Is there truly such a thing as a lifestyle firm?

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No. I went from a V20 to a V100 on that premise. Lateraled back to another V20 after promptly finding out no law firm tells their clients “We’d love to help you with that but we’re a lifestyle firm.” Just a marketing pitch for firms who pay less. Sorry for the cynicism.

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Would be curious which firm. I made a similar move and found my hours got a LOT (life changingly better). Also found many of the partners have a different (more relaxed) perspective. But I moved to a satellite office as well. Some firms in my geographic area clear out of 5 (so I hear... my firm is not exactly like that).

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I think, generally, Associate 1 is correct. I do believe, however, that some firms value it more than others. My AM LAW 200 firm has different billable requirements associated with different compensation levels which I believe fosters more of a work-life balanced culture.

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That sounds pretty awesome

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No. plaintiffs lawyer at firm that sells itself as a lifestyle firm. I still work biglaw hours, just make less money.

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Same.

Most people at my firm work 30-35 hours per week and never, ever answer an email outside those hours.

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This sounds amazing. I am in patent pros. Mind sharing where you work? Feel free to PM

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Some associates at my firm have created their own “lifestyle” department by not showing up when they know they can get away with it. Maybe you should try that. You can put in the hours under a blanket and some pizza by your side

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My old firm had a guy like that. Eventually he took advantage of it too much and he was politely asked to find another job within the month.

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I think it’s less about the firm and more about the practice group you are in. Some practices come with more time pressures than others which will not necessarily change wherever you are in the V100. Even if your practice was suited for “balance” you may be working with a group or partners who have different views. My experience has been that this is much more of a micro issue (about location, part era and practice group) than it is a question about firms in general.

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This is true as well. It’s a partner-by-partner basis for whether the response to a (obviously, non urgent) request on Friday afternoon is “We’ll get you something tomorrow” or “Happy to get you something to review by Tuesday.”

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Yes. There are such things as lifestyle firms but they have absolutely nothing on common with AMLaw firms. You won't make a mint, you can make decent $$, but you will be able to have a life.

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All is balance I guess, or a regular old cost.benefit analysis, which can change with time as you do. There are small groups or other types of employers that may fit what you seek, but you need to pay for your freedoms in lower compensation.

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I've never heard the term but I get the meaning. I own a medium sized litigation firm near a major city. I can tell you what I have learned over 25 years of doing this. I have worked in tiny firms and large firms, and for an insurance company. There are tradeoffs for everything. In the big firm, you make big firm money and work big firm hours, and follow big firm rules, and carry some guy's briefcase for 10 years. In the small firm, you make smaller money and work fewer hours (usually), but have a lot more control and responsibility, and you learn a lot more quickly. There are only two ways to get ahead in this business. They've not invented a third. 1. Bill more hours/put in more work on flat fee cases to get them done sooner. 2. Bring in business. If you want to make your life much easier, get good at #2. #1 is a game you will never win long term.

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