Changing practice areas as a junior? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hi all,

Anon because don't want this post tied to my account because I could be outed as potentially trying to leave sooner than is acceptable.

I recently started at a V10 that is a sweatshop in normal times, and with the pandemic it is even worse. I was planning to do M&A and CapM but after truly seeing the working conditions of the associates, I want out as quick as possible (people are pulling multiple all nighters in less than a week, no weekends, easily over 80 hours a week of work on average-- most likely much more, constant fire drills of course). I've been shielded from alot of this as I'm so new, but the writing is on the wall and I don't want to be a complete slave.

I guess the question is: how can i switch into a more humane practice area? Even if it requires switching firms or location? My firm is free market so I was planning to reach out to some Tech Trans and Real Estate folks who went to my law school/undergrad to see if i can try their work. Just not sure what to do and I think it is important I'm proactive about this if I'm already feeling this way. I do want to stay in biglaw though, for atleast 2 full years. T-14 grad, medianish. Thanks all!

[UnfrozenCaveman]

This is relatively easy to do as a junior as it's easy to explain that you didn't think the practice area is a good fit for X reason and that you'd prefer Y (hopefully with some good reason). It's relatively difficult to move in first two years overall though. Survive at where you are, keep an eye on market and be ready to pounce on something that is within range of experience level. and then hope it's not also a sweatshop.

[Dietcoke27]

I would frame it more as why you want to be in the new practice area. "Practice area X is not a good fit" screams that you don't want to do the work (which I 100% think is a good reason to leave!) and if they're that overworked, they won't want to lose someone. A good way to transition would be to take on some pro bono in the new practice area so you can back up your claim that the new practice area will benefit more from your particular skill set, plus it will give you a chance to impress some partners there so that they want you. But don't wait so long that you will be significantly behind your peers in the new practice area! This conversation with your firm will be like applying to a new job.

[UnfrozenCaveman]

Yes--agree with the above advice.