So how would you pick a law firm to join?

Graduate School Law School
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<p>The fact is that Biglaw associates get subtle (or not-so-subtle) pushes out the door all of the time. The conversation usually goes something like this: “We think that you might find career opportunities that might suit you better elsewhere. Why don’t you take up to three months while you continue to use our offices to look for a more suitable position.” I’m quite certain that affected associates don’t advertise it when it happens, but it does happen. </p>

<p>There are also both announced and more discreet, under-the-table layoffs that occur from time to time in Biglaw. The most recent rounds of layoffs a couple of years ago are merely the most recent iteration of this occurring. It also happened in the 1991/1992 time span, then again in 2001/2002 and again more recently. </p>

<p>Many of these associates do land on their feet, albeit working in geographies or for employers they never would have considered otherwise and almost always for less (sometimes significantly less) compensation. There are also many who never find work in the law again, particularly during periods of layoff and contraction (because the market is flooded with willing associates/former associates and no one is hiring). </p>

<p>I know well several bright, hard working associates who lost their jobs and who never found work as attorneys again – not by choice.</p>

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<p>Just wanted to update everyone who helped me to follow along with this process.</p>

<p>DD chose to take the London offer. She was fortunate enough to have choices, but I think making the choice was difficult. It is hard to make the decision today about where you want to be three years from now. It seems like a very exciting opportunity for her, so we are all happy!</p>

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<p>Good luck to her and thanks for updating!</p>

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<p>What is sad about this is that after all of the cost of their hard earned educations, and after working hard in law school and coming out on top, getting a “big law” job, many of these people not only won’t work as lawyers again, but some of them can’t find any reasonable paying work at all, which means their only options is to hang out a shingle.</p>

<p>Contrary to how the Law Schools market their product, a JD is NOT a Versatile degree, and is more of a hindrance than an asset in getting a non-legal job.</p>