Biglaw "staff attorney" in niche practice Forum

[Anonymous User]

I have an interview for a position as a staff attorney at a biglaw firm in DC. The position is in a really niche practice group. I just graduated, and worked in that field for about a year during law school. There is very little info given about the position.

Any thoughts on what this actually is? I know its not partner track, but is it likely a position where I would be locked in some dungeon doing doc review?

[JamMasterJ]

Most likely really niche doc review

[thesealocust]

It's definitely not always doc review

(it's probably usually doc review)

I know some firms who promote staff attorneys in niche practices to associates somewhat regularly, and even at the staff attorney level the salary is often 6-figures.

[Anonymous User]

Bump

[kalvano]

I did something similar for a bit. Definitely not doc review, but not the same as being an associate in terms of workflow and responsibility. It was the same in terms of hours and expectations.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. What was the pay like? The firm pays market to associates, not sure if that is relevant.

[kalvano]

I worked at a Texas Biglaw firm, although not one of the tip-top ones. Practice area was interesting and helped me get my current job. Pay was $100K, regular associates made market (sort of, weird system). I was eligible for bonus and everything else associates were (401k, matching, benefits, vacation). Their was a very good chance that the gig would turn into a full associate position within a couple years.

[mw115]

Know of 2 friends who did the same as kalvano (Texas biglaw) that became full associates.

[kalvano]

Does this position have anything to do with real estate finance and/or telecom work?

[Anonymous User]

OP here. Don't want to be too detailed here... Not real estate or telecom. It's a very specific area within regulatory law.

[kalvano]

I kind of doubt they would want you just for doc review. They can farm that out for fairly cheap. "Staff attorney" where I was meant I worked for one partner and with one client. It's fine as long as there is work to do, but if it dries up, you're in a precarious position.