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I make market in the lit group of a very good biglaw firm and I am a midlevel in a large secondary market. I like the people I work with, have a good rep, hit my hours every year, and maintain a good enough work life balance (for Biglaw). Given the size of the group at this office, there is somewhat of a revolving door with the local usao (proportionately). I am thinking that’ll be my next step with any luck, as I got a couple interviews in last time around.

Of course as many of you know, the recruiters come a knocking. I have been saying no for the reasons stated above. And my significant other calls me crazy for even thinking about the notion of considering it for a franction of a second.

But that whole type A litigation lawyer prestige (what if?) sentiment has a way of creeping into my head from time to time...if it didn’t, I probably wouldn’t be where I am. So For the sake of the question, let’s say (and I know measuring large secondary market firms by vault rankings is far from precise) but let’s say that my firm is between 20 and 50 and the positions pitched by the recruiters are say V10. You could also just assume that whatever you think the top 3 or 5 best biglaw lit firms are, those are the ones that are pitched by the recruiter in this semi-hypothetical.

What would some of the pros be to me of making this jump now? In other words, what tangibly would I really stand to gain if I chased prestige all the way to the “top” and popped in at midlevel to one of the best biglaw firms for general lit? Exit options? Higher chance at judgeship one day? I’m just spitballing—I really don’t know.

The only thing you realistically stand to gain is a sense of self-validation (which I’d predict will quickly wear off). You stand to lose a lot more. You already have a good work life balance, make a bunch of money, and have what sounds like a realistic shot at the exit option you seem to be eyeing. And don’t underestimate the intangible benefits you get from having already established yourself at your current firm. I agree with your signficant other.

Thank you. Very helpful.

OP here. Related follow up: assuming that the work you’d be getting is the same, how much do relatively competitive usaos elevate your application status based on climbing from one market-paying biglaw firm to one that might be even more highly regarded. At that point, do they care at all?

if the exit option you are chasing is AUSA, this seems like a stupid move. you're burning bridges with the people who are best positioned to help place you at the USAO--your law firm mentors, who will serve as references--for what, a marginal Vault ranking? you said yourself that your current firm is a feeder to your local office. unclear to me that this other firm would even be perceived by USAO as "better." you already got interviews.

if your goal is to stay and make partner, leaving is even stupider. you're coming in as a midlevel lateral with no firm relationships and no insight into the politics that go into the partnership, while the people you're being compared to who are also seeking partner have spent, potentially, 5 years jockeying to work with the key decision makers. if you were entering as a clerkship hire, that's one thing--some partners actively seek out the clerks to work for them, right, plus you're still pretty junior. but you lack those qualities. you're a lateral hire from a lower-ranked firm.

the judgeship thing...I mean...come on lol. art iii judgeships are political appointments. you don't submit a resume.

for in-house stuff, it sounds like you already have recruiters hitting you up for things. just leave now if that's the goal, no?

so yeah, I see no advantage to doing this and some major disadvantages.