Big Law

Two weeks ago I (lit senior) got staffed and told to personally draft a major motion with minimal onboarding midway through the case’s life cycle. I’m told the group is “super busy.” Motion is due in … more

For those who have taken a class year cut, how do the other associates know that you’re a year below your graduation year? If your firm bio says that you graduated from law school in 2022, is there a … more

Do we think market raises are coming this year?

Any word on Simpson Thacher's Bay Area practice? Solid practice, good people, decent culture, etc?

As a senior associate leaving your firm to join another firm, has anyone ever said to a client (that you had a good relationship with) something along the lines of “I am leaving the firm to join X. By… more

If you applied directly and got rejected, would it make any difference to re-apply thru a recruiter for the same role?

@partners out there, does it matter which recruiting firm an associate use? JW, what difference it really makes, if any… Mid-lvl trying to lateral here.

Can you download a book off PLI and take with you for your own reading after you’ve given notice or would that not be considered kosher? Firm policy seems unclear. The book is general reading not clie… more

Would you say Willkie is gaining momentum and starting to compete more directly with Tier 1 firms in key markets? They just poached from Cravath in corporate (though appears to be a young partner).

Would you consider moves within your firm in Europe as relevant if you’re in the US (real offices, not satellites)? Like as a good indicator of your firm’s attractiveness/performance. Or you conside… more

4th year funds associate here - considering an offer from an asset manager ($10-20bn AUM range), $250k base plus $85k bonus. Fully remote and outside counsel heavily utilized. Is this reasonable? My c… more

Is there any downside to applying to another firm when you aren’t 100% interested in lateraling and may want to stay at your current firm long term? Smallish specialist group and both in NYC if that m… more

Anybody have access or codes for discounted lift tickets in park city?

Anyone know if K&E Nashville is recruiting associates yet?

What are the best options for a fund formation lawyer who wants to change practice areas?

K&E to Nashville instead of Atlanta? I know expansion in the south is a dominant strategy but that seems like an odd pick.

So tired of being staffed more than my peers. And when I try to dodge more staffing, I get bitched out during my review. I crave being mediocre at this point. I’m exhausted.

Hello, I'm new to the Big Law Bowl. I am an experienced law firm administrator. My strengths are in coalescing teams and improving morale to assure excellent work product for clients. I'm op… more

I am skeptical that layoffs will come for mid level/senior associates due to AI. Juniors maybe maybe, but not at our level. Fair?

Thoughts on Paul, Weiss restructuring?

How do restructuring practices make money? No snark please. Genuinely curious given the fact that most of the companies filing chapter 11 don’t have much money.

What’s market looking like for M&A folks c/o 2019? Signing bonuses or anything of note?

Got my bonus today and got much less than I was expecting (I expected over market, had communicated that to office leadership in advance, and understood there was support for this in light of various circumstance… more

Any corporate associates slow in the new year?

Anyone else kinda introverted in law school but then became super extraverted once they started biglaw?

best book for finance and contract drafting?

Not law related but thought this group of people may be able to help. I’m considering getting a “wearable” ring. I have health anxiety (I regularly convince myself I’m having a heart attack) and overa… more

Had a call back last week through an internal referral. The referral asked the recruiting department when I could expect an answer last Friday. They were told by the recruit that they “ hope to have a… more

If your firm uses a receptionist, you should lateral. Trying to call a Willkie junior back at 7 pm on a Friday to discuss diligence the last thing I want is some British dude answering the phone sayin… more

How would you reach out to a former boss to catch up while also indicating subtly that you are possibly interested in returning

As a senior associate, what are ways to bring in a new client? Any suggestions? I don’t have any significant personal connections that would help with this.

Is it relatively safe to assume someone who has made it at the same firm for 6+ years is a competent capable and respected lawyer there

Does anyone use their LA/PA for tasks that save substantial time or are “life hacks”? I use mine to help enter my daily time entries which saves me a lot of time and effort. Wondering if anyone has fo… more

V20 Lit. 3rd year. Lateralled before the start of the bonus year - currently tracking under target by like 200 - 300 hours. Will I get some slack as its my first year if I don't hit hours.

First year corporate associate with fairly low hours since starting. September through early January were rather slow, busy tail end of January, and slow start to February. I've been staffed on at least 5 dea… more