My wife and I are strongly considering a move to Chicago within the next 18 months, and I'd like to know a little more about the legal market. She's from the Chicago area, but has lived in the south since high school. We currently live in New Orleans where I'm a third-year associate at a large (for Louisiana) firm. This firm would be mid-sized in other legal markets. Cost of living is quite high when compared to the wages most attorneys make here.
I'm not really looking to work at a Biglaw firm, as my education credentials likely don't qualify me. My work experience, however, is pretty strong. I graduated from a T3 school in Louisiana which doesn't have much national recognition, but it is highly regarded in-state. I did not write on law review and did not graduate with honors, but I do have very good work experience. The firm I work at is highly regarded in the region and has offices across the south. I've been fortunate to work on several nationally recognizable projects in the toxic tort and maritime setting in my three years of work. My firm starts associates at $100k with small raises each year until you make partner in 6-8 years. Bonuses require 300 hours over billable requirements.
How competitive is it to get a mid-sized law job in toxic torts or general litigation in Chicago with no direct contacts in the area? What sort of salary could one expect at a Chicago firm of between 50-200 lawyers? Should I be expecting a pay cut working at a mid-sized firm in Chicago? I understand that these are very general questions, and I'm just trying to get an idea of what to expect when I begin my search.
Lateral to Chicago Forum
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s'all good, man
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Re: Lateral to Chicago
Hey, I unfortunately have no insight whatsoever regarding your question. But I have some questions for you based on your post—any chance you could DM me?
