Biglaw Corporate to Regulatory Forum

[DrunkenBocceBall]

I'm a first-year corporate associate at an NYC V50 and, surprise, I'm basically miserable. I hate the work, the clients, and the culture, and I often find myself wondering how I am going to l last another eight months to get to the one-year mark let alone the 3-5 years that most people seem to recommend for finding an in-house job. I realize that the general wisdom seems to be that things tend to get a little bit better for many people in years 2 and 3, and while I think its plausible that may happen for me with respect to biglaw generally, I don't think that I will ever grow to enjoy corporate transactional work.

I do think I might like working in a regulatory practice more. I have some policy/regulatory-related work experience from prior to law school, which I generally enjoyed. I'd also prefer to live in DC rather than New York long-term. I realize that "regulatory law" isn't really a practice area in and of itself, and that the experience can differ significantly from industry to industry. I also realize that these groups are small and quite selective at firms - I probably would not have been able to get a job with my stats (just outside the top 1/3 at a T20) coming out of law school. Has anybody on here made a similar switch? If so, is there a best strategy for doing so? I assume my best bet would be to try to stick it out for at least a year or two at my firm and then try to land a job at a FedGov job at an agency, but I have no idea how realistic this is with my background.

[eastcoast_iub]

I'm a first-year corporate associate at an NYC V50 and, surprise, I'm basically miserable. I hate the work, the clients, and the culture, and I often find myself wondering how I am going to l last another eight months to get to the one-year mark let alone the 3-5 years that most people seem to recommend for finding an in-house job. I realize that the general wisdom seems to be that things tend to get a little bit better for many people in years 2 and 3, and while I think its plausible that may happen for me with respect to biglaw generally, I don't think that I will ever grow to enjoy corporate transactional work.

I do think I might like working in a regulatory practice more. I have some policy/regulatory-related work experience from prior to law school, which I generally enjoyed. I'd also prefer to live in DC rather than New York long-term. I realize that "regulatory law" isn't really a practice area in and of itself, and that the experience can differ significantly from industry to industry. I also realize that these groups are small and quite selective at firms - I probably would not have been able to get a job with my stats (just outside the top 1/3 at a T20) coming out of law school. Has anybody on here made a similar switch? If so, is there a best strategy for doing so? I assume my best bet would be to try to stick it out for at least a year or two at my firm and then try to land a job at a FedGov job at an agency, but I have no idea how realistic this is with my background.

PM me.

[Anonymous User]

I'm a first-year corporate associate at an NYC V50 and, surprise, I'm basically miserable. I hate the work, the clients, and the culture, and I often find myself wondering how I am going to l last another eight months to get to the one-year mark let alone the 3-5 years that most people seem to recommend for finding an in-house job. I realize that the general wisdom seems to be that things tend to get a little bit better for many people in years 2 and 3, and while I think its plausible that may happen for me with respect to biglaw generally, I don't think that I will ever grow to enjoy corporate transactional work.

I do think I might like working in a regulatory practice more. I have some policy/regulatory-related work experience from prior to law school, which I generally enjoyed. I'd also prefer to live in DC rather than New York long-term. I realize that "regulatory law" isn't really a practice area in and of itself, and that the experience can differ significantly from industry to industry. I also realize that these groups are small and quite selective at firms - I probably would not have been able to get a job with my stats (just outside the top 1/3 at a T20) coming out of law school. Has anybody on here made a similar switch? If so, is there a best strategy for doing so? I assume my best bet would be to try to stick it out for at least a year or two at my firm and then try to land a job at a FedGov job at an agency, but I have no idea how realistic this is with my background.

Anon because I am at a smaller, non-NY office and have identifiable information on my account. I am also wondering how I can last eight months to the year mark. The thought of two or threes makes me feel almost physically sick. Don't have much advice but wanted to commiserate as I feel kinda alone in hating it this much. Also all ears for any advice anyone has about exiting early.

[Anonymous User]

I'm in litigation (anon because I think I posted what firm I'm at at some point), but feel the same as you. The idea of multiple years of this life makes me want to throw up. You aren't alone. I'm looking into government exit options as well, but cannot guarantee I won't just leave my cat with my mom and dad and go lay down in the woods for a while to let the moss grow over me.

I try my best to hold on to hope, call my family often, and honestly work as little as I can get away with, since I don't plan on sticking around. I'm also getting into therapy, at least if I can find one that has after hours appointments. All we have to do is take it one day at a time. I'm one third of the way through my first year already. Time is passing.

Sometimes I like to remind myself that the people I work for aren't legally allowed to take me out back and shoot me or break my legs so I can't run away. It would be hard to make a change right now, but they can't force me to keep going.

Much love to you. I hope you feel better soon.

[Anonymous User]

Another corporate first year anon who is struggling to stay on...even with special bonuses, I’m struggling so hard to make it. I don’t know if I can. I’m skirting by, doing as little as possible, hanging on by a thread. It’s too much for too long without support, and the isolation is rough...I don’t think I can do this anymore

[Elston Gunn]

I have seen some people make this move, though they were very well credentialed. For example I knew someone who was a bank M&A associate for two years at an NY V10 that transitioned to bank regulatory work at a DC firm.

Is your pre-LS experience in a regulated area that Biglaw firms have work for? Is there anyway to spin the deals you’ve worked on as being adjacent to a particular niche? I actually think you’re better off trying as soon as possible because regulatory is all about building up knowledge, and you’re not doing that getting more senior as an M&A associate. Getting a government job would also be a great option (eg SEC attorney advisor), though it’ll be tough to get that without substantive experience.

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone have advice on switching from M&A or general corporate to a DC regulatory/compliance practice?

[Elston Gunn]

Does anyone have advice on switching from M&A or general corporate to a DC regulatory/compliance practice?

Find a regulatory practice adjacent substantively to a lot of the deals you’ve worked on if possible, and spin how those issues got you excited about the area. Do it as early as possible, while you’re still very junior if possible. Leverage any connections you have at DC firms. It’s an uphill battle but possible.

[Anonymous User]

Thanks, that makes sense. What do you consider very junior?

[Elston Gunn]

Thanks, that makes sense. What do you consider very junior?

I’ve seen second years do it. I think by the time you’re a third year it gets harder, but that’s just a guess.