Top Law Schools

All, please don't bother asking for specifics, because I do not want to out myself, and it wouldn't take much.

Secondary market. Received offers from the top firm in the market in terms of size, prestige, exit options, you name it, it is simply the best, by a considerable margin. Exit options honestly aren't important to me that much because I am looking to build a career somewhere. Incredible, incredible firm. Pays market, think secondary market starting and you have it. Has field I'm interested in, but also, as you can imagine, practices in every other field as well. This firm is really an incubator for leaders in the region. While there is more churn here than at the other firm, still a relatively small number of associates and opportunities abound for those that are inclined. Incredible people throughout firm, and lots of them.

Second offer is from a large national firm with satellite office in market. Incredible people doing the work I'm interested in. Brings in only one or two associates so they are really invested in their development. Opportunities to work early and often with partners, small firm environment with every perk of a national firm. Pays NY rate to begin, and lockstep that ends of slightly lower in years 8-9. Partner at this firm would make considerably more.

I have to honestly make this decision soon, both firms accelerated their recruiting timetable to make me an offer and I do not want to keep them waiting. Chances are I'll be working for/against/with individuals at either firm because of the field I'm interested in, meaning I need to make this decision soon and then move forward managing relationships with people at both firms. I know the general consensus is firms don't care about withdrawing/where you end up/whatever, but trust me, both these firms do in this particular case. Individuals that I have met through this process at both firms are pulling hard for me, all the way from associates to managing partners.

Don't have incredible grades/school/anything else, just fortunate to somehow have ended up in this position. Graduating ~debt free, money is not really a deciding factor here. Been talking to people in the community, associates, summers, etc, and am hesitant to even come on here, but because of how important this choice is, I feel there might be some advice/insight on here that could change things for me, or help shape what I'm looking at.

I will not, in any way, shape or form, be disclosing any details, through PM or otherwise. Because I think TLS can be incredibly valuable and has helped me during this entire journey and I also believe in giving back, I will be sure to return prior to the start of next season's OCI to disclose some of my experience and learned knowledge in a way that will help others. : - )

Thoughts?

You can't PM anons.

I like locally-grown top firms. Small satellite offices of national firms are often TTT in the secondary market. I'd bet you'll get more interesting work from the locally prestigious firm.

Sometimes local firms have more reasonable billing requirements. How big is the pay cut?

OP:

Grizz, often times there will be pm requests, and unfortunately, in this situation, I cannot respond.

Pay cut, not huge to begin with, but grows as time goes on. Again pay is not huge motivator here. Satellite office has stablized at certain size and will remain that way, with small growth possible.

Home grown is also better regarded nationally, though this is not a huge difference and it doesn't matter to me because I'm set on where I will end up.

Anonymous User wrote:OP:

Grizz, often times there will be pm requests, and unfortunately, in this situation, I cannot respond.

Pay cut, not huge to begin with, but grows as time goes on. Again pay is not huge motivator here. Satellite office has stablized at certain size and will remain that way, with small growth possible.

Home grown is also better regarded nationally, though this is not a huge difference and it doesn't matter to me because I'm set on where I will end up.

2nd anon here. I would go local. It sounds more dynamic and it is really cool to be on the A team in a region. It seems like the only difference is a small amount of money... otherwise advantage is local.

My top choice is similar to the local firm you are describing. More opportunity, more practice areas, more A+ lawyers in the halls, likely better able to weather rocky economic times.

local team seems like a clear winner if $ is not an issue