Adapting to Private Practice: From Va. AUSA to Mid-Law
As part of Law360’s ongoing series highlighting attorneys who have transitioned from government work to private practice, Woods Rogers Kristin Johnson is spotlighted about her journey back to the firm after 20 years in public service. Kristin joined Woods Rogers’ Government & Special Investigations practice earlier this year after seven years as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia.
“Rejoining the firm where I began my career as a litigation associate has felt like a homecoming in many ways, and the transition has been more complex, nuanced, and rewarding than I ever expected,” Kristin wrote in the article.
About the transition, Kristin added, “Fortunately, the skills I developed at the U.S. attorney's office — managing multiple high-stakes cases, making confident decisions under pressure and working efficiently with limited resources — translate seamlessly.”
Kristin offers her advice to other government lawyers considering a move: “If you're considering making a similar change, my strongest advice is to leverage your government background. You understand the language, know the process inside and out, and have firsthand knowledge of the pressures agencies face. That knowledge is incredibly valuable for your clients. It gives you credibility with clients who feel overwhelmed by the unknowns of an investigation, and it equips you to anticipate what's coming next because you have seen it play out from the other side.”
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