<p>basically, i'm curious to know how successful businesspeople (maybe those who are high achieving about 10 years into their career) view those who work in big law firms. </p>
<p>more personally though, in terms of salary (+bonus), i dont want to develop some inferiority complex later in life after deciding against pursuing a legal career and learn that my friends who are working in big law firms are making much more than i am in business (w/ an MBA). i plan to get into general management or consulting... not interested in ibanking.</p>
<p>most of your friends who work at big law firms will either quit them after a few years or become so crazy and jaded you will care little about their bottom line because you will hardly ever see them. if big law associates can't see their families, why would they have time for you?</p>
<p>My advice: find something that drives you other than money.</p>
<p>If, all that drives you is money, then you'll probably do better in business than in law.</p>
<p>I have a friend who got his JD, worked for a big law firm making the big bucks. He now works for a teacher's union and makes considerably less, but loves what he does. He found a conscience and with it a need to aide instead of attack. </p>
<p>The same should happen to all, and if it means big bucks than that is just a bonus.</p>
<p>Many lawyers are unhappy with the work and end up going back to school for their MBAs. You can make a ton of money in business or in law. I'd do what you enjoy.</p>
<p>BTW, my perception is that most jobs in law are even more tedious than investment banking. If you like diving into details, then it may be a great profession for you. Also, unless you are a rainmaker, you'll probably be working crazy hours for your entire career in law. At least with IBanking, one can move into something like private equity and work less hours and make a lot more money (than they were in Ibanking).</p>