For those who left BL for smaller or boutique firms, was it worth it? I'm looking to take the leap as I move to a new city, but the billable expectations for the ones I've heard about are basically the same as BL, so I'm just not seeing an upside. Commercial lit, current 5th year

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Left to boutique and was back to biglaw within a year lol

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Same

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I made the leap around your year. While I took a pay cut, I couldn't be happier. Should have made the move years earlier.

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Partners who care about me and are willing to help me grow into the lawyer I want to be. The opportunity to do the things that make being a lawyer fun (arguing motions, having real input on strategic decisions, developing business, etc.). Work that is as sophisticated as what I did at my prior V15, and levels of client access that I did not have at my old firm. For me, these more than make up for the pay cut.

People have both good and bad experiences with boutiques and mid-size firms. I’m one of the lucky ones, but there are good opportunities out there.

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I went to a boutique at the beginning of year four and now went back to big law just before year 6. I didn’t like the work as much and while the hours were way better I was less engaged so they felt like more of a slog in many ways. Less resources and lower comp just made it not worth it

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I took the leap at the end of my second year. WLB is so much better (1500 hour target, full-time WFH), and I’m getting much more substantive experience (did a trial my third month).

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What is this firm and are they hiring !?

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My boutique was great for WLB (1700 billables) but not great for office politics and team environment. I see comments from others with positive experience about more substantive work and mentorship. But that's just group- or mentor- specific and not a given at boutiques. I lateraled into BL and found the work so much more enjoyable despite working like 25% more.

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