When are you no longer a junior associate in biglaw? Forum

[thecatgoesmeow]

Curious to hear some thoughts. When are you generally considered a mid-level in biglaw? Once you begin year 3? Once you begin year 4?

[PMan99]

There isn't really a hard answer to this, unless you work at a firm that actually has definitions for these terms. Year 3 is an in-between for junior and midlevel as you grow throughout the year. Years 1-2 are solidly junior and year 4 is solidly midlevel.

[Anonymous User]

Curious to hear some thoughts. When are you generally considered a mid-level in biglaw? Once you begin year 3? Once you begin year 4?

I think it is less about years of service and more about development. Top associates may get mid-level responsibilities at the end of year 2. Others may not get there until the end of year 4.

I’m speaking of course to the true nature of being a mid-level (more responsibility, supervising authority, etc.) then just the formal class designation.

[smokeylarue]

I consider a 4th year a mid level and a 3rd year a junior , no matter what they're doing. Doesn't mean a junior can't be vastly more competent than a 4th year midlevel.

[Anonymous User]

Year four