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What are the big law / boutique exit options?

Which is more likely to lead to partnership?

Which is more desired in lateraling?

I've always considered patent prosecution as having better exit options. You can work in any size firm (10 lawyers to 1000 lawyers) and earn a good salary, it's easier to start your own firm, and there are more in-house opportunities in the field.

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yellowjacket2012 wrote:yikes

???

Curious about this, too

Patent Lit = More $$$$$$$

Patent Pros = A little less $$$ but you will be able to have a great quality of life since it's the closest to a 9-5 job as there is in the law.


As someone who actually does it (patent pros), I think I know what I'm talking about. Also, if your work product is good then you can still be on the path to partnership, depending on the firm. At boutique firms, it's a heck of a lot easier to make partner. My firm, for example, usually requires 8 years and that's for doing prosecution the whole time. Moreover, they already told me that my time as a patent agent/evening law student counts towards partnership. I'm not sure if every small firm is that way, but it's definitely a huge plus over big law.

Also doing patent prosecution in this financial climate allows you to build a book of business much faster since more clients want to prosecute patents and don't have the cash to litigate.

This is just my opinion, so don't hate.