Major (Chicago) GP v. Major IP Boutique: Quantifiable Differences?
Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 7:25 am
I'm trying to make a final decision on firms and I'm curious as to what is actually different, day-to-day, between the IP lit groups at major midwest GP (Kirkland, Sidley, W&S, etc.) vs. major IP boutiques (specifically Fish, but Finnegan, Fitzpatrick, Knobbe included).
I understand at most GPs you can't do much/any patent pros., though from what I've discussed with attorneys at these boutiques, you get priced out of that after a few years, anyway (with clients moving to fixed fee arrangements). The clientele seems to be reasonably similar across GP and Bout. When it comes to hours/lifestyle, minimum billables seem to be comparable, but I understand that doesn't tell the whole story. Could someone with some experience speak to the actual differences between working in these 2 environments, if possible? Am I going to be working considerably more or less at any of these places?
I understand at most GPs you can't do much/any patent pros., though from what I've discussed with attorneys at these boutiques, you get priced out of that after a few years, anyway (with clients moving to fixed fee arrangements). The clientele seems to be reasonably similar across GP and Bout. When it comes to hours/lifestyle, minimum billables seem to be comparable, but I understand that doesn't tell the whole story. Could someone with some experience speak to the actual differences between working in these 2 environments, if possible? Am I going to be working considerably more or less at any of these places?