BigLaw Partner to Political Advisor Taking Questions Forum

[Anonymous User]

Although I don't have much time these days, I wanted to give back after being persuaded by many people to do this sort of thread on a law school site. I graduated law school almost 10 years ago and I only found this site after I was practicing for a few years.

My background is: state UG to politics for a few years to T14 to BigLaw for 9 years to my current role as a senior political advisor/counsel/chief of staff to a state governor.

Ask away (obviously cannot answer personal questions)

[BigZuck]

What would you say to a 22 year old K-JD who comes on this site and says they are going to law school to become a politician?

[resipsajob]

Although I don't have much time these days, I wanted to give back after being persuaded by many people to do this sort of thread on a law school site. I graduated law school almost 10 years ago and I only found this site after I was practicing for a few years.

My background is: state UG to politics for a few years to T14 to BigLaw for 9 years to my current role as a senior political advisor/counsel/chief of staff to a state governor.

Ask away (obviously cannot answer personal questions)

What was your first political job, out of UG?

[Anonymous User]

What would you say to a 22 year old K-JD who comes on this site and says they are going to law school to become a politician?

Don't waste your money on law school.

[Abbie Doobie]

why did you leave biglaw

[Anonymous User]

Although I don't have much time these days, I wanted to give back after being persuaded by many people to do this sort of thread on a law school site. I graduated law school almost 10 years ago and I only found this site after I was practicing for a few years.

My background is: state UG to politics for a few years to T14 to BigLaw for 9 years to my current role as a senior political advisor/counsel/chief of staff to a state governor.

Ask away (obviously cannot answer personal questions)

What was your first political job, out of UG?

Staffer for a state politician (house/senate), which meant legislative and constituent duties plus campaigning one cycle.

[Anonymous User]

why did you leave biglaw

The opportunity came up to work at a high level in politics/governing with the clear idea that it would ultimately result in a go at higher office. Somewhat regret leaving this early but the opening was there and the Governor is a personal friend. In some ways it's the position I always wanted to have but now that I have it I am not sure I want it. But it's all pretty new for me at this point.

[Anonymous User]

why did you leave biglaw

The opportunity came up to work at a high level in politics/governing with the clear idea that it would ultimately result in a go at higher office. Somewhat regret leaving this early but the opening was there and the Governor is a personal friend. In some ways it's the position I always wanted to have but now that I have it I am not sure I want it. But it's all pretty new for me at this point.

[ac8876a]

this might be broad, but can you say a little bit about your experience in big law.

[totesTheGoat]

Being on the inside, do you find yourself becoming more of a "True Believer" in your party/Governor/ideology, or have your views on politics taken a more cynical turn?

Also, do you find that you're using your legal skills often, or are you more valued for the strategic skills that you've picked up from law school/practice?

[barkschool]

Can you talk a little about what it took to go from associate -> partner? (Biggest factors, luck, ect...)

[Anonymous User]

this might be broad, but can you say a little bit about your experience in big law.

Worked in M&A and securities, did mostly leveraged buyouts, high yield stuff, IPOs, other securities offerings and financings related to M&A transactions. Loved my time there, was a relatively "easy" job now that I can put it in perspective (and even compared to the plethora of jobs I had before and during college and law school). Work was boring most of the time, but had its moments, but people were great and firm was fair. Compared to now, I am sure my family would tell you they prefer when I was a junior partner at a law firm. My firm had two tracks and I am not certain I would have made equity partner but I would put the odds for it.

[Anonymous User]

Being on the inside, do you find yourself becoming more of a "True Believer" in your party/Governor/ideology, or have your views on politics taken a more cynical turn?

Also, do you find that you're using your legal skills often, or are you more valued for the strategic skills that you've picked up from law school/practice?

I always believed in the Governor but am probably the only person in the office that tells him he is wrong (and he is big enough to listen and at least think about what I am saying). Party and ideology, I never believed in either and now that I am here, those sentiments are even more entrenched. Views on politics are generally the same, dirty, idiotic and sometimes necessary. I play the game and love to win (although I do lose) but sometimes feel terrible for playing. The current debate re SC nominees is one we have been fortunate to avoid thus far and pray the Governor does not weigh in other than to say we all have our roles to play.

My legal skills, I am not sure I ever had any really, other than knowing what terms could reasonably go into certain agreements and a working knowledge of the securities laws. Don't really use legal skills other than being able to write clearly and research efficiently.

I am valued in my office for management of staff and the ability to see the big picture, which was something I had before LS but sharpened through being an attorney in a giant law firm. This skill is something that was valued by clients, my senior partners and is now valued by the Governor.

[Anonymous User]

Can you talk a little about what it took to go from associate -> partner? (Biggest factors, luck, ect...)

Relationships first and foremost. Pretty much everyone is capable of doing the work and doing it well after 2-3 years. You have to manage up, communicate constantly and show interest and dedication to the work and firm (and by extension to the success of your partners/bosses). This is how you move up in big law. I think at least a portion is luck. But people make partner even if they are not great at legal work but are sufficient at it. I was not ever great, in my opinion, I was always better at managing a deal and getting things done on time. I always played nice and did whatever was asked of me, did not complain openly to anyone at work about anything work related. I just showed up and did the work, got things done, and became known as dependable. Made relationships with people who I felt needed someone to mentor.

[Anonymous User]

How can I be you?

Corp midlevel who worked on the Hill before law school. I've resolved to leave biglaw (and maybe law) next year and have begun returning my long term plans I had when I entered LS - lobbying/government relations, returning to a staff at a higher level. How did you network/convey your interest in other opportunities, and what you recommend as a first step? Wife and friends are fairly active in local politics, but my schedule has severely curtailed my involvement.

[ac8876a]

this might be broad, but can you say a little bit about your experience in big law.

Worked in M&A and securities, did mostly leveraged buyouts, high yield stuff, IPOs, other securities offerings and financings related to M&A transactions. Loved my time there, was a relatively "easy" job now that I can put it in perspective (and even compared to the plethora of jobs I had before and during college and law school). Work was boring most of the time, but had its moments, but people were great and firm was fair. Compared to now, I am sure my family would tell you they prefer when I was a junior partner at a law firm. My firm had two tracks and I am not certain I would have made equity partner but I would put the odds for it.

how were the hours? did you have enough personal time?

[Anonymous User]

How can I be you?

Corp midlevel who worked on the Hill before law school. I've resolved to leave biglaw (and maybe law) next year and have begun returning my long term plans I had when I entered LS - lobbying/government relations, returning to a staff at a higher level. How did you network/convey your interest in other opportunities, and what you recommend as a first step? Wife and friends are fairly active in local politics, but my schedule has severely curtailed my involvement.

Have to make connections or use connections from before. Hopefully you nurtured the connections enough during your time in law where you can make a few calls. I would say you cannot get the job I have by applying. It was based on my relationship with people and I was their first call.

That said, I think the US Senate has a job bank for staff jobs, that could be a way in. You worked on the Hill so you know how it goes. See if your old colleagues are looking for someone. I am not sure how to do it cold. Maybe alumni networking from both school and firm alum. To get a senior level gig though you really need to know someone and they need to trust you.

[Anonymous User]

this might be broad, but can you say a little bit about your experience in big law.

Worked in M&A and securities, did mostly leveraged buyouts, high yield stuff, IPOs, other securities offerings and financings related to M&A transactions. Loved my time there, was a relatively "easy" job now that I can put it in perspective (and even compared to the plethora of jobs I had before and during college and law school). Work was boring most of the time, but had its moments, but people were great and firm was fair. Compared to now, I am sure my family would tell you they prefer when I was a junior partner at a law firm. My firm had two tracks and I am not certain I would have made equity partner but I would put the odds for it.

how were the hours? did you have enough personal time?

My hours at the firm were better than they are now. I see my family a lot less now than I did at any level of my law firm career. I have no "personal" time really, just moments of down time either at the office or at home. Right now I have hit a wall trying to rewrite a few talking points for a fundraiser this weekend and I needed to take a few minutes. That's my personal time. In biglaw, I could play team sports once a week, see my wife and kids hours per day in the morning and evening, and generally live a normal life. Some people cannot find the balance. At the end of the day you mostly have to get used to 5-6 hours of sleep at most and less of a friend social life. It was really just work and family with the occasional gym/run/team sport activity.