What is more important: the work or the team? Forum

[Seshiru]

When choosing to lateral to a new firm, what should you place more emphasis on: having more interesting work (and slightly more prestige), or having a more friendly and supportive team?

[Anonymous User]

The team. 1 million percent the team.

[Anonymous User]

The team, and it's not really close. A good team will make thing livable even if the work isn't everything you wanted, but interesting work cannot salvage a job with a terrible team.

[JiveTurkey]

I had some objectively miserable jobs (think: digging holes in the summer heat/rain) before law school and they were actually some of the most enjoyable jobs I’ve ever had because of the “team”. It’s always the people you work with that make the job fun

[papermateflair]

I think if you truly, truly hate a specific subject matter, then of course the work matters and you shouldn't just work with a great team doing something you hate. For example, no matter how great the team is, if you hate tax you hate tax. But if we're talking about the same practice area, and it's just that one group's work is sexier or whatever, then definitely go for the team.

[Anonymous User]

Team is key.

Certain practices can be far more miserable in terms of impact on your life (M&A comes to mind, requiring all-nighters, etc)

Find a good practice and good team, then chill and bill

Good luck

[RecruiterMan]

The team. 1 million percent the team.

[Seshiru]

I think if you truly, truly hate a specific subject matter, then of course the work matters and you shouldn't just work with a great team doing something you hate. For example, no matter how great the team is, if you hate tax you hate tax. But if we're talking about the same practice area, and it's just that one group's work is sexier or whatever, then definitely go for the team.

Yes, it would be the same practice area. One group has more interesting clients in the sector I am most interested in and a stronger reputation, but the team is small and undeveloped in this specific location. It will, however, grow over the next year or so.

I am so conflicted.

[papermateflair]

I think if you truly, truly hate a specific subject matter, then of course the work matters and you shouldn't just work with a great team doing something you hate. For example, no matter how great the team is, if you hate tax you hate tax. But if we're talking about the same practice area, and it's just that one group's work is sexier or whatever, then definitely go for the team.

Yes, it would be the same practice area. One group has more interesting clients in the sector I am most interested in and a stronger reputation, but the team is small and undeveloped in this specific location. It will, however, grow over the next year or so.

I am so conflicted.

Will you get to influence how the team grows/develops? Not sure how senior you are, but if you are a mid-level/senior and get to weigh in on new hires, team culture, etc. it could be a great opportunity to build out a team that has everything you want. And are you working across offices at all? Because while it may be a small undeveloped team in your location, if you're working with folks in other offices and they can and will make your life miserable, I wouldn't discount that just because you're not in the same office.

[ConfusedNYer]

What are your goals for the next 5-10 years.

If your goal is to try and make partner and/or stay long term at the new firm then I would lean team. As others have said a good team is the difference between going insane or not when things get hectic.

If your goal is work another 2/3 years at a firm then go in house I would lean reputation + clients (i.e., work), especially if those are clients you would want to go in-house with.

If you goal is something else, well try to think how much the work will impact your next move and weigh it yourself.

Magnitude also matters, I would avoid a known miserable place to work even if the work is top notch and just because one firm has slightly better clients doesn't mean you should auto pick that firm.