<p>So, as a prospective lawyer, I was curious if anyone could describe life as a "biglaw" attorney. Basically, my question boils down to: is the salary worth it?</p>
<p>Any thoughts on the matter would be appreciated.</p>
<p>It's tough to generalize, but for the most part the hours are long and unpredictable, the work is tedious and the people are jerks. Based on the attrition rates, it looks like most people don't think it's worth it.</p>
<p>that was a bit pessimistic americanski...</p>
<p>Americanski -- I concur. The partners in the biglaw firms that our company use seem to burn through new associates every few years. I can only think of a few associates who made partner over the years that I've managed outside counsel. A few associates end up going in-house, but most seem to move to smaller firms or just disappear. </p>
<p>I note that our Fortune 500 company's pay-scale is pegged to MonsterBoard for an attorney with <5 years of experience, not to biglaw salary scales. When comparing the experience of a T14 biglaw associate who may have only assisted with document production and legal research for three years, against an T3 associate from a midsize firm with more hands-on experience -- the latter would be a more attractive candidate to me. </p>
<p>I am, however, an average graduate from a T3 school. I've had a very, very successful career. I worked for a well-known law firm and for several Fortune 500s over the last 30+ years. I believe that (1) luck, (2) commonsense/personality, (3) ethics, and (4) working harder and being better prepared than any other lawyer, will ultimately determine who finds career success -- whether in biglaw or any other employment.</p>
<p>Can anyone describe the average work week and lifestyle of a new associate at a law firm?</p>
<p>"that was a bit pessimistic americanski..."</p>
<p>If "biglaw" is anywhere near investment banking in terms of lifestyle, Americanski is not being pessimistic--just honest. At least in banking, you do math, which keeps your brain working--as opposed to just correcting font style and moving commas here and there... (the pay used to be better, though that's not necessarily the case anymore.)</p>
<p>Ps. If you are a "philosopher" at heart, you will hate biglaw.</p>
<p>There are average billable hours that "biglaw" associates work, but there is no average work experience. There are too many variables - location, type of work, and different personalities involved just to mention a few. There is a lot of turnover at the big law firms, but there are many reasons for that and not everyone leaves because the work is not interesting or challenging. Life as a litigator in a large firm is probably the most stressful, if I had to generalize. However, when associates are involved in huge corporate transactions, their lives are not their own either. Perhaps the biggest advantage to "biglaw" is that no doors are shut with the choice. My advice to the associates who land the jobs is to save as much money as possible so they can take advantage of the choices presented. Do not the buy the biggest house, the nicest car, the most expensive gadgets - each purchase more firmly secures the golden handcuffs.</p>
<p>Good insight, cartera, and grammatically impeccable -- now that's impressive!</p>
<p>Why is it that correct use of the language makes one's argument that much more believable?...take note you slackers.</p>
<p>Oh dear! I would have cleaned it up a bit more had I known the grammar and sentence structure were under consideration. Thank you for the compliment.</p>
<p>That is just the point, one never knows when what one says or writes is being scrutinized for qualities too often overlooked. </p>
<p>In practicing law such attention to detail can make the difference between an effective presentation and one which is not. After all, when it comes down to it isn't it all about persuasion? </p>
<p>Of course that begs the question that, say, in a jury trial, who makes up the jury and what is it that impresses them most? Hmm...maybe I shouldn't go there...</p>