Got an offer from a big firm. I’m currently working at a small firm. The pay increase would be about 20% not including bonus. My concern with big law is obviously the stress level and billable hours but the small firm life concerns me long term because there’s only currently 6 lawyers and we just lost an office.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I made the jump from small law to big law and I 100% recommend it. My small firm kept losing attorneys and there was always stress in the air about whether they would make it long term. I realized I didn't want to end up being personally invested in that kind of stress, so I left. I'm really enjoying the different types of work offered by biglaw, the stability, the benefits, and my colleagues. The billables are higher but my small firm only gave credit for billed hours and didn't give credit for pro bono, so I'm working that much more. I feel much more optimistic about my career now and I really do like to actively fight the "big law is a swirling vortex of doom" narrative.

like

Need more info to really help. Your year? Age of other lawyers? Whose business is it and what will happen when rainmakers retire? It’s almost impossible to inherit business in big law - too mich competition and other factors. Much easier in a small firm. If you can inherit the business in your small firm, you will have security you will never have in biglaw, unless you are very lucky and develop business in biglaw.

like

I would definitely make the jump, now, early in your career. Remember too that despite the bad reputation big law seems to get for stress/hours, not everyone has the same experience and culture varies within firms and practice areas. What are your hours now? And....you can always go back to a smaller firm. If there is business to inherit at your current firm with an actual legacy plan in place, that’s a different story.

like

Make the jump. You can always go back to the mid size firm. I made the jump to big law in year 5 and I regret not doing it 3 years earlier when the firm reached out to recruit me.

like

Thanks for you’re input!

like

Just suggesting to really think about the stress level concern it before jumping. Big law will be your life, for better or worse. If you acknowledge that commitment and still want to do it, go for it!

like

Thanks!

There are some real benefits to being at a large law firm early in your career. The main one is resources, such as:
1. A wealth of example documents at your fingertips to look at and start from
2. Access to a variety of research assistance (multiple research databases, a staffed library, etc.)
3. People! Having access to a people with different expertise and backgrounds is amazing. Being able to bounce ideas around is huge.
4. Access to more work to get more reps on issues, deals, or cases.
5. Access to more interesting/complex work.

I’ve also been able to bring in a couple of clients because I know that I have a support system to help me meet the client’s needs, which I probably would not have felt comfortable doing in a smaller firm.

Is it the right fit for your whole career? Maybe, maybe not. There are certainly cons. But, early on, I think the training and resources really are incredible and will set you up to do more with your career later.

like

Awesome insight. Thanks so much

Do it! Not every big law firm is terrible. It often depends on the local office you’re in. Mine is great even with the long hours

Related Posts

Hello fishes..

Need suggestions please.

I have accepted the offer with tcs (12lpa) and my joining date is 2nd of November.

I just got a job offer from ZF for 13.5 lpa with a 1 lakh joining bonus.

There are only 15 days left to sign up for the TCS. Should I urge TCS to change my 13.5 lpa offer?

Skill: Aws

Relevant experience: 4 years and Overall experience 6.5 years

I recently joined company A on an H1b. Because of the immigration team's mistakes, we had to re-file and it took almost 4months for me to join from the date of the offer. As this was getting dragged on, I interviewed at two companies (let's call them Company B and C). After I started at company A, I received offers from both of them with 30% more TC. If I accept one of these offers, that H1b transfer will take another 2months. Will resigning from A burn the bridges? How should I handle this?

likesmart

Looking for a job change, Exp: 4.5 years
Role: Sr. CSR (Banking domain)
Current CTC : 4LPA
suggestion or any reference would be appreciated

like

Hi Fishes

I'm holding offers from Accenture and Wipro,

With A it is a generic opportunity where the work and the client would be decided after joining. But the learning opportunities would be more.

With W it was a client interview and the client is one of global leader in financial service and I really like to work with this client.

W's pay is 2-3L higher than A.

This is for Cybersecurity domain where A is comparatively better.

I'm looking to stay for long term, Please help me decide.

Does anyone have insight into the work-life balance at Eversheds' tax practice? I'm preparing for an interview in the next few days, and I don't have any colleagues there.

like

With Tell Day around the corner, I was wondering how soon can we submit resignation letter whilst not affecting our bonus payout? That's assuming it's worth hanging around for.

funny

Any advice on how to handle an ECD in charge of your salary who says the only way to get a promotion or even a COL raise of any kind is through winning an award? Not consistently reliable and solid performance. Not keeping the client happy and profitable. “You either win an award, or all ya get is to keep your job.”
And yes, I’m aware leaving is always an option, but eager for any other advice how to navigate.

like

Anyone know what the Salary range for an Operational Risk Officer at Bank of America or Wells Fargo ? Also, do you know if they do sign on bonuses? 7YOE

like

How much are guys making as Project/Emgagement controllers working for big4? (Manager level)

like

Hello All,
Need your guidance I am having 6.1 years experience and had hr round with Infosys they are offering me for consultant role with CTC 16.85 lpa including 15 % varriable. Is that consulting role is different in Infosys then technology?? Ibam currently working as AWS cloud engineer role with Accenture..

Please suggest ..

like

Recently I got this site supervisor job for a drug testing facility, the gig is pretty sweet I have my own rented space, they’re letting me hire my own drug screening tech to collect samples for me. I’m on 40k salary currently until I finish my probation period then they said they’d talk to me about salary. Keep in mind my major is health service administration so it does go with it, but i don’t know what a good salary to ask for without sounding absurd. And I live in Miami so rent is 2k for 1/1

like

How often do UMM/MF PE Portfolio Ops roles come available?

Have a VP-level offer at a MF but initial offer was below my target comp. Took significant amount of effort and working networks to get the offer. Think im going to reiterate my target but now worried this might turn into a 1+ year search to find another similar role.

like

Anyone working with Freddie Mac or Spring 11 can give some insight on the salary range for this position? Freddie Mac SBL Analyst (Base +Bonus) Thanks

like

Could anyone share what the average salary is for mangers and senior managers with in Big Four audit and advisory

like

Looking to do an internal transfer at UBS. I saw they are hiring Credit Officers in Nashville. Could someone please share the salary range for an associate diretor and a diretor role? Thank you

like

How much LPA should I ask at the time of salary negotiation in SAP LABS ?
Tech : SAP ABAP
Exp : 3.8 years

like

Located in the Midwest. Masters degree. 5 years of Corporate Recruitment experience coupled with 6 years of management experience (not all within recruitment). 15 years total professional experience. Currently overseeing a team of 10 nationwide Recruiters. Where do you feel that my compensation should fall?

like

A colleague and I have been getting a lot of nudges about ACD positions, so I’m doing my homework here. What should my salary expectations be, and what % of my time should I expect to spend on coaching/mentoring?

like

Joined JPMC in September as 602 associate. How much to expect in performance bonus and appraisal hike?JPMorgan Chase

like

I am an electro mechanical engineer working with big machines. I want to know if my salary is at the lower end of the scale it works out at around £17ph

like

More Posts

Hello Fishes
I have an offer with
Société Générale with 5L as variable pay. If i join the company on 1st September, will I be eligible to the variable pay?

like

Switching over to Lyft. Peace Uber.

like

Wanting to switch from my corporate job to a remote job as medical virtual assistant. Any recommendations where to apply?

like

Breakups: ladies have you ever left a relationship while the SO didn’t do anything wrong? I just feel he isn’t the right one for me after moving in for half a year now. I think ending things is the fair thing to do, but I’m bogged down by the logistics (moving out/ dividing our things/ making sure he has a place to move to, etc). The key thing is he didn’t do anything wrong or fail me, he just can’t support me emotionally and communicate in a way I know I deserve

like

Best Squarespace template for copywriters? Or really, what’s your favorite to use for your portfolio?

like

Started a new role where I can WFH for 2022 but then in Jan 2023 the company want me to move to TN where their office is (this was put into offer letter) even though they’re hybrid. My accounts are all over US. I’m not sure if I will be able to move TN b/c my BF is graduating with his MS in Ocean Engineering, he can’t find a job in TN & got offers for jobs in FL where we currently live. I was thinking of talking to my mgr in Dec about my situation and asking if I can continue to WFH. Thoughts?

like

Hi Everyone Looking for Job change .
Need your referance.

like

Hi All, My joining date is older in offer letter. I did not get updated letter with new date. Just some screenshot from recruiter in some drop down. When will we get virtual onboarding link. How do they know whether we joined or not.

like

Hi I am a cath lab tech. I want to look into traveling but have some questions. Anyone aware of any groups to discuss housing, location, etc?

like

When it’s slow, do mid levels and seniors start hoarding the work? Feel like all our juniors are looking for work, and the upper levels say they’re slow but looking at office pace someone is lying.

like

Anyone know what the heck is going on at Chicago Portfolio School? Instructors not being payed, the two long-time administrators leaving (quietly but suddenly)… anyone on the inside wanna shed some light?
(I have been an instructor there for 3 years but am taking a break this quarter and not sure if it’s worth going back, Jeff is a profiteer and I honestly think the gatekeeping for-profit model is on its way out, but I really love my students and the opportunity to mentor)

like

So effing grateful to be able to work from bed while recovering from jab number 2

like

After a year using my home office setup, especially the 27 inch monitor, how can I ever go back to the traveling life with tiny laptop screen? 😔

likesmart

Bain & Company Anyone at Bain & Company or Boston Consulting Group willing to run through a case (preferably this weekend)? Have a first round with Bain coming up next week and would greatly appreciate the feedback! Have also previously passed first rounds at MBB.

like

Which is a better option for onsite - New Zealand or Germany in terms of the work culture, possible savings, ability for spouse to work on dependent visa?

like

In light of Trump’s tax returns, what is the argument against abolishing the IRS and establishing a flat 10% federal tax? Seems only the 1% and their accounting teams know all the loopholes.

likehelpful

JPMorgan Chase
What should be the average salary for a product owner at JP Morgan Chase in US with 5 years of experience in IT and Finance.

Has anybody has Craniosacral therapy before? What was your experience like?

likehelpful

Guys, anyone aware of the guest house stay (part of relocation) in Pune? how are the arrangements?

like

Additional Posts in Big Law

Does anyone have a sense of what Greenberg Traurig is paying associates in Minneapolis?

like

Does anyone have insight into the work-life balance at Eversheds' tax practice? I'm preparing for an interview in the next few days, and I don't have any colleagues there.

like

the main partner I work for hasn’t been giving me consistent enough work (or type I want) so while I work for him still on some deals, I’ve had to go and get other work from other partners. He doesn’t regularly check in on what I’m working on. He keeps volunteering me for projects without checking if I have capacity and if he expected to know everything I’m working on… he would’ve thought I was just doing nothing the last 2 months. I don’t know how to address this workload balancing with him!

like

Anyone have any insight as to how many hours are acceptable to bill annually at Kirkland?

like

Anyone else hoping for that H1B this year?

like

Do you plan on living in NY forever? It doesn’t look like it’s easy to raise children or be old in this city.

likesmart

Anyone know anything about Frankfurt Kurnit Trademark and Branding Group??? Considering a lowball offer but would like to know about office vibes...thanks in advance!!!

like

Got COVID from attending firm conference, wish I could get some billable hour credits…

like

Any corporate entertainment firms looking to hire a second year associate?

like

Lateral here probably not making hours. So frustrated but it was a very slow ramp up period and I was so burned out from my previous firm. 😩 worries about how to address in my review if it comes up.

likesmart

If biglaw makes so much money, why dont most partners retire at like 50?

like

Hanging v. not hanging diplomas in office?

like

Does anyone have experience or insight as to how best to navigate receiving a large settlement bonus (not something that happens on a regular basis, and so is not “expected” income) while on fed student loan income based repayment plan? Next year they will bump up my monthly because my tax return reflects a higher income than my actual salary.

like

Close your eyes and imagine studying hard and doing everything right your whole life just so you could spend your adulthood counting 0.1s and worrying about being fired like a clown.

Now open your eyes. It is you. You are clown.

likefunnysmart

Litigators- what training did you firm provide that you thought was most helpful (at all levels)? I think my firm should/could do way better (as in, we really don’t do any training) and am lookin for practical suggestions!

like

Had someone lateral into our firm as a fifth year (soon to be sixth). They were kind of a retool and went from small law to the firm I’m at. They are still learning a lot of basic stuff, and I think it’s weird that the firm hired someone at that level as a retool. They sometimes ask me for help with stuff, but I’m just getting annoyed at this point. Can I just say “no” since they’re about to be a mid/senior associate who should know all of this?

like

When it’s slow, do mid levels and seniors start hoarding the work? Feel like all our juniors are looking for work, and the upper levels say they’re slow but looking at office pace someone is lying.

like

Anyone ever work for the IRS as an attorney? Curious to hear about your experience.

smart

Anyone else who has felt that they are too sensitive to criticism to be able to work in big law?

I have learnt that occasionally harsh feedback is not unusual here, but people can still think you’re doing a good job?

like

Some of you really only bill 17/1800 hours? Are you just busy doing non-billable work or you just don’t have enough work coming to you? If it’s because you don’t have enough work does that mean you have your evenings and weekends to yourself too? Could you maybe help the rest of us out who never get either?

likefunny

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal