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I'm in the lucky position of deciding between two summer associate positions, 1) at a Midwestern midlaw firm that pays ~110k and has a <1900 billable requirement, and 2) at a biglaw firm in NY with 2000 billable requirement. I'm leaning toward the midlaw firm mostly for the better hours (young associate said 8-6, no/few weekends is the norm), lower COL, and much higher chance of making partner. More money in NY would be nice, but the difference isn't THAT substantial when taxes and rent are factored in. Is there any reason I should take the biglaw firm position instead?

Thanks in advance.

MrLions wrote:I'm in the lucky position of deciding between two summer associate positions, 1) at a Midwestern midlaw firm that pays ~110k and has a <1900 billable requirement, and 2) at a biglaw firm in NY with 2000 billable requirement. I'm leaning toward the midlaw firm mostly for the better hours (young associate said 8-6, no/few weekends is the norm), lower COL, and much higher chance of making partner. More money in NY would be nice, but the difference isn't THAT substantial when taxes and rent are factored in. Is there any reason I should take the biglaw firm position instead?

Thanks in advance.

Because you most likely won't be working less but you will definitely be making a lot less... especially as you get more senior. Don't think about partner, you can always lateral down if/when the time comes... can't lateral up.

Unless I had a significant, personal reason to go to the smaller market, I'd go with NY Biglaw. The salary differential gets quite substantial as you get more senior, the hours are not likely to be that different, and you can always lateral down.

2000 hours isn’t so much harder than 1900 that it’s worth the pay or prestige or exit ops sacrifice. Also, chances are the midlaw firm will have you work something close to biglaw hours anyway.

In my opinion, consistent with other posters, biglaw is TCR.

Given the midlaw firm's target, they'll almost certainly have you work something close to biglaw hours. If the practice areas are the same, I'd take the biglaw job.

Obviously big law. $70,000 is a substantial difference even after NY housing differential. You wont be working 8 to 6 in midlaw if u have a trial or msj motion due.

Biglaw for sure. I would only consider taking the midlaw position if there's a significant personal reason (e.g., significant other or family).

a few things:

1) this comparison is meaningless without knowing the firms. "midlaw" vs. "biglaw" doesn't mean anything. certain midlaw firms are very financially healthy and provide clear paths to partnership and mentorship. others take literally any engagement that walks through the door and partners keep work to themselves when times get slim. you need to do your diligence on each firm.

2) you should run the math on $110 in the midwest vs. $190 in nyc, i'm guessing it's close. you should find out how their comp works for years 3 and later - it's becoming a trend to go "blackbox" in biglaw so that certain associates advance in salary, others don't.

3) depending on the firm, it may be a lot easier to hit 2k in NYC vs. 1900 in the midwest. two of my friends chose "lifestyle" midwest/rustbelt midlaw firms w/ low hours requirements, one got no-offered because there wasn't enough work to go around and the second works more than i do (midlevel at v10).