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For someone hoping to leave NYC and big law and relocate to Boston as a mid-level (non-IP) litigation associate, which Boston-based (close-to-market-paying) firm would you recommend lateraling to for partnership prospects, interesting work, and quality of life?

The firms I'm aware of in this category are: Choate; Sullivan Worcester; Nutter; Burns Levinson. I would be eternally grateful for anyone's insight about which of these firms to target/avoid, and why. Also, any salary data points for 4th/5th year associates would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve recently interviewed for some of these firms (and have friends who work at them). Not in litigation, but I can give you a general feel I got from all I’ve spoken to.

Nutter: Nutter is, and has been, one of my favorite firms. The people are great, and the attrition rate seems to be very low. I think 4th year is in the low-200s. Partnership prospects are great, I’ve heard. They have small summer classes, so there are only like 5-10 people per class year. I think they promote 5ish a year.

Choate: Choate isn’t biglaw in size, but it is biglaw in every other aspect. If you’re trying to leave biglaw, I wouldn’t recommend Choate. It has market salary and bonus (above market because of its special bonus for people who stay). The work is top notch. Huge clients. However, if you’re trying to have a life outside of work, avoid. Yours hours will probably only be marginally better than your current hours.

Sullivan: salary is similar to Nutter. I didn’t really like the firm, though. It seems to have struggled in the past few years, although I was told that the firm is currently doing well. I think the hours requirement is 1800, which isn’t bad. It’s trying to be a biglaw firm, but it isn’t quite there. This isn’t the worst option, but it wouldn’t be my first choice.

Sorry I can’t help on the litigation question.

This really helps me get a sense of the reputations of these firms. This is so incredibly helpful. Especially the cautionary words about Choate and Sullivan. Nutter seems like an intriguing and attractive option. Thank you!

Would also appreciate any additional insights, to the extent anyone else has any.

Why not foley hoag? I've worked there and it was pretty chill. As for Nutter, I know one person who left firm life altogether after a stint at Nutter doing patent work. She said it was a sweatshop.

I would check out Crane, Poole & Schmidt.

caymus wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 18, 2020 9:37 am

I would check out Crane, Poole & Schmidt.

Heard one of the name partners had the mad cow....

lololol