Which Firm to Choose for Permanent Job? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Have a dilemma, and was hoping for a sounding board…
I’m in the fortunate position of having 2 offers. I split in the same secondary market in the Midwest. I liked both firms, would be happy at both, and I am having a hard time deciding which offer to accept.

First-half firm:
-Small v100 office (20-30 attorneys).
-Have lost some attorneys in recent years. I asked a lot of questions about this, and I don't feel like the firm is in danger of folding or anything, but rather had a problem with a partner who took some attorneys with him. They are preaching stable, safe growth from here out.
-Pretty dependent on 2-3 big clients (work will not specifically be tied to just these clients, however).
-Offered in my ideal, niche area of law where I will be the only associate.
-Only 1-2 other young associates and some pretty awkward attorneys (but 3-4 people I would be working with are great and not awkward, and everyone’s really nice here, just pretty awkward…).
-Pay slightly more (only a few thousand base), bonus structure better as well.

Second-half firm:
-Decent sized NALP250 firm (70 or so attorneys)
-Growing in the market and top firm in the city already as far as local work is concerned.
-Bunch of young associates, great fit personality-wise with the firm, lots of cool older attorneys as well.
-General offer and they have no idea where I’ll be placed (like not even corporate or litigation)… and won’t know for 6-9 months or so… I could potentially be working with some great people/great practice area, or with some partners/in a practice area I’d hate…
-Pay slightly less

I guess it come down to the more stable firm with the better social life fit (firm 2) v. the firm with the guaranteed practice area fit with more career potential (firm 1). I am leaning towards firm 1, b/c even if I won't have any friends at the firm, at least I'll be doing the work I want to do.

Any thoughts or other things I should consider?

[Kronk]

Two sounds better to me. Although lol social life.

[Loose Seal]

I'd go for the place where you are going to get job experience relevant to your long-term career interests. Then at least you'll have relevant exit options and will have moved your career forward in your first few years.

[J. D.]

Your're right, close call. For me, slight advantage for firm #2.

[Anonymous User]

bump for after work crowd. any other thoughts?