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Lifestyle firms in CA?
Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2022 6:21 pm
by 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
Re: Lifestyle firms in CA?
Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2022 2:14 pm
by 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
Re: Lifestyle firms in CA?
Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2022 6:20 pm
by costanza_
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.
Re: Lifestyle firms in CA?
Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2022 1:50 am
by Anonymous User
Davis Wright Tremaine.
Re: Lifestyle firms in CA?
Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2022 5:46 pm
by Anonymous User
costanza_ wrote: ↑Wed Mar 23, 2022 6:21 pm
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?
Re: Lifestyle firms in CA?
Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2022 6:10 pm
by 2013
I’ve heard that this is a lie the firm tells you to justify its below market salaries.
Re: Lifestyle firms in CA?
Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2022 7:47 pm
by tlsguy2020
Have always heard great things about farella but do not know their WLB situation
Re: Lifestyle firms in CA?
Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2022 10:41 am
by costanza_
Anonymous User wrote: ↑Fri Mar 25, 2022 5:46 pm
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!
Re: Lifestyle firms in CA?
Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2022 11:46 am
by 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.
Re: Lifestyle firms in CA?
Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2022 8:35 pm
by Anonymous User
2013 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 25, 2022 6:10 pm
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.
Re: Lifestyle firms in CA?
Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2022 5:10 pm
by kierkegaardaddy
Allen Matkins
Re: Lifestyle firms in CA?
Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2022 1:20 am
by Anonymous User
Biglaw partner in LA and I second this.
Re: Lifestyle firms in CA?
Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2022 11:10 am
by 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
Re: Lifestyle firms in CA?
Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2022 1:09 pm
by 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.