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I am lucky enough to have an offer in hand from a federal agency that I'm happy, but not dying to work for. I currently have a mid-law gig that is stressful, but I work with good people in a secondary market. I get paid $120k at the firm and the agency is offering $65k to live in the much higher cost of living DC. However, my "after tax, after loans" income is roughly the same once you take into account IBR and the agency picking up the tab on my reduced payments (like, $200 a month). Otherwise, I'd be dumping $2,000 a month into loans at the firm. I have to serve a two year trial period at the agency, which seems dangerous, but it's not like I have greater job security at the mid-law firm. Agency tries to elevate from GS 11-12-13 in a 3-4 year period from start date. Mid-law firm's billable plus investment (which matters to them surprisingly) is 2,200. Federal agency is telework 1-2 days per week optional, every other Friday off. No 401k matching at firm. Bonuses between $5-10k - anything higher needs to be justified by K&E-type billables.

As you can probably tell, I'm inclined to jump ship. The agency has decent, but subject-matter limited exit options. That is, if I choose this path, I'm stuck at the agency or doing that agency's law for a long time. That said, exit options seem to include solid east coast biglaw if I really want back in the game. I am afraid I'm stuck in my own head though. I feel like I've gone over it so many times I can't get perspective anymore.

What would y'all do?

Important info to consider is how long have you been at the mid-law (and how long has it been since you graduated law school)?

Ah, good point. 2014 grad. Been at firm for a year.

Don't know how many attorneys your firm is, but it sounds more like regional biglaw than true "midlaw", for what it's worth. (though this is semantics, I guess)

I think it's tough to answer this question without knowing what you plan on doing if you stay with your current firm. Is there another gvt agency you'd rather be at? Does partnership interest you at all? Otherwise, I'm not sure I understand why you wouldn't take the offer.

As a lawyer for a federal agency in DC, starting at 65k is pretty typical, and you most likely will jump up to ~100k over the first few years. After that, you'll slowly move toward the upper limit of ~155k over a decade or so. Assuming those numbers are enough for you to get by in the short- and long-term, I wouldn't make this decision based on money.

Instead, I'd ask yourself if that agency is somewhere you'd be content with for 5+ years. It sounds like you won't want to move back to a biglaw lifestyle after enjoying the flexibility that gov't work gives you, so your exit options would most likely be moving to another agency. Those moves certainly happen, but it's not as easy as lateraling between firms. I'd also add that the people you work with can make a big difference in your quality of life. At free-market firms, you can influence the partners that you work with most by developing relationships and asking for work. That's not likely to happen at an agency.

NOT OP: Is there a way for you to rotate into a different department at the agency? Many agencies have litigation/admin units that could open up some new exit options

I have a friend who was recently given the opportunity to work at a major DC firm for $190k. She turned it down because of the outrageous DC COL. My friend lives in a state where there is no state income tax and earns $120k. Given that she just turned down a 70k pay raise, I'd day it is madness to transfer to DC with its extreme COL and take a 50% pay cut. The only exception would be if you really abhor your current firm.

twenty 8 wrote:I have a friend who was recently given the opportunity to work at a major DC firm for $190k. She turned it down because of the outrageous DC COL. My friend lives in a state where there is no state income tax and earns $120k. Given that she just turned down a 70k pay raise, I'd day it is madness to transfer to DC with its extreme COL and take a 50% pay cut. The only exception would be if you really abhor your current firm.

Not really an apples-to-apples comparison. Your friend turned down biglaw. OP is considering an 8-6 gig with Fridays off, 2 weeks vacation plus 13 federal holidays, and no obligation to answer emails or otherwise work when out of the office. Plus bonus vacation whenever the Tea Party shuts down the gov't.

If OP is supporting a family, 65k would be tough in DC. But it's fine if s/he is single.

I'd also add that the people you work with can make a big difference in your quality of life. At free-market firms, you can influence the partners that you work with most by developing relationships and asking for work. That's not likely to happen at an agency.

That's a big concern of mine. My interviews went well and everyone seemed great, but that's a far cry from knowing my coworkers are great, which I do at the firm, with a few exceptions that are avoided with artful elevator maneuvering. That said, the agency is rated highly on best places to work in the federal government. No guarantee, but that's a good sign I hope.

If OP is supporting a family, 65k would be tough in DC. But it's fine if s/he is single.

I am single. No family, no partner, etc.

Thanks for your thoughts all. I just sent in my confirmation. See ya in DC.

What's the career ladder for the federal position? Like someone above mentioned, Federal starting salaries are not very relevant since you go up the grades very fast. As long as the position has at least a GS-14 career ladder, I don't think the difference in pay is particularly significant. 11-12-13 should take only 2 years, not 3 or 4. Also, does the agency have a student loan repayment program? If so, that's probably another 10k a year.

What the hell is with all the people who have never lived in DC still opining on its livability. So long as your after tax, after loan payment income is $45k, then you can live a comfortable life. Even better if you're married.

OP, if you like the substantive agency work, I say go for it. Particularly if you're interested in starting a family. With regard to exit options, they're probably more broad than you realize. You just gotta translate why your skills are applicable to other areas of the law.

hey OP can you PM me. I have some questions for you. I'm currently at an agency that is picking up my IBR payments but thinking about applying to other agencies.