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What’s the answer comrades?

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Idk how bad your hours are, but going down in ranking in the AmLaw100 (or 200) won’t necessarily translate to a better quality of life or lower hours/work standards. It could get worse, actually. Lower AmLaw firms are under more pressure, in certain respects, than the elite ones. Also, there are plenty of really hard working and competent attorneys in the lower rungs of the AmLaw who, for various reasons (e.g., went to local school instead of T14), couldn’t land an AmLaw20 job.
For reference, I’m at an AmLaw200 firm. When I talk to my friends at AmLaw50 or better firms, the differences in our hours/work standards run the gamut from de minimus (which is naturally frustrating since they make more than me) to extreme (which is a relief bc I’m not capable of billing 200-250 hrs every month).
The bottom line is that you should do your due diligence to ensure you’re not trading down but gaining nothing in return. Best of luck! Finally, once you hit year 6-7, you really come into your own as an attorney, so don’t let your current perspective dim your potential.
Chief
OP, I agree with A3 re amlaw but there are big differences between Cravath, Latham, STB, Shearman, Kirkland, etc. on the one hand and Faegre, Dorsey, Ballard Spahr, on the other. And between Faegre eg al and McLaw firms like Bake & McKenzie, DLA Piper and Holland & Knight. There are also big differences between practicing in NY vs DC vs Chicago vs SF vs anywhere else. Make a list of that matters most to you - WL balance, partnership potential, geography, prestige, money, practice type, diversity, opportunities for people in your demographic, etc. Rank them honestly. Then sleep on it and rank them again. Then do your research. Contrary to popular belief it’s really not that hard to get a sense of the reality of practice at the firms you’re considering. Work your alumni and friend network, pump headhunters for info, and do your research online. If you put in the time you can find a place that fits your priorities. Then figure out how to get hired there. Again, if they are a good fit for you, you probably are a good fit for them.
Very well said. Also examine issues like years to partnership. Partner salary range. Huge differences for the different firms. Due a diligence review. Firms change.
Am20 v am70 means nothing. Caravath is am53 and WLRK is am 47. Plenty of amlaw 40,30,20, and even 10 that are less prestigious and less profitable per partner. There are also am200 firms that have better PPP than am50 firms. The amlaw ranking is a silly metric to follow when picking your job imo.
The grass always looks greener but you still have to mow the grass. Law firms are a business so escaping billable hours and client development expectations. Focus on whether you like the people with whom you work and the work you do. Working longer hours is tolerable if you enjoy those
Chief
Congrats on the offer! I’d make sure to do homework on the new firm, talk to current or prior associates, even ask this bowl what the culture is like there. I say this because I would be surprised if the hours were much better at a V70 as opposed to a V20, and any lack of guidance that you’re currently feeling (reading into your questioning of yourself) may not be worlds apart at the new shop. Since these things are important to you, make sure they fit nicely!
Agree! I don’t mind the hours from time to time but would appreciate some predictability. Plus I’m looking for mentorship and a team that is actually investing in me and my professional development. I’m not getting that in my current job. I was just asking because current expectations are to Bill 2000+ hours and I don’t want to land in a place where the expectation is 2300 hours