Top Law Schools

Apologies if this has already been asked and answered. The title says it all: What are the best law firms for litigators with top credentials (think top handful of students at a T14 plus two or more high end clerkships) who are now 4, 5, or 6 years removed from law school? Past threads suggest that elite litigation boutiques like Susman Godfrey, Bartlit Beck, and Kellogg Hansen are great for junior associates searching for early experience. Do midlevels also benefit from these firms' low leverage? Or would midlevels fare better at established firms with dedicated support staff and a constant supply of junior associates? Also, are any firms especially known for turning midlevel hires into partners?

I am a midlevel with the credentials you describe. I really just want a place that will let me write briefs for 1700 billable hours/year and pay me $200k+ forever. Somebody call if you got that lol.

Anon because tying my class year and credentials to my post history would make me identifiable.

Anonymous User wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 30, 2020 1:01 pm

Apologies if this has already been asked and answered. The title says it all: What are the best law firms for litigators with top credentials (think top handful of students at a T14 plus two or more high end clerkships) who are now 4, 5, or 6 years removed from law school? Past threads suggest that elite litigation boutiques like Susman Godfrey, Bartlit Beck, and Kellogg Hansen are great for junior associates searching for early experience. Do midlevels also benefit from these firms' low leverage? Or would midlevels fare better at established firms with dedicated support staff and a constant supply of junior associates? Also, are any firms especially known for turning midlevel hires into partners?

Great question. Also interested in this, particularly the bolded.

If you don't mind practicing in the LA/OC area, feel free to hit me up. My firm is looking for highly qualified people to write briefs and lead cases.

Bartlit Beck has early partnership for their midlevel equivalents, though I don't know of them ever taking a midlevel lateral

Anonymous User wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 30, 2020 3:34 pm

I am a midlevel with the credentials you describe. I really just want a place that will let me write briefs for 1700 billable hours/year and pay me $200k+ forever. Somebody call if you got that lol.

Anon because tying my class year and credentials to my post history would make me identifiable.

Service litigation partners in smaller markets can make a very good living (especially for the cost of living) without working biglaw hours and it's a realistic career path for people with ties and elite credentials