Done with firms, but can’t get out Forum

[Anonymous User]

I’m a third year in the corporate group in LA.

I’m done with biglaw (and firms). There’s nothing tying me to work at a firm - I paid off my student loans and don’t have a kids/family so I can do a pay cut. I like the people I work with, but I dislike the way our group has been headed after some departures and I am not at all interested in the work they seem to be getting more of. So, not only am I over biglaw, i don’t want to become a [shitty type of work] attorney.

Problem is, I’ve been looking for quite a while. I apply to most in house jobs I am remotely qualified for, but there aren’t a ton and a lot are obviously entertainment focused, which I have zero experience with and is an obviously hard sell. I’ve had a few interviews here and there but I think my success hasn’t been great due to two factors: my firm doesn’t do much work in related industries (and interviewers know this) and my relative inexperience.

I’m not looking to lateral but I suspect I may just have to and try to suck it up until something better comes along. Anyone have experience with being in this situation? Did lateraling help?

[jhett]

If the LA market does not have many openings in your practice area, have you considered moving elsewhere for work?

[oblig.lawl.ref]

That sucks, sorry OP. I have felt very similar feelings. Although I know it sucks, if I were you, I would strongly consider trying to lateral to a corporate group that does the kind of work that you want to do and/or the kind of work that you think will get you a better chance of landing an in-house job.

If you're lucky you may be able to keep your head down at a new firm, avoid getting crushed and get out within 1-2 years. It's tough to go in house from corporate as a 3rd year anyways, even if you are in a field where there is in-house demand.

[Anonymous User]

If the LA market does not have many openings in your practice area, have you considered moving elsewhere for work?

I have. All my family is here but I wouldn’t mind moving. While I don’t have kids, I do have an SO, which complicates things but doesn’t make it impossible. The timing is a little tricky, but even if I move it would almost certainly be a lateral move to another firm. I guess I just have reservations about wasting another precious year of my life in biglaw, but it almost seems like it can’t be avoided.

[Anonymous User]

I'm in the same boat. Same city, same class year, same problem with departures and more and more...well..I assume you're talking about private equity work. After interviewing at other firms all over town, I realized I just need to stay put until I find the right in house gig. Biglaw is biglaw and is going to suck. Might as well leverage relationships you've built for now while you look for a good exit, even if biglaw is terrible.