Going from small firm to biglaw?
Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2022 3:38 pm
I've read a handful of older threads and articles, all of which seem to suggest that while not impossible, it's difficult to move from a small firm to biglaw. Is that still the case, today?
A bit about myself: Recent graduate from T14 (lower end of the list and graduated bottom-mid of my class). Summer jobs were all in government. Licensed in CA and IL. Currently in the Air Force as a JAG Reservist (monthly obligations won't get in the way of civilian work). I have spent the last year working as a JAG officer.
I was offered a job at a small firm in CA, which pays around $90k starting. I've had people tell me that I should turn it down because accepting that job would ruin any chance I have of biglaw. Although I'm not particularly interested in biglaw, I'd like to keep that door open. Truthfully, I'd prefer to eventually work for either a mid-size or large but not necessarily "biglaw" firm. I'll likely stay in CA.
Thoughts?
A bit about myself: Recent graduate from T14 (lower end of the list and graduated bottom-mid of my class). Summer jobs were all in government. Licensed in CA and IL. Currently in the Air Force as a JAG Reservist (monthly obligations won't get in the way of civilian work). I have spent the last year working as a JAG officer.
I was offered a job at a small firm in CA, which pays around $90k starting. I've had people tell me that I should turn it down because accepting that job would ruin any chance I have of biglaw. Although I'm not particularly interested in biglaw, I'd like to keep that door open. Truthfully, I'd prefer to eventually work for either a mid-size or large but not necessarily "biglaw" firm. I'll likely stay in CA.
Thoughts?