I like this job (client interactions, deals they care about, the rules and processes, negotiations, organization, diversity of deal types, etc.) except for the absolute soul-crushing VOLUME of work. I'm well past the bonus threshold for this year, and will be close to 3k hours for the year. People are miserable in my office, so I'm not alone or an anomaly. I recognize lots of shops are very busy, and lots of folks are unhappy.
Is there a firm in Houston that isn't so crushing? I don't mind a pay cut and am not a prestige-chaser but do need to stay in Houston. I also don't mind working hard, but this pace isn't outside the norm for my entire time at this firm. I don't need advice on "saying no" to deals or anything like that. The firm-specific issues go beyond volume of work and into supervisor, partner involvement, hiring practices, etc.
I'd like to continue as a firm lawyer and make a run at partner. I think I have a chance at my current firm, but don't want to be miserable.
Mostly joking, but in the alternative, does anyone know what KE Houston is paying for mid-level corporate laterals? If I'm going to work like this, I might as well (1) get a $ign-on bonus and (2) get some better bonuses.
