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First, let me say: yes I am aware of how unlikely it is to make partner at most firms these days.

So, in choosing a firm, how much weight, if any, should be given to the prospect of making partner? I'm basically wondering between the two scenarios: (1) mid-law regional firm, pays a little below market, partnership prospects are much better than at most V firms, (2) big-law firm in NYC/DC/CHI/etc, pays market, partnership prospects are next to none.

Assume, for sake of argument, that the person desires to ultimately make partner. Which is the better decision? My initial thinking was that it makes more sense to go for the bigger firm with the hope of either lateraling down or finding a "better" in-house gig than would otherwise be possible. Curious what you guys think.

Thanks for any help offered.

You could argue the nuance all day, but it's probably the latter. Bites at the apple and mobility.

Anonymous User wrote:First, let me say: yes I am aware of how unlikely it is to make partner at most firms these days.

So, in choosing a firm, how much weight, if any, should be given to the prospect of making partner? I'm basically wondering between the two scenarios: (1) mid-law regional firm, pays a little below market, partnership prospects are much better than at most V firms, (2) big-law firm in NYC/DC/CHI/etc, pays market, partnership prospects are next to none.

Assume, for sake of argument, that the person desires to ultimately make partner. Which is the better decision? My initial thinking was that it makes more sense to go for the bigger firm with the hope of either lateraling down or finding a "better" in-house gig than would otherwise be possible. Curious what you guys think.

Thanks for any help offered.

Are you looking to do lit or transactional work? If lit, look into the top boutiques. They pay market and offer a much better shot at making partner.

nonprofit-prophet wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:First, let me say: yes I am aware of how unlikely it is to make partner at most firms these days.

So, in choosing a firm, how much weight, if any, should be given to the prospect of making partner? I'm basically wondering between the two scenarios: (1) mid-law regional firm, pays a little below market, partnership prospects are much better than at most V firms, (2) big-law firm in NYC/DC/CHI/etc, pays market, partnership prospects are next to none.

Assume, for sake of argument, that the person desires to ultimately make partner. Which is the better decision? My initial thinking was that it makes more sense to go for the bigger firm with the hope of either lateraling down or finding a "better" in-house gig than would otherwise be possible. Curious what you guys think.

Thanks for any help offered.

Are you looking to do lit or transactional work? If lit, look into the top boutiques. They pay market and offer a much better shot at making partner.

Transactional.

If you're not even sure which city you want to end up in, there's no reason to worry about partnership prospects now. I'd do big law for a few years and then figure out what you want to do long-term.