<p>What are the ups and downs of working in Big Law, but PART-TIME. I know there will obviously be a salary cut, but how much?</p>
<p>And what's the big deal about not making partner?</p>
<p>It's not easy to work part time at big law, unless you start out full time there and excel so they are willing to keep you around part time. Rarely do large law firms hire someone for part time work. There are typically current associates ready and willing to go part time if given the opportunity. Working part time isn't as simple as it sounds. You still have clients to serve and, even if you have worked your agreed upon hours for the week, it will not be looked upon kindly if you leave a client in the lurch. Some large firms do hire staff attorneys, but that is different from working part time. Staff attorneys are typically not as well credentialed and are not on partnership track. Part time attorneys typically start out as regular associates and then go part time for personal reasons. They can still be on partnership track while they are part time - but obviously, the track will lengthen.</p>
<p>What about firms that do offer 1st year part-time options?</p>
<p>I don't know of any biglaw firms that allow first years to work part time.</p>
<p>Part time is largely an option reserved for mid-level to senior associates and partners who have proven themselves over the course of several years to be hardworking, excellent attorneys. Please keep in mind, too, that many so-called "part time" biglaw attorneys still work 40-50 hours per week. Yes, that is indeed part time in biglaw (at least in NYC). Oh, and that 40-50 hour/week schedule does typically involve a pay cut and some agreement about a smaller bonus.</p>
<p>Agree with sally - I don't know of any biglaw firms that hire first years to work part time. It is rare that they hire experienced attorneys to work part time. However, the increases in salaries that necessitate increases in the billable hour rate are starting to cause the firms to consider more alternatives to partnership track. I have a position with a "biglaw" firm now for an experienced part time associate. The firm is concerned about continually increasing the billable hour rate so they want a non partnership track attorney to handle research, writing and trial prep. The firm typically starts associates at $160k and billables are likely at least 2100 hrs. There is an offer out at $140k with target billables at 1700 hrs. If this works well, I expect the firm to consider this in other departments as well.</p>