Lifestyle firms in CA? Forum

[costanza_]

1L at YSH. Not interested in working at a firm forever but possibly for a few years out of school; interested in government long term. Does anyone know of any firms that offer work-life balance/fewer hours that is actually significantly better than is standard in biglaw? (I know the answer might be "no," but I hope it isn't.)

I'm open to being paid less and so would be okay with "midlaw" firms (if that's a real thing) assuming they do interesting stuff and wouldn't make a transition to government impossible. Open to both SF/SV and LA.

TIA

[pkeller]

Check out the TLS firm profiles--this should give you more of an idea. https://www.top-law-schools.com/law-firm-profiles.html

[costanza_]

Check out the TLS firm profiles--this should give you more of an idea. https://www.top-law-schools.com/law-firm-profiles.html

Thanks! From that list and searching the forums here, it looks like the following firms are worth considering:
- Farella, Braun and Martel
- Hanson Bridgett
- Shartsis Friese

Would appreciate if anyone has any thoughts on these or other firms that might fit what I'm lookin gfor.

[Anonymous User]

Davis Wright Tremaine.

[Anonymous User]

1L at YSH. Not interested in working at a firm forever but possibly for a few years out of school; interested in government long term. Does anyone know of any firms that offer work-life balance/fewer hours that is actually significantly better than is standard in biglaw? (I know the answer might be "no," but I hope it isn't.)

I'm open to being paid less and so would be okay with "midlaw" firms (if that's a real thing) assuming they do interesting stuff and wouldn't make a transition to government impossible. Open to both SF/SV and LA.

TIA

I've heard good things about Silicon Legal Strategy, but not sure how much less they are paying than biglaw. Also I think they want a few years experience in biglaw, esp. EC/VC?

[2013]

Davis Wright Tremaine.

I’ve heard that this is a lie the firm tells you to justify its below market salaries.

[tlsguy2020]

Have always heard great things about farella but do not know their WLB situation

[costanza_]

I've heard good things about Silicon Legal Strategy, but not sure how much less they are paying than biglaw. Also I think they want a few years experience in biglaw, esp. EC/VC?

Yeah, looks like they want 2+ years. Also doesn't appear that they litigate, which is what I'm most interested in. Thank you though!

[Anonymous User]

BraunHagey & Borden. Litigation boutique with low hours expectation and good work-life balance (little/no weekend or after-hours work). Offices in SF and NY.

[Anonymous User]

Davis Wright Tremaine.

I’ve heard that this is a lie the firm tells you to justify its below market salaries.

I guess it depends on the group. I know many people that bill 1800-1900 and are both very happy and keeping the firm very happy.

[kierkegaardaddy]

Allen Matkins

[Anonymous User]

Allen Matkins

Biglaw partner in LA and I second this.

[Anonymous User]

Maybe Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass? But anyone else feel free to disagree with me -- don't know much about them but had them recommended by a recruiter

[tyroneslothrop1]

I have worked at midsize firms and now am at a big law firm. My recommendation is to just go to a big law firm, at least to start. You'll make way more money, and there's no guarantee you won't work long hours at a mid size firm. And if you don't really care, you can always slack for a few years at the big law firm and then lateral down the pecking order no problem.