeles 12 years ago, initially to work with the Department of Defense. Having since built a career in legal recruitment, he brings both personal experience of relocating to Southern California and professional insight into the region's legal market.
We spoke with Michael about what first attracted him to Los Angeles, how its legal market compares with the East Coast and what advice he would give to associates considering a move west.
Q: You moved from Ohio to Los Angeles 12 years ago. What originally prompted the move, and what appealed to you most about living on the West Coast?
Michael: After studying law in Arizona, I moved to Los Angeles to join the Department of Defense, where I wanted to further develop my contract negotiation skills.
The weather was certainly one of the biggest attractions of living on the West Coast. I was also drawn to the opportunities available in LA, particularly given how active the sports, legal and entertainment industries are here.
It's a city with a really interesting mix of industries, which makes it an exciting place to build a career.
Q: What were the biggest differences you noticed when you first moved to Los Angeles? Was there anything that particularly surprised you?
Michael: Moving to LA was something of a culture shock, although in a very positive way.
One of the biggest differences I noticed was just how diverse the population is. Los Angeles really is a global city, with people from so many different backgrounds and cultures.
That diversity is one of the things that makes the city so interesting, and it creates opportunities for people from all walks of life.
Q: People often associate California with a more relaxed lifestyle. How much truth is there to that, and what have you personally enjoyed most about living in Los Angeles?
Michael: LA definitely has its own distinctive, laid-back atmosphere.
I think part of that comes from the experiences we all share living here. Whether it's navigating the traffic, enjoying the incredible food scene or making the most of everything the entertainment capital has to offer, there are certain aspects of life in LA that bring people together.
There's also so much to do outside of work, which is a huge part of the appeal of living here.
Q: From your experience in legal recruitment, have you noticed any differences in working culture or attitudes towards work-life balance between East Coast and West Coast law firms?
Michael: One of the biggest differences I've noticed is the size of the teams.
West Coast offices often have smaller teams compared with their East Coast counterparts, which makes finding the right cultural fit particularly important.
I've also found that lawyers on the West Coast tend to place a strong emphasis on finding a firm and a team that support a good work-life balance.
Of course, the work can still be demanding, but culture and lifestyle are often important considerations when lawyers are evaluating their next opportunity.
Q: When speaking with lawyers considering a move to California, what tends to attract them most? Is it the career opportunities, the lifestyle, or a combination of both?
Michael: It's definitely a combination of both.
One of the biggest attractions is the variety of industries based in Southern California. Sports, law, entertainment and aerospace all have a significant presence here, creating an interesting range of professional opportunities.
The weather is another major factor. People are drawn to the lifestyle and everything Southern California has to offer outside the office.
For many lawyers, it's the opportunity to develop their careers while enjoying that lifestyle that makes the move so appealing.
Q: What do you think are the biggest misconceptions lawyers have about working on the West Coast, particularly in Los Angeles?
Michael: I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that the working culture is almost too relaxed.
In reality, I'd describe it as more balanced compared with the constant 'go, go, go' culture often associated with the East Coast.
That doesn't mean people aren't ambitious or hardworking. There's simply a different approach to balancing professional and personal priorities.
Another thing people might not realise is how welcoming LA can be. People are generally very friendly, and a big part of settling into the city is finding your own smaller community within the much larger one.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give to an associate considering relocating from the East Coast to Los Angeles, both professionally and personally?
Michael: My first piece of advice would be to visit Los Angeles before committing to the move.
It's a huge city, and the different neighbourhoods and areas have very different characteristics. Spending some time exploring will help you understand where you might want to live and what your day-to-day lifestyle could look like.
Professionally, I'd recommend keeping an open mind and casting a relatively wide net when exploring opportunities.
The LA legal market can be difficult to navigate, particularly because teams are often smaller than those on the East Coast. That can influence the number and type of opportunities available at any given time.
Networking is also incredibly important. Speaking with people who know the market can help you build a more complete picture of the firms, teams and opportunities you're considering.
I'd also recommend working with a quality local recruiter who understands the Los Angeles market and can help you identify the right fit, both professionally and personally.
