Moving from the government to a private law firm can be an exciting, but daunting, proposition. How do you find the right firm? How do you navigate the transition? What will it take to be successful? While there are not universal answers to all of these questions, my own recent experience has provided me with some valuable insights into transitioning from public service into private practice—which, for those of us who have left the government, remains a work in progress.

When looking to transition out of the government to a private firm, there are certain critical aspects of the firm that you should consider: Is this the type of firm that will provide a good platform for your practice? Is this firm interested in your practice and in helping you grow it? Is your practice in line with the firm's long-term strategic goals? What plan does this firm have in place to successfully integrate you—both with internal partners and practices, and also with existing and potential firm clients? Has the firm had success transitioning others from government roles? What are the firm's expectations for business development, and are they realistic? The answers to these questions should form the foundation for your decision. To be successful in private practice, you need the structure and support that will allow you to integrate fully into the firm and, eventually, to thrive. If the firm itself is not the right fit for you and/or your practice, it won't work in the long run.

Think Hard About Your Business Plan

In addition to the structure and mechanics of the firm, you will need to be proactively engaged  to make any transition a success. In addition to being really good at what you do, being successful at a firm involves creating opportunities. This requires a thoughtful and deliberate approach.

The first step, which you will no doubt have worked on during the lateral application process, is your business plan. At its most basic, this plan outlines how you will translate your skills and experience into business for the firm, and is the most valuable document you'll have. Invest time in developing your plan and reference it regularly, even after you have joined the firm. You should recalibrate and realign this plan as necessary to ensure that you are being thoughtful about your transition and continuing to meet your goals and objectives, and not just blowing in whichever direction the wind is blowing.

Ask for a Specific Integration Plan

It's also appropriate to ask the firm for a specific integration plan, if one is not proactively offered—the firm should demonstrate its commitment to your success as much as you do to the firm's. The integration plan should specify the lawyers across the firm you will be introduced to, the opportunities available to meet with existing and potential firm clients, and the speaking, writing and other marketing opportunities that exist, to name just a few key details. The more deliberate you are about adhering to this plan, the better your chances of success.

'E' Is for Expertise

The next piece of the puzzle is technical expertise. This means demonstrating not only technical excellence, but also the ability to understand current and prospective clients' businesses and how your specific skills can help see around the curves and add value. Based on your time in government, what are the important trends and issues clients should be thinking about? What has your experience taught you? Be creative and thoughtful, because this type of insight is invaluable. If you aren't already doing so, work [on] reading some mainstream, trade press and case law into your regular reading routine. Though this can be tedious, in this information age, these are the table stakes.

The Practice Is a People Business

Above all else, always remember that the practice of law is a people business. Keep current contact lists and maintain relationships not only with current and former colleagues, but also with business contacts, classmates, neighbors, friends and others. Know what your friends and contacts are up to, and make sure that they know what you do and, more importantly, how you can be helpful to them based on the work you do. Having a good network of people who like and respect you, being really good at what you do, and being someone who people would be willing to jump in a foxhole with are all critical ingredients in the recipe for lateral success.

Lastly, although this may be antithetical to most lawyers' personalities, try not to stress about the transition, and have fun. Do the things you are supposed to do, but know that life is long and things tend to work out. If you have gotten this far, you already know how to be successful, it's just a question of translating that to a different and new arena. Stay focused and be prepared for the ride. It may take twists and turns you didn't anticipate on day one, but with the right preparation, diligence and mindset, you'll be able to thoughtfully navigate the turns and take your career in the direction you want.

Raphael Prober, a partner in Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld 's Washington, D.C., office, serves as co-head of the firm's congressional investigations practice. He served as an associate deputy attorney general at the U.S. Department of Justice until December 2016, and rejoined Akin Gump in January 2017.