where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years? Forum

[jkech]

this question gets me every time and I can never think of a way to phrase an answer so I don't sound like an asshole.

anyone have a good response they use for this question?

[84651846190]

Starbucks barista

The most effective answer is something that tells the interviewer (if a partner) that you want to be like him/her. People always want to help out good dudes who are trying to be like them.

[Cogburn87]

You probably should have thought about this before going to law school

[Old Gregg]

doing your wife

[Ron Don Volante]

doing your wife

doing your... son?





ETA: for uncultured dweebs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mny0zkq_goM

[Mr. Elshal]

In 5 to 10 years, I envision myself having grown in my career, but still learning from my job, so that I can apply lessons I have learned but am still continuously expanding the scope of my knowledge and becoming better able to serve my clients. I am confident that XYZ firm will enable me to get to that point, particularly through its strong mentorship programs and the incredibly diverse and exciting legal issues it works on for its clients. For example, I recently read about (mention something interesting and unique about a recent project the firm did). 5 or 10 years in, I want to be working on matters like this, where I can make an impact that is at least commensurate with my 5 to 10 years of experience, but where I can also actively engage and learn from what I am doing.


Preferably, the matter you mention should be one that he/she worked on, so that it will naturally lead to them telling you more about it (or you could just ask them whether they feel your assessment is accurate, given their work on that matter and others).
Also, attorneys trying to recruit will probably be more than willing to continue your answer on their own by seizing the opportunity to tell you more about how their firm will continuously teach and challenge you.

[15 styx]

Perhaps overreaching but retiring at 50 is a goal. If I follow in the footsteps of my parents, work for a large company for 7-10 years then strike out on my own. 10 years later semi-retire or sell. I’ve notice that a number of the accomplished firm attorneys here only come in occasionally. That plan works for me.

[fats provolone]

Perhaps overreaching but retiring at 50 is a goal. If I follow in the footsteps of my parents, work for a large company for 7-10 years then strike out on my own. 10 years later semi-retire or sell. I’ve notice that a number of the accomplished firm attorneys here only come in occasionally. That plans works for me.

lolol yea older posters don't post here any more because they're enjoying golfinsailing in retirement

[15 styx]

When I said here, I meant to the office.

[prezidentv8]

enjoying golfinsailing in retirement

sounds like my kinda plan

[BeenDidThat]

Knee deep in an MDL with a mil in the bank.

Don't actually respond with this.

[GOATlawman]

As long as the interviewer was a partner and the # of years was sufficient that it would be reasonable, saying I hoped to be a partner seemed to go over well.

[haus]

Likely sitting in traffic, trying to get to the office.

[NotMyRealName09]

Progressing on partnership track is the only answer for this, even if its a lie.

[exitoptions]

Progressing on partnership track is the only answer for this, even if its a lie.

Seriously, this shouldn't even be a question. Even though they know you will almost certainly get canned before making partner, they always want you gunning for it.

[ymmv]

Progressing on partnership track is the only answer for this, even if its a lie.

Seriously, this shouldn't even be a question. Even though they know you will almost certainly get canned before making partner, they always want you gunning for it.

This is what I said every time. Seems to have worked. Firms love hearing that you're looking for a place where you can see yourself building a career etc.