Jumping from Small Law to Mid-Big Law Forum

[Anonymous User]

Current 2017 graduate here working in so-cal market at a small firm (8 attorneys) doing mostly corporate and commercial transactions. I have been working at the firm since passing the bar, and although the team is great and work is interesting, what is the realistic possibility of moving to mid-big law and what advice to you have when trying to make the jump? I am rarely ever required to work more than the standard 9-6 schedule, although I often do when it comes to clients that I have brought in to the firm in order to maintain the relationships. As a result of the lax schedule, the pay is not great so I would like to potentially work for a firm where more is expected of you, the compensation is greater and there is more access to complex transactions. Would love to hear any advice from those who have managed to make the jump.

[Anonymous User]

Current 2017 graduate here working in so-cal market at a small firm (8 attorneys) doing mostly corporate and commercial transactions. I have been working at the firm since passing the bar, and although the team is great and work is interesting, what is the realistic possibility of moving to mid-big law and what advice to you have when trying to make the jump? I am rarely ever required to work more than the standard 9-6 schedule, although I often do when it comes to clients that I have brought in to the firm in order to maintain the relationships. As a result of the lax schedule, the pay is not great so I would like to potentially work for a firm where more is expected of you, the compensation is greater and there is more access to complex transactions. Would love to hear any advice from those who have managed to make the jump.

I'm making the leap from a 20-person firm to an lower ranked AmLaw firm and I'll say it's possible for sure. I think the thing to pitch is how much actual work you've done. Hopefully you're looking to do similar work just at a bigger firm? I'd also try using a recruiter for firms that would be a reach for you and then apply to some medium sized firms on your own. Use connections from your local Bar Association and such.

[Anonymous User]

I made this move in corporate from a very small firm (about your size) and am now lower v100. Just want to say that its possible and I've seen many do it (though I keep reading that its not frequent, this is not really true).

[Anonymous User]

That's encouraging to hear, do you guys mind sharing any insight into what type of work were you mostly doing prior to making the move and how you went about making it, i.e. recruiter, connection, job posting, etc..? Also, what kind of corporate work do you think would be most helpful when trying to make that move. Please feel free to PM me as well, thanks!