Mid-market law firms (Atlanta, Texas, etc.) Forum

[hellojd]

Hey all,

So I'm a 0L and just got accepted into a couple of T-14s, but I'm having a serious internal debate as to whether to actually go to law school or not. After reading up on what I can, and drawing from my experience working in corporate life, I'm fairly sure I have little interest in working at a NYC sweatshop, and more than likely getting tossed out (or burnt out) after 2-3 years. I don't have anything against big law, but I've done the close equivalent in the business world and know myself enough to know the lifestyle isn't for me.

My question is, coming from a T-14, how difficult is it to crack into markets such as Atlanta (which I'm specifically interested in) given that you have some sort of connection to the city and working for firms that, sure may not pay 160k, but will pay you a decent (80-100k) salary and not require you to sign your soul over? From what I've read, people on TLS stress that there's nothing really between the 160k jobs and the 40-60k jobs; how accurate is this? I understand there's no "easy" way to big money, even 80k-100k, but I'll happily take 60 hour weeks for that range over 80 hour weeks for the extra 60k (again, if this choice exists).

If I go to LS, I'll likely end up at a T-10. How open is the door for this sort of opportunity? Another concern is how hard it is to become partner for me. It seems that you literally have a 10-20% chance at the big NYC shops - is the percentage similar at smaller markets?

Thanks for helping me out. I realize I probably have no business posting in the legal employment forum, but as current law students / recent grads, hopefully you all appreciate me going into the ordeal with eyes wide open...

[Aqualibrium]

Hey all,

So I'm a 0L and just got accepted into a couple of T-14s, but I'm having a serious internal debate as to whether to actually go to law school or not. After reading up on what I can, and drawing from my experience working in corporate life, I'm fairly sure I have little interest in working at a NYC sweatshop, and more than likely getting tossed out (or burnt out) after 2-3 years. I don't have anything against big law, but I've done the close equivalent in the business world and know myself enough to know the lifestyle isn't for me.

My question is, coming from a T-14, how difficult is it to crack into markets such as Atlanta (which I'm specifically interested in) given that you have some sort of connection to the city and working for firms that, sure may not pay 160k, but will pay you a decent (80-100k) salary and not require you to sign your soul over? From what I've read, people on TLS stress that there's nothing really between the 160k jobs and the 40-60k jobs; how accurate is this? I understand there's no "easy" way to big money, even 80k-100k, but I'll happily take 60 hour weeks for that range over 80 hour weeks for the extra 60k (again, if this choice exists).

If I go to LS, I'll likely end up at a T-10. How open is the door for this sort of opportunity? Another concern is how hard it is to become partner for me. It seems that you literally have a 10-20% chance at the big NYC shops - is the percentage similar at smaller markets?

Thanks for helping me out. I realize I probably have no business posting in the legal employment forum, but as current law students / recent grads, hopefully you all appreciate me going into the ordeal with eyes wide open...

The salary is more like 80-145k if I remember correctly.

The hours aren't as reduced as you think, the environment is just generally better (although I've heard sweat shop stories from K&S folks, but that's just anecdotes I guess).

If you've got the grades, and can convince people of your desire to live and settle in a place, you've got a very good shot of landing a job there.

Your chances at NY from a t10 are way better than 10-20%.

Making partner is difficult period.

[hellojd]

Your chances at NY from a t10 are way better than 10-20%.

Making partner is difficult period.

Woops, sorry I meant making partner at NY are 10-20%, not getting into big law period.

Thanks for the reply!