I have two offers from v61 firms (both literally the same), difference is one is in Chicago, and the other in NYC. I did not give as well with the Chicago firm, but don’t want to reject the entire firm because of one bad interaction.
Now it’s coming down to working biglaw in Chicago versus New York. Any advice? What is better long term. I’m aware of the high cost of living in NYC, so should this be a main factor for those living and practicing in these markets?
Chicago v NYC big law Forum
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freesplitting
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Re: Chicago v NYC big law
I'm an associate at a V100 biglaw firm in Chicago, and I am very happy with my choice. After having done some callbacks in New York, I could tell that I would not enjoy living there.
I suppose the first question is whether each firm will give you what you want out of a law firm: good training, good connections, the type of law you want to practice, etc. I think you should prioritize that. If you got weird vibes from the Chicago office, I know firms tend to let you talk to more people before making a decision. It may be worth it to talk to others to see if the weird vibes are an office-wide problem.
Chicago is very much a big city, but I find it much more livable than New York. My money stretches a lot further--for the same price as a decent 1 BR in Queens, I have a 1100 sq/ft 2BD/2BA with a den in Lincoln Park. I find that, depending on where you live in the city, you could have a car if you wanted one. There are a lot more grocery stores, and stores with parking lots, which is a benefit if you have to do any hauls. Putting COVID to the side, the food is great and nothing beats Chicago in the summer. Being from the Midwest, it's also comforting to know that my family is close. In my experience, and in the experience of others I know, Chicago hours are not as bad as NY hours (very few nights in the office at 2 AM), but it's no cakewalk, either.
The cons are relatively straightforward. For one, the winter is long. More often than snow there is ice and sub-zero temperatures (with windchill). Another con is sales tax--with state, county, and local taxes, I believe the sales tax totals 10.25%. Finally, there is not as robust of a public transit system as New York (i.e., there are fewer CTA L lines), but there are a lot of bus routes and I find the L tends to be cleaner on average.
I hope this helps. Best of luck in your decision!
I suppose the first question is whether each firm will give you what you want out of a law firm: good training, good connections, the type of law you want to practice, etc. I think you should prioritize that. If you got weird vibes from the Chicago office, I know firms tend to let you talk to more people before making a decision. It may be worth it to talk to others to see if the weird vibes are an office-wide problem.
Chicago is very much a big city, but I find it much more livable than New York. My money stretches a lot further--for the same price as a decent 1 BR in Queens, I have a 1100 sq/ft 2BD/2BA with a den in Lincoln Park. I find that, depending on where you live in the city, you could have a car if you wanted one. There are a lot more grocery stores, and stores with parking lots, which is a benefit if you have to do any hauls. Putting COVID to the side, the food is great and nothing beats Chicago in the summer. Being from the Midwest, it's also comforting to know that my family is close. In my experience, and in the experience of others I know, Chicago hours are not as bad as NY hours (very few nights in the office at 2 AM), but it's no cakewalk, either.
The cons are relatively straightforward. For one, the winter is long. More often than snow there is ice and sub-zero temperatures (with windchill). Another con is sales tax--with state, county, and local taxes, I believe the sales tax totals 10.25%. Finally, there is not as robust of a public transit system as New York (i.e., there are fewer CTA L lines), but there are a lot of bus routes and I find the L tends to be cleaner on average.
I hope this helps. Best of luck in your decision!
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gasfard
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Mon Oct 30, 2017 2:02 am
Re: Chicago v NYC big law
Could you please clarify? You have two offers from the same firm in two different offices, or you have one offer each from Jenner & Block and Pillsbury? And what do you mean by "did not give as well"?
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Definitely Not North
- Posts: 274
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Re: Chicago v NYC big law
... do you want to live in Chicago or New York?
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Iowahawk
- Posts: 210
- Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2019 11:24 pm
Re: Chicago v NYC big law
If you’re genuinely indifferent between the cities, you’ll likely be much more comfortable in Chicago. Also if it’s Jenner vs. Pillsbury, Vault probably underranks Jenner because it’s a lit-focused Chicago firm. In Chicago Jenner is a top firm, unlike Pillsbury in NY.
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jackshunger
- Posts: 126
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Re: Chicago v NYC big law
If they are both ranked 61, OP is deciding between Reed Smith and Pillsbury, not Jenner.
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avenuem
- Posts: 132
- Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2020 3:19 pm
Re: Chicago v NYC big law
She means "jive as well," as in get along. Bad word choice, especially if misspelled.
Between Chicago and New York, the choice is obvious.
Chiraq or big apple?
Mobs and gangs or Wall Street and Banks?
Mustard on hotdogs or $15.00 for a hotdog?
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2013
- Posts: 931
- Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2013 2:29 am
Re: Chicago v NYC big law
If it’s Reed Smith Chicago v Pillsbury NY, take Pillsbury. There’s another post from a few weeks ago discussing this choice (and Kelley Drye).
Reed Smith is really cheap with associate pay from what I’ve heard. Pillsbury might be too, but at least it isn’t notorious for it.
Reed Smith is really cheap with associate pay from what I’ve heard. Pillsbury might be too, but at least it isn’t notorious for it.
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emc91
- Posts: 57
- Joined: Wed Dec 02, 2020 10:49 am
Re: Chicago v NYC big law
I agree with this. Chicago will be a much better lifestyle and cheaper COL, but Reed Smith sucks. They no offer and they’re cheap. Would not go there.2013 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 31, 2020 5:13 pmIf it’s Reed Smith Chicago v Pillsbury NY, take Pillsbury. There’s another post from a few weeks ago discussing this choice (and Kelley Drye).
Reed Smith is really cheap with associate pay from what I’ve heard. Pillsbury might be too, but at least it isn’t notorious for it.
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gasfard
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Mon Oct 30, 2017 2:02 am
Re: Chicago v NYC big law
Oops you're right.jackshunger wrote: ↑Thu Dec 31, 2020 1:04 pmIf they are both ranked 61, OP is deciding between Reed Smith and Pillsbury, not Jenner.
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