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Hello. I am currently working in a temp position in-house at a company, I was recently invited to interview for a position in a small boutique shop (<10 attorneys) that deals with a lot of start-ups. Even though I am desperate for a job right now, I would still like to get a sense of what my exit options would be should I choose to leave. Though I struck out of big law during law school, I was wondering whether that could be a possibility some time down the road, or whether I'll just be stuck in smaller shops/in-house positions. In terms of school stats, I went to a T9 law school, grades kinda sucked cuz of family issues that happened at the time, and couldn't really grab my bearings until now. I know it will be a very tough road ahead of me, but I just kind of want to get a sense of how tough it will be (the reason being I am waiting on a lead for a different position as well, but prob won't find out about that for a while).

Why are you dead set on big law? If you are solely interested in money (b/c why else do big law?) there are other ways to make it.

To be very, very honest, and I know this is kind of a silly reason, but I guess I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder for not making it the first time around. I really worked my butt off during school, and seeing all my friends make it into that sector while striking out... it hurts a little. So yeah, even though this might be a trivial pride issue, I'd still like to give it a try.

Anonymous User wrote:To be very, very honest, and I know this is kind of a silly reason, but I guess I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder for not making it the first time around. I really worked my butt off during school, and seeing all my friends make it into that sector while striking out... it hurts a little. So yeah, even though this might be a trivial pride issue, I'd still like to give it a try.

I had a similar experience. Had the grades for biglaw but struck out for a variety of reasons. Worked at a smaller 25 attorney firm in a litigation niche that is practiced at large law firms. After a year and a half i just accepted an offer at a large law firm. It will be similar hours and a lot more money. My understanding from talking to a recruiter is that if you are in a practice area of need you’ll have a chance at breaking into a big firm even if you struck out originally. If you’re in like general commeracial litigation or something though it would be tougher.

Can you expand on which practices areas generally have a consistent need for new people??

Anonymous User wrote:Can you expand on which practices areas generally have a consistent need for new people??

You could keep an eye out on gobiglaw.com. It shows lateral opportunities so just occasionally search the market you plan on working in and that should give you at least somewhat of an idea of the common openings.

ERISA, IP, Healthcare, Tax

Honestly, if you went to a T-14 you could get an associate gig with any of the "big law firms" in my mid market legal community, especially if you have a year or two experience.

RobertGolddust wrote:Honestly, if you went to a T-14 you could get an associate gig with any of the "big law firms" in my mid market legal community, especially if you have a year or two experience.

Mind sharing which market? Just curious

No.

I do emerging growth/start-ups practice in So Cal. If you go to a boutique and get good experience, you will have opportunities in big law.