Anything in-between third-tier NY firm and 'BigLaw'? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hi everyone,

So I work in corporate at a non-Vault 100 mid-size firm, and I'd like to 'upgrade'.

On the one hand, I'm enticed by the idea of working for more sophisticated clients and having a better-known firm on my resume. My firm is certainly not well known in NYC (and not considered a powerhouse in any market). On the other hand, my firm pays close to market, and I may regret lateraling to a shop with all the negativity associated with 'Biglaw' for not a significant pay raise.

Do any NY firms have a reputable transactional practice which offer near-market salary but don't necessarily impose the negative aspects of Biglaw (3:30 am or sleepless nights, screamers ....). Alternatively, does the Vault 'Best Midsize NYC Firms' list answer my question here somewhat comprehensively - or can those firms be just as demanding as a V50 (https://firsthand.co/best-companies-to- ... n/new-york)?

I understand there are other threads discussing this topic, but the cultures of firms change over time so I'd like to hear a fresh perspective. And I'm not looking to coast, I'm just looking for something a bit more manageable than the horror stories I've heard of NY Biglaw...

[Anonymous User]

Don't Stroock and Lowenstein fall into this bucket?

[Anonymous User]

Hi everyone,

So I work in corporate at a non-Vault 100 mid-size firm, and I'd like to 'upgrade'.

On the one hand, I'm enticed by the idea of working for more sophisticated clients and having a better-known firm on my resume. My firm is certainly not well known in NYC (and not considered a powerhouse in any market). On the other hand, my firm pays close to market, and I may regret lateraling to a shop with all the negativity associated with 'Biglaw' for not a significant pay raise.

Do any NY firms have a reputable transactional practice which offer near-market salary but don't necessarily impose the negative aspects of Biglaw (3:30 am or sleepless nights, screamers ....). Alternatively, does the Vault 'Best Midsize NYC Firms' list answer my question here somewhat comprehensively - or can those firms be just as demanding as a V50 (https://firsthand.co/best-companies-to- ... n/new-york)?

I understand there are other threads discussing this topic, but the cultures of firms change over time so I'd like to hear a fresh perspective. And I'm not looking to coast, I'm just looking for something a bit more manageable than the horror stories I've heard of NY Biglaw...

I've heard that the NY outposts of non-NY firms (minus the Lathams and Kirklands of the world, ofc) tend to be a bit more relaxed than their indigenous NY counterparts. Maybe look at Texas/California-based firms?

[Anonymous User]

Davis & Gilbert is a midsize firm in NYC with a good reputation. All ex-big lawyers, and I've heard a good culture and reasonable hours, and decent (but below market) comp.

[1styearlateral]

If you practice in NYC, you would for sure know which firms fall into the category you're looking for. Without even putting much thought into it, and in addition to those already mentioned:

[*]Herrick
[*]Olshan
[*]Sills Cummis
[*]Chiesa Shahinian
[*]Meister Seelig
[*]Cole Schotz
[*]Windels
[*]Kelley Drye
[*]Katsky Korins
[*]Golenbock Eiseman
[*]Tarter Krinsky

Some of these firms may not offer 1st years near market, but I know of some instances where laterals were able to negotiate close to market. YMMV.

Oh, and here: viewtopic.php?f=23&t=283577