Currently a second year corporate/finance attorney. I. Hate. My. Job. Looking for advice on making a move—whether in house (realizing I might be too junior), government (what does that even look like coming from a corporate position?), or maybe something outside practicing like JD preferred jobs (what are these?). I need help! Any tips/advice/wisdom greatly appreciated. I want my life back and also prefer WFH to the extent realistic, but would do in office for a job I liked.

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FWIW, I’m a 4th year now and felt the same way when I was a second year. Not sure if things got better or I just got used to it, but I’m not longer looking to jump ship. For better or worse, no one wants to hire a 2nd year attorney so you kinda gotta stick it out for a bit unless you’re approached directly about a job.

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a lot of people are hiring 2nd year attorneys right now, it just might not be the practice area you want. But a lot are hiring. Don’t let that deter you.

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If there is anyway for you to hang on, I would recommend doing so. Just spending another 2 years will open up a world of opportunity for you compared to what you have currently.

If you’re dead-set on leaving right now, you’re looking at entry-level in-house jobs - aim for commercial or junior counsel roles. Ideally you will find one with a path upwards and/or a mentor who is willing to teach you corporate law. Your biggest weakness is you’ll be undeveloped, and nobody will have the resources to train you properly, so the better you can identify opportunities to get you up to speed, the better. After several years of cutting wood, you’ll eventually be in a position where you can be promoted to the kinds of jobs you would’ve gotten if you had stuck in biglaw for a couple years. OTOH you hopefully won’t be worked to the bone during this time period...

You can go into the government if you re-tool and become a litigator, but it will not be a straightforward path (and will probably require connections tbh). If you are serious about this path, my recommendation would be to reach out to your law school connections who work at a public defender or legal aid office and see if they can get you a flyer. After a couple years there, you’ll hopefully have demonstrated enough interest to make a move to the gov.

My biggest advise is to reconsider whether you want to be a corporate attorney at all. It’s not like the in-house work will be fundamentally different than at a firm - it will just be easier (read:more boring) and there will be less of it. If you’re looking at work as just a means to an end, by all means run for the hills and don’t look back: biglaw will not have what you are looking for. But if you are looking to get more fulfillment out of your career or profession, going in-house will not necessarily get you to a better place than a firm (and in fact will likely get you to a worse place in that respect, if your expectations aren’t clear walking into it).

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Thanks so much for all the insight! Super helpful!

I hated my job as a second year corporate attorney. I moved to a new firm and learned that I actually hated the firm, not the job. I love it now.

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I’m glad for you!! That’s so awesome to hear. I’d definitely take a pay cut for more happiness. At the end of the day, even with loans, I don’t need to make this much money. Not worth it to me! Thanks for the encouraging anecdote!

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