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I tried to search for more information on what being a "career/staff associate" at big law actually implies, especially for graduates. It pays much less. But in terms of work, is it more of a doc review work or something more substantial? Also, what are the chances of becoming a "real" associate at the same or another firm? And what does this job compare to? Any thoughts/opinions are highly appreciated.

Probably different at every firm. I'd never take it over being a normal "partner track" associate because you'd probably have the second tier attorney stigma. At the firm I was at, the theory was that they could do a good job and become partner track. I never saw it work out though.

Anonymous User wrote:Probably different at every firm. I'd never take it over being a normal "partner track" associate because you'd probably have the second tier attorney stigma. At the firm I was at, the theory was that they could do a good job and become partner track. I never saw it work out though.

I know someone in biglaw who has gone from staff attorney to partnership-track associate.

Anonymous User wrote:Probably different at every firm. I'd never take it over being a normal "partner track" associate because you'd probably have the second tier attorney stigma. At the firm I was at, the theory was that they could do a good job and become partner track. I never saw it work out though.

What about general career prospects? Like moving in-house or a smaller/boutique firm?

Biglaw_Associate_V20 wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:Probably different at every firm. I'd never take it over being a normal "partner track" associate because you'd probably have the second tier attorney stigma. At the firm I was at, the theory was that they could do a good job and become partner track. I never saw it work out though.

I know someone in biglaw who has gone from staff attorney to partnership-track associate.

Thanks!

Biglaw_Associate_V20 wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:Probably different at every firm. I'd never take it over being a normal "partner track" associate because you'd probably have the second tier attorney stigma. At the firm I was at, the theory was that they could do a good job and become partner track. I never saw it work out though.

I know someone in biglaw who has gone from staff attorney to partnership-track associate.

During my interview at Willkie their diligence attorney's came up in conversation, and it seemed like they promote them to partnership track associates at least occasionally. No idea if this is actually true though.

At my firm the staff attorneys (I think we only have 2-3) are all former midlaw (mostly insurance tort) with no chance of promotion.

I personally know like 10+ people at various v100 firms who made the jump from contract attorney or staff attorney into associate.

Theyre a lot more common than you think - though I think associates who went this route often hide it from their linkedin profiles or dont publicize it to hide from stigma (if any).

gaddockteeg wrote:I personally know like 10+ people at various v100 firms who made the jump from contract attorney or staff attorney into associate.

Theyre a lot more common than you think - though I think associates who went this route often hide it from their linkedin profiles or dont publicize it to hide from stigma (if any).

I know of one firm that hires staff attorneys with the promise that they will be promoted to associates if merited by their performance. Though I can't confirm whether they follow through on that promise.

Anonymous User wrote:

gaddockteeg wrote:I personally know like 10+ people at various v100 firms who made the jump from contract attorney or staff attorney into associate.

Theyre a lot more common than you think - though I think associates who went this route often hide it from their linkedin profiles or dont publicize it to hide from stigma (if any).

I know of one firm that hires staff attorneys with the promise that they will be promoted to associates if merited by their performance. Though I can't confirm whether they follow through on that promise.

Interesting, thats a bummer.

But of the 10+ I've referenced, they are all currently associates now, and 1 of them is actually a partner.