I make $140k as a 4th year at a mid-sized firm in a HCOL area and can't reasonably afford a house. I bill about 2100, but a lot of that is case management, depos, etc. and not the exhausting, thought intensive research and drafting work I would do at a more prestigious firm. Should I be aiming higher at this point in my career, or is the tradeoff of WLB worth it in the long-run?

$140k at 2100 hours in a high cost of living area is crazy. Please reconsider.

I think you may be underpaid. I know you aren't in BigLaw, but as a paralegal my salary is not much less than yours and I'm also not in BigLaw and in a HCOL.

I would encourage you to explore the market. See if you can either find something that pays more for your time or has the same pay for 200-300 fewer hours.

Do you want to be in that area? I make 140k as a second year in a MCOL/LCOL area. 1500 billables, 1600 to qualify for bonus. My husband's a stay-at-home dad. We bought a house on my income when I was a first year. It's a three bedroom two bath new construction 15 minutes from downtown.

Unless you're in a city that truly brings you joy, I strongly recommend looking at other areas for a better life. I make a lot less than biglaw of course, but I guarantee I have more disposable income than a lot of them do right now, and I absolutely have a better life.

I make 148 as a 4th year in-house with a very chill/low stress schedule. I’m interviewing for roles in the 180-200 range. You are underpaid. My partner makes about the same and we bought our house 2 years ago right outside of Los Angeles.

Assuming you went straight through to law school, you’re still very young and junior as a fourth year. The average first time home buyer is now 38 as of 2024.

Billing 2100 (even if that’s not required) is not WLB. I am in big law and bill ~2200 and make a lot more than you. You’re working big law hours at a firm in a HCOL city. If you can swing it, I’d move to big law.

Did your firm tell you that about big law? Because that sounds like some BS they use to keep you thinking you got a good gig

To clarify, I bill 2100 for the bonus. My requirement is much less, so there is breathing room.

2100 is not WLB. Regardless of the work you’re doing. Don’t sell yourself short!

Oh dear! I'm a Practice Assistant, and could be assisting you, and I earn a bit less than you in BIGLAW. Maybe switch to BIGLAW.

There are several publications that provide an analysis of attorneys fees. Perhaps looking at their analysis would help you better decide. One of those is by NAFL. You may have to pay for the study, but it will provide you information. Also check with your Bar Association for any surveys conducted on attorney’s fees.