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The traditional associate-to-partner track has long been the gold standard for legal careers, but in 2025, BigLaw is embracing a broader vision of success. A growing number of firms are creating roles for JDs that fall outside the conventional associate model, offering candidates new ways to leverage their legal training in innovative and impactful ways. These "JD advantage" roles—such as legal project managers, compliance specialists, and legal technologists—are reshaping the career landscape for lawyers.
This article explores how firms are integrating these roles into their structures, the skills and backgrounds they’re looking for, and how candidates can position themselves for these opportunities.
What Are JD Advantage Roles?
JD advantage roles are positions that benefit from a legal education but do not require bar admission or traditional legal practice. These roles often sit at the intersection of law, business, and technology, offering candidates the chance to apply their legal training in new and dynamic ways.
Some of the most common JD advantage roles in BigLaw include:
-Legal Project Managers: These professionals oversee complex legal matters, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. They often work closely with attorneys and clients to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
-Compliance Specialists: With increasing regulatory scrutiny across industries, compliance roles have become critical. These specialists help firms and their clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks and mitigate risk.
-Legal Technologists: As technology continues to transform the legal industry, legal technologists are in high demand. These professionals develop and implement tools to improve legal workflows, from contract automation to e-discovery platforms.
Why Firms Are Embracing JD Advantage Roles
The rise of JD advantage roles reflects broader changes in the legal industry. Clients are demanding greater efficiency and innovation from their outside counsel, and firms are responding by creating specialized roles to meet these needs.
According to a 2024 report by Thomson Reuters, 60% of AmLaw 100 firms now employ legal project managers, up from just 30% in 2020. Similarly, the demand for compliance specialists has grown by 25% over the past two years, driven by increasing regulatory complexity in areas like data privacy and ESG.
For firms, JD advantage roles offer several benefits. They allow firms to deliver greater value to clients, improve operational efficiency, and attract top talent who may not be interested in traditional legal practice.
How Candidates Can Position Themselves
For law students and lateral candidates, JD advantage roles represent an exciting alternative to the traditional associate track. Here are some tips for positioning yourself for these opportunities:
-Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize skills like project management, data analysis, and communication, which are critical for many JD advantage roles.
-Gain Relevant Experience: Seek out internships, externships, or volunteer opportunities that allow you to develop expertise in areas like compliance, technology, or business operations.
-Network Strategically: Connect with professionals in JD advantage roles to learn more about their career paths and gain insights into the hiring process.
The Future of JD Advantage Roles
As the legal industry continues to evolve, JD advantage roles are likely to become even more prominent. Firms that embrace these roles will be better positioned to meet client demands and attract top talent, while candidates who pursue these opportunities will have access to a wider range of career paths.
For candidates, the key is to stay adaptable and open-minded. By exploring JD advantage roles, you can find a career that aligns with your skills, interests, and goals—even if it doesn’t follow the traditional legal trajectory.
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