I’ve spent the last three years billing 2,200+ hours at a V10 firm and I’m officially running on fumes. I love the high-stakes litigation, but I need to move somewhere that doesn’t expect me to answer emails at 3:00 AM on a Sunday. My worry is that boutique firms will see my Big Law background and think I’m too expensive or won’t stick around. How do I frame my desire for wlb in an interview without sounding like I’m lazy or unmotivated?

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

LOL no. Most (all?) midlaw and boutique firms understand why hordes of people flee BigLaw to better WLB. This is a common pivot. Just say things like you’re looking to work with a close knit team where you can put down roots and focus on making partner, you’re looking for a team and a culture where you can see yourself for the long haul or whatever. They will know exactly why you’re there without you mentioning WLB. But also, once you’ve got them on the hook, don’t be afraid to be clear about exactly what you want.

likesmart

Great advice

Just tell them you’re looking for a firm with a leaner staffing model, where your V10 efficiency actually matters, and then vet their weekend email culture during the reference checks.

likehelpful

Agreed

You should be moving to V3 or at least V5 before making that kind of jump

👍

Related Posts

like

What is your socioeconomic background and how much NW do you consider “enough” to be able to live comfortably?

like

What is your typical class size for your shop class? Do you have a maximum?

like

What’s a ballpark salary for a media strategy director in NYC at a big holding company like Omnicom?

like

Please, help me to know how much will be I hand salary before qtrly bonus or after qtrly bonus. I am very confused with salary structure.

Post Photo
like

Share your resume at helpacenreferral@gmail.com for Accenture referral in below skills.

Post Photo
like

CTO or VP technology (14yrs total exp) for machine learning AI computer vision products. Any hiring on this ..let me know

like

Does anyone working in Skillsoft? please share your experience

like

Hello Fishes, I have 7 days for joining. please help me decide below

UST Global - 19 Fixed + 1 Variable + 1 Joining bonus

NTT Data - 16 Fixed + 2.2 variable

i can ask NTT to match the offer, if they match which is good to join??

Techstack - Backend engineer with Python, Django, DRF, SQL

YOE - 5 years

like

What happens if you quit your job while in the process of getting a clearance?

Hello Everyone,

I have been working with Kantar (a market research company) for 10 months now. The company has given me permanent work from home. Work is quite good and I am able to learn many things here. Also, my manager is very supportive and patient.
The only thing is about compensation, I have a package of 14 lpa with 6 YOE.
I'm thinking of switching to some company based in Pune.
What should I do?

like

DM for refferal in IBM
#cloud
#QA
#UI
#Reactjs

like

Hi I work at Accenture Strategy & Consulting in Management Consulting - Capital Market Practice. I have 5.5 years of experience in Capital Market Consulting. Have worked with Investment Banks, CSDs, Clearing Houses, Exchanges. Have worked on RFI, RFP, PM, Requirements Gathering, BRDs , FSDs. Waterfall to Agile implementation etc.
I am MBA- Finance and did Computer Engineering in UG.
I am looking for a change and looking for opportunity in Strategy or Management Consulting. Kindly refer me.

like

Need referral to BNP Paribas CIB
Can anyone help please

What is the notice period at Mphasis? Is it varies based on the band and level? Can anyone answer?

like

What salary to expect at a Director level at PwC in Saudi Arabia? I am a brit with over 15 years experience in transformation consulting, and never worked in the ME!

like

Salary for PwC Revenue Cycle SA? 4.5 years experience, CPA?

likehelpful

Is it worth it to go back to school for a better track to a FAANG company? The division I’m currently in seems like there are no good opportunities, and I have the funds available to finish my undergraduate full time (Canada). I applied to Amazon before for a highly senior position and made it to final interview so I think I would have a better chance for a new grad type role.

like

TBWA NY recruiter?

like

Classic consulting/Deloitte fashion: I listed SQL on my resume as a skill, where I really just have basic familiarity with core concepts, but would struggle to be tested technically on it. Upcoming interview where I’m likely to be asked about it. What do you recommend?

likefunny

Additional Posts in Ask A Recruiter - Law

Interviewing with a recruiting firm. What is an “normal” base salary? TIA

like

Are there any certifications or comprehensive courses for attorneys looking to break into blockchain?

like

Any recruiters in the Charleston, SC area? I'm trying to quietly find another PI firm. Please DM me if so.

like

Is it possible to go from Finance Compliance to Biglaw? I have 5y Biglaw experience abroad and NY license. Moved to NY for inhouse job in finance but considering moving back after 4y.

like

Any tips on a step by step game plan for finding a new job as an associate ASAPPP?

like

I am looking for a new job at the end of a long career. I have excellent experience in IP and Supply Chain Management. I've been fortunate to be in a high-paying position in the Los Angeles area and I rarely see comparable positions posted. The comparable positions at my company are filled by one of the big executive search firms. Any recommendations for finding the rare executive-level legal positions or for landing on the radar of the big executive search firms would be much appreciated!

like

I currently work at a medium sized firm and have about two years experience in personal injury litigation. The billable hours and lack of work life balance are really getting to me and I am looking to switch to something else out of litigation, preferably in house. I am also looking to relocate to a different state. How do I go about properly marketing myself to companies that might not take my relocation and minimal experience seriously?

like

Any recommendations for good recruiting agencies in the Carolinas? Trying to find someone to help me navigate my potential lateral career options based on my experience and interests since I’ve been in litigation almost two years and it’s not for me and I will be relocating there.

like

Wanting to switch from litigation to in house. What should I make sure I do before I start applying? Do referrals from someone inside a company matter that much when applying? I'm burnt out, I need an escape from billables. Help me out!

like

When do firms start sponsoring green cards? What’s the earliest year you have seen and can I negotiate this as part of lateral package?

like

How do find a recruiter in the legal field? Have been looking for a job for a year now and trying to transition into another practice area. Applied to more than 20 jobs and still no offers. I feel like I might need some help.
Also, I have no idea how these arrangements work. Do you pay the recruiter to look for the jobs or do you pay them when you get the job? Or does the employer pay them?

like

I interviewed at a law firm and had my final round last Friday. The Tuesday afterward, I got a call from the recruiter saying the firm won’t have a decision for another week. I believe they’re interviewing other candidates. Does that make me second or third choice? And does the fact that I’m working with a recruiter hurt my chances of being selected due to the commission? Should I hold out for the offer or is 1+ week a sign that I won’t be selected?

like

Assuming that I'm okay with a salary of 70K and more, and that I really don't want to work at a law firm. Is it going to be difficult for me to return to law with two years of experience and one year working in a legal adjacent role.

like

What is the worst thing a reasonable person could do at a job interview and why is that so bad? (I mean a mistake even the best of us could commit)

likehelpful

What are salaries like for class of 2019 in am law 50-100. I have average working attorney collections as high as our senior associates but I’m only making 215k. Trying to see what salary I should ask for.

likefunny

How do you recommend finding recruiters who specialize in a particular geographic area? (Tampa Bay specifically)

like

Anyone hear of a patent attorney going to an investment bank, hedge fund, or venture capital firm?? Considering a change. Thought I could use my skills to help investors analyze and valuate companies.

Do you have guidelines of what you expect a transactional associate to know at X years into their license?

like

How can I break into transactional practice from a litigation background?

like

Any recruiters based in Dubai, UAE or working with law firms based in UAE or companies looking to hire someone with legal experience. Please DM me. Thank you

like

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

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

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