"I am a mid-level associate at a magic circle firm (3PQE) and I specialise in financial services and regulatory work. I want to do more regulatory/funds work and less M&A and I want to move in-house. I am UK-qualified, but I have US links, so I am also considering a move back to the US and maybe obtaining qualification in one or more of the US states.

"I am sick of being a small cog in a giant wheel, so I am considering avoiding the large banks etc. Does anybody have any advice about the best time to move in-house?

"I had intended to wait until I was officially elected a senior associate at my firm because I thought that more roles would be open to me then, but is it possible to get challenging and senior roles in-house at my level? I was thinking about applying to an asset manager or a private equity house. Which are the best recruitment agencies to approach for in-house work? Do any London-based agencies also have an international arm which can place people in the US? Any advice on in-house and on re-training/qualifying in the US will be gratefully received."

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