Is this a legitimate reason to move to litigation? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I chose corporate because I found it "sexy". Working with F100 companies, interacting with executives, being on the front page of the WSJ, etc.

Recently, I had a litigation assignment. I don't know if it was more "enjoyable" but I definitely had a easier time focusing and being engaged. The fact that my assignment would have a direct impact on a case made me feel like I should do a better job. I'm not saying corporate work doesn't add value, but whether or not you've drafted a bomb ass agreement or found a typo or two doesn't really matter oftentimes. At the end of the day, you give a document to the client and hope things go well. It really gives me a reason to slack, whereas in litigation, you can't bullshit to the opposing counsel or client. You better make sure you understand the law and get it right.

I'm wondering if I feel this way because I've never done litigation so I'm more engaged because it's "fresh", or because of the reasons mentioned above.

Anyone who moved practice areas can tell me their thoughts?

[Anonymous User]

[please do not out me]

only a 2L, but I've had same experience (done corp for a summer and lit for a summer). Corporate seemed to me very easy to BS since in my head I was always thinking "there is a .000001 chance anyone even reads this, or that there will ever be a dispute over it" whereas in lit I felt like everything was important and was being closely analyzed and would have an impact.

Lit seemed much more relevant to me. Corp seemed like all the time reading Ks and making sure everything was right was often pointless because any dispute would be settled quickly anyways.

[Nebby]

I chose corporate because I found it "sexy". Working with F100 companies, interacting with executives, being on the front page of the WSJ, etc.

Recently, I had a litigation assignment. I don't know if it was more "enjoyable" but I definitely had a easier time focusing and being engaged. The fact that my assignment would have a direct impact on a case made me feel like I should do a better job. I'm not saying corporate work doesn't add value, but whether or not you've drafted a bomb ass agreement or found a typo or two doesn't really matter oftentimes. At the end of the day, you give a document to the client and hope things go well. It really gives me a reason to slack, whereas in litigation, you can't bullshit to the opposing counsel or client. You better make sure you understand the law and get it right.

I'm wondering if I feel this way because I've never done litigation so I'm more engaged because it's "fresh", or because of the reasons mentioned above.

Anyone who moved practice areas can tell me their thoughts?

It's a good reason to move. You should practice what is enjoyable. I chose litigation specifically because I like the adversarial nature and knew I would enjoy the work. Sounds like you might like it for similar reasons.

[Anonymous User]

I chose corporate because I found it "sexy". Working with F100 companies, interacting with executives, being on the front page of the WSJ, etc.

Recently, I had a litigation assignment. I don't know if it was more "enjoyable" but I definitely had a easier time focusing and being engaged. The fact that my assignment would have a direct impact on a case made me feel like I should do a better job. I'm not saying corporate work doesn't add value, but whether or not you've drafted a bomb ass agreement or found a typo or two doesn't really matter oftentimes. At the end of the day, you give a document to the client and hope things go well. It really gives me a reason to slack, whereas in litigation, you can't bullshit to the opposing counsel or client. You better make sure you understand the law and get it right.

I'm wondering if I feel this way because I've never done litigation so I'm more engaged because it's "fresh", or because of the reasons mentioned above.

Anyone who moved practice areas can tell me their thoughts?

Did not move from corp to lit, but moved from a very capital markets focus to more of an M&A, and specifically asset sales and divestitures (as opposed to company sized deals). I had days where I dreaded going to work before the move, and I do not think I would have made it more than 2-3 years in capital markets. Now, I generally enjoy most of my job, the mix of contracts, real estate and a touch of lit like thinking with negotiations is so much more interesting and I have been far happier the last 9 months that I ever hoped I could be before that. I say go for it, if you like something, or think you do, it is worth at least pursuing an opportunity to do more work in that area.