Does anyone have experience switching between firms in Big Law? Does it make a difference?

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Gives you a legit break in between

likefunny

Yeah, signature pages are in a different font now.

likefunny

Yes, it can make a difference at the margins and then some depending on situation. For example, it could be a god send if it gets you away from a nightmarish influential partner that isn't going anywhere.

It was worth it for me because I didn't like Perkins Coie, but it's still biglaw. An all-nighter anywhere sucks.

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^ this. stupid all nighters for someones ego suck 1,000x worse than something where theres a genuine need and the team pulls together

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Yes and yes

likesmart

I've done it. Just like any industry, some firms are better than others. Can't know until you try. In my case, I was able to find a great place with good WLB (well, as good as can be in big law) and solid pay.

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For sure. Thought I was probably ready to burn out in biglaw and I changed firms to one much more closely aligned with my values, priorities, and vision and I feel like I might stay here forever. Can’t believe what a difference it can make.

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I did it and it made a huge difference in my life.

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Yes, I switched. And I’m also a legal recruiter - it can definitely make a difference. DM if you’d like to have a no pressure chat- happy to share my perspective from both the practicing and recruiting side of things.

helpful

I switched because I worked in a hostile work environment. It made a big difference

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It is absolutely 100% worth it to switch if you’re unhappy and anyone that thinks all big law firms are the same level of awful hasnt been anywhere good.

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i did it to work with a specific practice group and it’s a massive difference, good and bad!

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Different firms have different expectations for hours and work life balance. They also offer different levels of hands on responsibility. If you’d like to talk it through, send me a DM.

I've placed a number of attorneys that thought biglaw wasn't for them till they moved. They are happy now, but would've definitely left the law if they didn't make that change. Some firms are just better fits than others and that's why there are still many firms

Really depends but lateraling can get you a new reputation, new partners, new associates, new clients, new perks, a new assistant, new tech systems, and so on. It can’t get you a new love for the work or new tolerance for the strains of big law.

Yes it makes a huge difference. Not all BigLaw firms are the same and some have drastically different cultures, WLB, and expectations, often with same pay.
One of the reasons I started the Lateral Hub Job Board.
Happy to connect further, DM me if helpful.

Yup new forms and new partners.

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