Law Firm Discussions

Ladies - what are you wearing to interviews these days? Is it still a blouse and suit? Either for in-house or law firm setting.

Conflicts question - I just discovered that the law firm I’m waiting to clear conflicts on did some work for my father before he died. I am now the representative of his estate (which was reported on … more

I’ve been applying to in-house roles for a few months but haven’t gotten much traction - midlevel ECVC at big law firm. For those who successfully transitioned, what made the difference? Resume tweaks… more

Does anyone know the website that tracks law firm lateral move? When I used it before, I was able to see specific people and which firm they left and which firm they went to, and I was also able to se… more

When it comes to offer letters, besides compensation, office location, practice group, and class year, are there any other things you'd recommend asking for in writing (e.g. billables requirement,… more

Has anyone lateraled from a big law firm senior associate (9+) position to an in-house M&A position at an I-bank? What was your experience and did you have to take a pay cut? Are the hours better … more

To associates who started at K&E and lateraled to another big law firm, is the grass greener?

Does your law firm let you bill and get credit for internal projects? For example, creating forms or training AI

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

Started a new job in a boutique firm. It’s a very relaxed firm doing fun work with wlb. I got hired after getting the boot from a big law firm as a junior. I still dress up in suits and business forma… more

Going back to big law. I lateralled from big law to a boutique law firm (Cravath scale fwiw) as a junior to switch practice groups. I learned a lot and gained some good experience, but I would like … more

Wha the hell - having worked at a big law sweatshop, it feels so refreshing working in a small law firm. Everyone works like 120 billable hours per month and no one shows up in a suit (except for court appearance… more

I’ve been in big law for about 3.5 years as an associate. I’m considering applying for a Staff Attorney position at another big law firm. Does anyone have any insight on why this would be a good mov… more

I’ve been in big law for about 3.5 years as an associate. I’m considering applying for a Staff Attorney position at another big law firm. Does anyone have any insight on why this would be a good mov… more

The brain of law firm partners MUST be studied. They know the firm pays less than competitors, overload an associate that is good at their job, while just not giving work to other associates who are a… more

2nd year call lawyer trying to navigate a small firm dynamic?
I got hired in a small litigation law firm with about 25 lawyers. It wasn’t spelled out to me, but it was fairly clear that I was hired to … more

Just saw the numbers of MWE/S. 5.5M of PEP, is that serious? I’ve always considered the legacy firm to be a third tiers law firm. Was wrong about that firm

In this business, you really can’t assume anything with recruiters, law firm senior associates and/or partners that interview you for attorney positions; however, what do you think about interviewers … more

This job market is really messed up. I know we all know that, but wow. I really did not think it would take this long to find another job, its been a year and a half. I have two years of Legal Assistant experienc… more

I am in my fifth month at a new law firm (Am 100) after lateraling from an in house one year position. I am a second year lit associate and have been practicing law for the same. I am currently averag… more

I want to hear from you partners at small/boutique law firm shops about 30~ size. Why would you hire a junior associate or a fresh grad? What are you looking for in terms of their profitability and wh… more

In an off track associate position at a big law firm in New York, how long do you think someone needs to work to expect a salary increase starting in January? Would 6 months be sufficient or do you t… more

How long did it take you to secure your in house position, from applying to accepting an offer? I’m a 5/6 year associate currently on family leave looking to transition from a big law firm to in house… more

I’m thinking of taking three or four months off of work before I lateral. Is that a red flag at the next interviews either for another big law firm or in-house?

I am a 6 yr atty. Work at a 20+ atty law firm in a small town in the south. I am having trouble billing 6-7 hrs /day. On average I’m probably getting at 5-6. It’s not for a lack of work ethic or opportunity… more

Anyone have any helpful insight into tech roles/ interviewing at Simpson Thacher law firm? Or how ur experience has been working there?

I am thinking switch job from in house back to law firm. Am I being unrealistic on it?
I’ve seen mixed views on this — some say firms value the business perspective, others say it’s hard to re-enter o… more

I found out my law firm is insolvent and is closing. The partner who told me said she has offers in hand, and wants to take our team. I am skeptical. I don't fully trust her. I shot out a bunch of… more

How threatening does AI feel to associates in this bowl? I entered the profession in 1989, just as email, personal computers, and Westlaw began replacing fax machines, mainframe word processors and l… more

Is it better to stay at a top big law firm (equivalent to the V10 in the US) but satellite office doing a very niche type of work that I don’t enjoy or move to a mid-sized or boutique with more work? … more

Any reason to choose the big 4 over a big law firm with a strong L&E practice (like MLB)?

I’m 6 years out and on my third law firm. Each move was strategic to handle more complex work and make more money. Currently at a AmLaw 200 firm. I started 2 years ago (at 4 YOE) with base of $215k. I… more

Why can't I break into legal biz dev? Post grad I moved to CA and did biz dev for startups (2 years). Post dotcom bust moved back east. Doc review off & on since then. Attempted to break out &… more

To start, I am practicing in international tax (I graduated from NYU’s tax llm in the last couple years) and work at a mid-tier PA firm, doing a mix of compliance, planning, controversy. I want to eve… more

I’ve always heard 4-6th year associate at a big law firm is the sweet spot for in house roles. Is there any benefit to sticking it out longer in a firm to get higher salary in house? Current 4th year … more

What’s considered the “chillest / most relaxed” big law firm for m&a?

Anyone here (corporate, M&A) have a CFA Charter? If so did your deal experience/transactional work experience at a law firm count towards your CFA working hours requirement?

Soo I accepted a position for an in house last week, but the start date isn’t until three weeks from now. This one I got it on my own by cold app.
On the other hand I’ll likely get an offer that I got … more

What’s the best path to biglaw for a very junior attorney?

Post bar, is working as a corporate counsel in a large investment firm (30+ offices) better or working as an associate in a boutique business … more