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I'd like to work in a major market for aesthetic reasons: I like good theater and museums. Of the three cities I'm considering--NYC, Chi, & DC--DC seems to be the most relaxed, which I like: wide streets, low buildings, not too crowded or dingy, etc. What's it like to work big law in DC as compared to NYC & Chicago? Why did you choose (or not choose) D.C?

portaprokoss wrote:I'd like to work in a major market for aesthetic reasons

That's a first.

Fewer hours in DC biglaw as compared with NYC; maybe about 10-15% less. Less of a bonus, too, although lately the difference has not been significant. At some firms the difference has been zero. Don't know about DC vs. Chicago, but I imagine the two are roughly comparable.

The work in DC is of a very different mix than in NY. Less deal and finance driven, although there is some deal and finance work (particularly the parts dealing with government regulation/approval of mergers, etc.). Housing is cheaper in DC than NYC, but still crazy expensive. Chicago has a huge advantage over the other two in this regard.

Anonymous User wrote:Fewer hours in DC biglaw as compared with NYC; maybe about 10-15% less. Less of a bonus, too, although lately the difference has not been significant. At some firms the difference has been zero. Don't know about DC vs. Chicago, but I imagine the two are roughly comparable.

The work in DC is of a very different mix than in NY. Less deal and finance driven, although there is some deal and finance work (particularly the parts dealing with government regulation/approval of mergers, etc.). Housing is cheaper in DC than NYC, but still crazy expensive. Chicago has a huge advantage over the other two in this regard.

Are you currently working in DC? What led you there?