2nd yr lit associate at SF Big Law. I'm considering a move to a L&E firm (e.g., Littler, JL, FP) as my current firm isn't giving me enough of the type of work I would like. There just does not seem to be enough L&E work to go around, and I find myself doing a lot of work in an area (construction) that doesn't lend itself to a ton opportunities outside of a law firm/Big Law firm.
Is this foolish? Anyone else made this move? If the lifestyle just as bad, but with less pay? Any other thoughts?

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OP have you considered to going to a smaller-scale firm that has more L&E work to go around that’s more regional rather than like huge clients? In other words, if you’re really looking to do employment work and still keep you salary high you could try a regional firm that pays close to market but has clients that aren’t global. I’ve debated going this route. Might be worth looking into unless you’re set on representing primarily Fortune 500s

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Considered going to *

Not foolish. L&E rates are lower in general so unless your firm is known for L&E it can be difficult to get work because clients will either go to one of the big dogs or somewhere where rates are reasonable. Have you thought of trying a biglaw firm known for employment like Paul Hastings, Orrick, etc.?

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Also DLA Piper and Baker Mackenzie

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I just lateraled from FP to Littler. I can’t speak for making the same move you are but I can tell you if you want to practice L&E one of the boutiques is the way to go. As for lifestyle, both have reasonable billing req. (1850 for FP and 1900 for Littler). I make $155,000 but I enjoy what I do. SF is probably a higher salary for both firms. Trade secrets cases have the most unpredictability in terms of your workload and ability to make plans/time off etc. But at least in my office I can ask for certain types of cases and avoid those.

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Thanks very much for your input! I appreciate the details on billable hour requirements.

Ogletree has a 1900 billable requirement but you get a 10k bonus and a step increase for hitting that. They aren’t super huge on non-billables. Come to work, do your job, be a pleasant person. It’s pretty office specific in terms of cultural, but generally a low asshole quotient. More work than you can shake a stick at so if you want that bonus you can get it.

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Thanks for confirming and providing insight.

Following because I’m thinking of making the same move

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