Jumping from small firm to another small firm
Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 8:38 pm
Considering jumping from small firm to other small firm. Would love any insight from other practicing attorneys.
Background:
Been practicing close to 2 years at a small firm. The new small firm is more prestigious (relatively speaking...I am fully aware it is still small law) and mostly focused on civil defense (not ID). My firm now does more plaintiffs' work. Both are located in a mid-size secondary market. I do not want to burn any bridges, but do want to be best for my career/life (see below about erratic boss). Ideal job would be gov't gig, but seems pretty unlikely that will happen with the current market, my network, and my experience.
Pros/Cons of current firm:
Pros:
(1) I did get about 10k in raises over the first 1.5 years (but it is not lockstep according to several people);
(2) no minimum billable hours as it is a hybrid practice of flat fee, billable hours, and contingency work;
(3) hours are not too crazy: in the office around 7:30, generally leave at 6 or 630. work every Saturday for about 5 hours. Total is around 55-60 hours/week;
(4) although niche area of practice, have learned a decent amount about the civil litigation process;
(5) main partner is older and could retire in the next couple years, which would make it much more bearable (see con #1 below).
Cons:
(1) Insane/erratic boss that berates me almost daily, cusses and chews you out for mistakes he made (I think he is kind of losing it to be honest, he is pretty old now);
(2) practice is niche civil area;
(3) no bonuses. ever;
(4) no chance of partnership - it literally does not exist;
(5) working every single Saturday for half a day is required;
(6) this goes on #4 on the pros - I have learned a decent amount, but I do feel like I have topped out in learning any new skill set as since it is a niche area;
(7) I would be making about 10k more/year at new firm, and partnership is actually a possibility;
(8) no 401(k) offered.
I feel like the new firm would be a step-up, albeit a very small one. My main concern is really that my current firm is a dead-end street career wise as there are no partnership prospects, no retirement, etc. Also, for what it's worth, new firm has two offices, one in another market I would prefer to be in, but I realize this is a long-shot to eventually transfer there. Would be happy to provide anymore info if needed. Thanks in advance.
Background:
Been practicing close to 2 years at a small firm. The new small firm is more prestigious (relatively speaking...I am fully aware it is still small law) and mostly focused on civil defense (not ID). My firm now does more plaintiffs' work. Both are located in a mid-size secondary market. I do not want to burn any bridges, but do want to be best for my career/life (see below about erratic boss). Ideal job would be gov't gig, but seems pretty unlikely that will happen with the current market, my network, and my experience.
Pros/Cons of current firm:
Pros:
(1) I did get about 10k in raises over the first 1.5 years (but it is not lockstep according to several people);
(2) no minimum billable hours as it is a hybrid practice of flat fee, billable hours, and contingency work;
(3) hours are not too crazy: in the office around 7:30, generally leave at 6 or 630. work every Saturday for about 5 hours. Total is around 55-60 hours/week;
(4) although niche area of practice, have learned a decent amount about the civil litigation process;
(5) main partner is older and could retire in the next couple years, which would make it much more bearable (see con #1 below).
Cons:
(1) Insane/erratic boss that berates me almost daily, cusses and chews you out for mistakes he made (I think he is kind of losing it to be honest, he is pretty old now);
(2) practice is niche civil area;
(3) no bonuses. ever;
(4) no chance of partnership - it literally does not exist;
(5) working every single Saturday for half a day is required;
(6) this goes on #4 on the pros - I have learned a decent amount, but I do feel like I have topped out in learning any new skill set as since it is a niche area;
(7) I would be making about 10k more/year at new firm, and partnership is actually a possibility;
(8) no 401(k) offered.
I feel like the new firm would be a step-up, albeit a very small one. My main concern is really that my current firm is a dead-end street career wise as there are no partnership prospects, no retirement, etc. Also, for what it's worth, new firm has two offices, one in another market I would prefer to be in, but I realize this is a long-shot to eventually transfer there. Would be happy to provide anymore info if needed. Thanks in advance.