National Law Journal Highlights Key Findings From Macrae’s New DC Litigation Report
Our newly released Macrae+ Legalscape DC Litigation Report continues to generate industry interest, with The National Law Journal publishing an in-depth article by Abigail Adcox examining the major forces shaping litigation partner mobility across Washington, DC.
The article points to one of the report’s clearest takeaways: the District has become one of the most active litigation markets in the country, with 103 partner moves so far in 2025 - more than double the volume recorded in 2020.
Several long-running dynamics are contributing to this elevated activity:
Government-to-private practice transitions remain a defining feature of the market, with 42 partners making the move this year.
AmLaw 50 firms continue to dominate disputes hiring, recording 72 hires year-to-date.
Antitrust, white collar, and investigations remain among the busiest areas of lateral movement.
Appellate hiring has accelerated, now representing 12% of partner moves - more than twice its historical share.
In the piece, Macrae partner Lauren Drake notes how shifting regulatory priorities are driving corresponding changes in law firm strategy, influencing which practices are busiest and where talent needs are most acute. She also highlights the increasing value firms place on appellate capability early in the litigation lifecycle, both for client pitches and long-term competitive positioning.
Read the full article from Abigail Adcox for The National Law Journal here.
Please note: A subscription may be required to access the full article.
For more insights, connect with Justine Donahue, Peggy Bennett or the wider Macrae DC team here.
