Adapting To Private Practice: From DOJ Enviro To Mid-Law

Transitioning from a government career to private practice is a significant shift that presents both challenges and opportunities.

Prior to joining Beveridge & Diamond, I held several notable roles within government, most prominently serving as assistant attorney general for the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

My tenure in public service spanned various capacities, including other roles at ENRD and chief legislative counsel of the U.S. Army. These experiences provided me with a diverse skillset, from litigation to policymaking, and regulatory compliance to and strategic leadership across environmental, natural resource and administrative law matters. This extensive government background positioned me uniquely for my transition to the private sector.

As I reflect on my transition to private practice, here are a few key aspects that others might consider when contemplating a similar move.

Challenges and Surprises During the Transition

Obviously, clients are attracted to the perspective and contacts that come from government practice. This made it easy for B&D to integrate me into various matters immediately. Since day one I've counseled clients on government practices at the state and federal levels and litigated some of the country's largest environmental cases.

B&D also encouraged me to remain active in the environmental bar. Since 2018, I have frequently presented at and attended industry and bar association events around the country.

Of course, my DOJ experience meant that I had conflicts that needed to be resolved both within the firm and at DOJ. There were cases I could not participate in, but our firm's ethical adviser provided great assistance to me.

One notable contrast between government and private practice is the pace and operational flexibility. In the public sector, processes are often highly structured with decisions needing to pass through multiple layers of review. In contrast, private practice allows for greater agility and faster responsiveness, driven largely by client expectations and market dynamics. Of course, this also varies firm by firm.

While government roles offer a broad public mission, private practice demands a more direct focus on specific client needs and outcomes. Adapting to these shifts required me to recalibrate my approach to project management, communication and prioritization.

Additionally, the need for continuous business development in private practice introduced a new dimension that was not present in my government roles, where the focus was primarily on public service objectives. It's also worth noting that unlike the more defined boundaries in government positions, private practice demands ongoing, proactive engagement, quick responses and strategic thinking tailored specifically to individual client objectives.

Impact on Collegial Relationships

I am fortunate to have open lines of communication with many of my former colleagues at ENRD, which was beneficial both professionally and personally. Since B&D is an environmental law firm, in some situations, I encountered individuals in my new role whom I had previously interacted with or supervised when I was in the government. Because I knew how the government worked in many instances, I thought this was an advantage in counseling clients.

Additionally, B&D has a longstanding tradition of having former senior government lawyers in the practice, dating back to its founding by the first administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the first commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The firm has an equally strong track record of helping many former government lawyers successfully transition into private practice. I now help mentor DOJ and other government alumni starting their practices at B&D.

While at ENRD, I frequently worked with B&D lawyers, and ENRD always held B&D in high regard. It's also worth noting that those considering a move from government to private practice should carefully examine firm reputations and relationship dynamics to ensure alignment with their professional trajectory.

Onboarding Process

To adapt effectively, I leveraged the firm's onboarding resources and relied on my transition committee, which included principals and the chief marketing and business development officer. Their guidance was instrumental in helping me understand the firm's culture, expectations and operational structure. I also observed and learned from colleagues who had successfully navigated from federal and state government positions.

B&D had a clear understanding of my government background and provided opportunities for me to contribute immediately. This reinforced my sense of belonging and helped establish my credibility within the firm.

Being integrated into litigation teams, advising on government practice matters, and representing the firm in external engagements and leadership allowed me to apply my skills meaningfully from the outset. The structured support, combined with the firm's strategic approach to leveraging my expertise, played a crucial role in my successful transition.

Having the ability to call on other talented practitioners and associates also proved to be helpful, as these interactions provided fulfilling mentorship opportunities, which I also relished while serving in government. In that regard, I often recommend that law firm applicants look at the history of the firm's pro bono practices and whether they support providing such assistance to the disadvantaged.

Advice for Those Considering the Move

For anyone considering a transition from government to private practice, my biggest piece of advice is to be intentional about finding the right fit. I interviewed with multiple firms before selecting B&D, which aligned best with my personal and professional values, experience and aspirations. The right firm should recognize the value of government experience and offer opportunities to integrate that knowledge into their practice.​

And, as I wrote earlier: weigh the reputation the firms have with industry and government and make sure they are a fit for your future practice.

Additionally, building a strong support network is key. Whether through a formal transition committee or informal mentorship, having trusted advisers can make a significant difference in navigating the complexities of private practice.

Finally, staying open to new challenges and being proactive in adapting to different workflows and best practices will ease the transition and position you for long-term success.​

Transitioning to private practice is a major career move, but with thoughtful preparation and the right environment, it can be a highly rewarding experience.

©2025. Published in Law360, Online, April 30, 2025, by LexisNexis Group. Reproduced with permission. All rights reserved.