Best Orlando Med Mal Firms Forum

[Tasteful Orlando]

John D is definitely an obnoxious dude with a chip on his shoulder, but his posts have provided a different point of view and information we usually wouldn’t get here, so I think he’s a net add. Especially if we can keep him separate from other threads that have nothing to do with Orlando Med Mal.

I actually vote that we start a John Dooley Thread for Medmal Attorneys and Attorneys That Wanna Learn to Do Other Stuff Good Too.

[johndooley]

Alright Johnny, you're getting a bit racist now.

I have no interest in arguing with this dude again, but it is objectively hilarious that the photo choice highlighting the "Central Downtown Location" of the apartment building he posted is a highway interchange.

How am I racist when I point out to other how “undesirable” in the context they used it was not PC?

[johndooley]

OP here. Sorry to disappoint. That’s a great idea, what are housing costs like for James mal associates? I guess that goes hand in hand with pay. Are any houses “on the water”???

Be disappointed. Housing costs? Depends on whether you want to be downtown or in the suburbs. A medmal associate can afford a 2BR with views, a pool, and a gym downtown. In the suburbs, there are new construction starter homes at 300-500k. If you want to be in Windermere or Winter Park where most successful attorneys in the area live then you generally need to be a partner or a solo. To get anything decent it will be about 1.5 million. There are less desirable parts of both towns but you might as well stay downtown at that point.

On the water? Many, my friend. And obtainable on an associate’s salary if you are willing to make a 45 minute commute.

You only have 1 life, do you really want to spend it in Central Florida?

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/9291 ... 8293_zpid/

v. https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/707- ... 8758_zpid/

Bed-Stuy walk-up fourth floor in a rough neighborhood for 3,500 a month after going through law school and working big firm associate hours? Pass. Life is too short.

Renovated top floor duplex with office and private roof space? That’s actually a way nicer apartment than most junior associates live in.

While I take your point on NYC rents severely limiting the appeal of biglaw, given that most biglaw jobs are here in the city, I don’t know why you’re comparing it to a 25 million dollar mansion in Orlando. You can get a sweet place in Manhattan for 25 million, too.

Many junior associates cannot afford 3500 a month in rent due to student loans, taxes, and other expenses. So this is on the high side and it is still in a rough area with a bad commute. Not too many people entering white collar professions dream of Bed-Stuy and all its warts.

My point in posting the mansion is that there are towns outside of Orlando and neighborhoods within the city limits that blow away many parts of Manhattan and the five boroughs in every regard.

https://www.live55westorlando.com/contact-us/

^For well under $3500 you can be in the center of Orlando's action with views, a dog park, a 24 hour gym, parking, palm tree landscaping, sleek new construction, doorman, and a pool. Additionally, two of those employees on the management team are easy on the eyes! If all of this appeals to you, I am still taking resumes without identifying information and we can go from there.

Um, who were you referring to?

I’m a married man. It’s for you to guess.

[TUwave]

OP here. Sorry to disappoint. That’s a great idea, what are housing costs like for James mal associates? I guess that goes hand in hand with pay. Are any houses “on the water”???

Be disappointed. Housing costs? Depends on whether you want to be downtown or in the suburbs. A medmal associate can afford a 2BR with views, a pool, and a gym downtown. In the suburbs, there are new construction starter homes at 300-500k. If you want to be in Windermere or Winter Park where most successful attorneys in the area live then you generally need to be a partner or a solo. To get anything decent it will be about 1.5 million. There are less desirable parts of both towns but you might as well stay downtown at that point.

On the water? Many, my friend. And obtainable on an associate’s salary if you are willing to make a 45 minute commute.

You only have 1 life, do you really want to spend it in Central Florida?

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/9291 ... 8293_zpid/

v. https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/707- ... 8758_zpid/

Bed-Stuy walk-up fourth floor in a rough neighborhood for 3,500 a month after going through law school and working big firm associate hours? Pass. Life is too short.

The Bed Stuy house looks way better, as far as my tastes go, than the $25m Florida house…

I, for one, have always wanted to live in a Rainforest Café.

It is funny how the markers of career success (autonomy, income level, accumulated equity) are entirely ignored on TLS and slightly frowned upon.

Lighten up Francis, it was a joke.

[cisscum]

Few observations (which I made in another thread under accidental anon):

TLS has an outdated view of florida vs NYC. Florida is no longer cheap because a bunch of CA/NY peeps moved down there. So yes, 3500 for an apartment in Orlando seems ridiculous, but keep in mind that the equivalent apartment in NYC is going to be smaller, older, and with inferior amenities. That's not to say one or the other is better, just that there are tradeoffs. Central Florida isn't for everyone but neither is NYC. Florida has other benefits (weather, taxes etc, space) that still hold true even though cost of living may no longer be one.

Also, i have no idea how big law associates get off on needling a solo attorney who makes enough from his own practice and actually does trials. This is way more impressive then being a capital markets lawyer preparing disclosure for F500 companies. Sounds like some of you are drinking the Kool aid and think you're "prestigious" (unless you're an equity partner, miss me with that).

Last, very pathetic to brag about living in NYC unless you own property or are part of the elite. Protip: white collar workers are not part of the NYC elite.

[Moneytrees]

Be disappointed. Housing costs? Depends on whether you want to be downtown or in the suburbs. A medmal associate can afford a 2BR with views, a pool, and a gym downtown. In the suburbs, there are new construction starter homes at 300-500k. If you want to be in Windermere or Winter Park where most successful attorneys in the area live then you generally need to be a partner or a solo. To get anything decent it will be about 1.5 million. There are less desirable parts of both towns but you might as well stay downtown at that point.

On the water? Many, my friend. And obtainable on an associate’s salary if you are willing to make a 45 minute commute.

You only have 1 life, do you really want to spend it in Central Florida?

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/9291 ... 8293_zpid/

v. https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/707- ... 8758_zpid/

Bed-Stuy walk-up fourth floor in a rough neighborhood for 3,500 a month after going through law school and working big firm associate hours? Pass. Life is too short.

Renovated top floor duplex with office and private roof space? That’s actually a way nicer apartment than most junior associates live in.

While I take your point on NYC rents severely limiting the appeal of biglaw, given that most biglaw jobs are here in the city, I don’t know why you’re comparing it to a 25 million dollar mansion in Orlando. You can get a sweet place in Manhattan for 25 million, too.

Many junior associates cannot afford 3500 a month in rent due to student loans, taxes, and other expenses. So this is on the high side and it is still in a rough area with a bad commute. Not too many people entering white collar professions dream of Bed-Stuy and all its warts.

My point in posting the mansion is that there are towns outside of Orlando and neighborhoods within the city limits that blow away many parts of Manhattan and the five boroughs in every regard.

https://www.live55westorlando.com/contact-us/

^For well under $3500 you can be in the center of Orlando's action with views, a dog park, a 24 hour gym, parking, palm tree landscaping, sleek new construction, doorman, and a pool. Additionally, two of those employees on the management team are easy on the eyes! If all of this appeals to you, I am still taking resumes without identifying information and we can go from there.

Um, who were you referring to?

I’m a married man. It’s for you to guess.

Confirmed (entertaining) troll.

[johndooley]

You only have 1 life, do you really want to spend it in Central Florida?

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/9291 ... 8293_zpid/

v. https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/707- ... 8758_zpid/

Bed-Stuy walk-up fourth floor in a rough neighborhood for 3,500 a month after going through law school and working big firm associate hours? Pass. Life is too short.

Renovated top floor duplex with office and private roof space? That’s actually a way nicer apartment than most junior associates live in.

While I take your point on NYC rents severely limiting the appeal of biglaw, given that most biglaw jobs are here in the city, I don’t know why you’re comparing it to a 25 million dollar mansion in Orlando. You can get a sweet place in Manhattan for 25 million, too.

Many junior associates cannot afford 3500 a month in rent due to student loans, taxes, and other expenses. So this is on the high side and it is still in a rough area with a bad commute. Not too many people entering white collar professions dream of Bed-Stuy and all its warts.

My point in posting the mansion is that there are towns outside of Orlando and neighborhoods within the city limits that blow away many parts of Manhattan and the five boroughs in every regard.

https://www.live55westorlando.com/contact-us/

^For well under $3500 you can be in the center of Orlando's action with views, a dog park, a 24 hour gym, parking, palm tree landscaping, sleek new construction, doorman, and a pool. Additionally, two of those employees on the management team are easy on the eyes! If all of this appeals to you, I am still taking resumes without identifying information and we can go from there.

Um, who were you referring to?

I’m a married man. It’s for you to guess.

Confirmed (entertaining) troll.

There are two women on the management team on the website. The rest are men. I have made it as obvious as possible while being polite.

[johndooley]

Alright Johnny, you're getting a bit racist now.

I have no interest in arguing with this dude again, but it is objectively hilarious that the photo choice highlighting the "Central Downtown Location" of the apartment building he posted is a highway interchange.

Imagine paying $3,500 a month to live in Orlando haha. I pay less than 3 grand a month for a 1 bedroom in a building in downtown Manhattan with incredible amenities, including a resident only speakeasy. If you live in Orlando you should be paying as little as possible and saving up to move to a real city.

Your sub 3k downtown Manhattan 1BR is roach infested, has a leaking gas line about to blow, and/or is a whore house. Such a deal does not exist, unless "downtown" includes the smelliest and raunchiest of blocks, reminiscent of St. Marks circa 1995.

"Real city." If you are going to brag about living a sophisticated urban lifestyle, don't mention how cheap your rent is and then bring up the resident-only speakeasy (this screams "I am an insecure transplant from MN").

[johndooley]

John D is definitely an obnoxious dude with a chip on his shoulder, but his posts have provided a different point of view and information we usually wouldn’t get here, so I think he’s a net add. Especially if we can keep him separate from other threads that have nothing to do with Orlando Med Mal.

I actually vote that we start a John Dooley Thread for Medmal Attorneys and Attorneys That Wanna Learn to Do Other Stuff Good Too.

Again, I made something of my life. Most people here are still in student debt and not even five years into their associate years. Yet the criticism trends one way...

[Tasteful Orlando]

John D is definitely an obnoxious dude with a chip on his shoulder, but his posts have provided a different point of view and information we usually wouldn’t get here, so I think he’s a net add. Especially if we can keep him separate from other threads that have nothing to do with Orlando Med Mal.

I actually vote that we start a John Dooley Thread for Medmal Attorneys and Attorneys That Wanna Learn to Do Other Stuff Good Too.

Again, I made something of my life. Most people here are still in student debt and not even five years into their associate years. Yet the criticism trends one way...

John D. I complimented you. There’s no way you don’t see yourself as obnoxious. You are. Hence all the criticism. But I completely agree that you bring a valuable point of view, which was the point of my post. You’re not the victim man. If you did a little more showing and a little less telling I bet the board in general would love you.

[johndooley]

Few observations (which I made in another thread under accidental anon):

TLS has an outdated view of florida vs NYC. Florida is no longer cheap because a bunch of CA/NY peeps moved down there. So yes, 3500 for an apartment in Orlando seems ridiculous, but keep in mind that the equivalent apartment in NYC is going to be smaller, older, and with inferior amenities. That's not to say one or the other is better, just that there are tradeoffs. Central Florida isn't for everyone but neither is NYC. Florida has other benefits (weather, taxes etc, space) that still hold true even though cost of living may no longer be one.

Also, i have no idea how big law associates get off on needling a solo attorney who makes enough from his own practice and actually does trials. This is way more impressive then being a capital markets lawyer preparing disclosure for F500 companies. Sounds like some of you are drinking the Kool aid and think you're "prestigious" (unless you're an equity partner, miss me with that).

Last, very pathetic to brag about living in NYC unless you own property or are part of the elite. Protip: white collar workers are not part of the NYC elite.

Yes, Florida is not nearly as cheap as pre-covid, let alone pre-08. As you said, there are benefits and drawbacks to both. Orlando did boom the last three years, but not nearly as much as South Florida, which has less and less of a cost of living advantage over the northeast.

Thank you for bringing up this point about needling. The impact of any solo who shows up to trial is higher than what almost any junior to midlevel big law associate does, and probably senior associate. There are serious consequences for individual clients if a trial attorney phones it in or does not bother to spend that extra hour reviewing a motion (and we do not have billables in medmal, so that incentive to stay up all night is very different). If a solo or small firm partner can also out earn those associates then more power to them. I'd rather be Joe Jamail when living than a big law equity partner any day.

Yes on not being part of the NYC elite. That is a world most people in Manhattan sneak glances of but are never part of. If you are not (1) worth eight figures, (2) went to private school in Manhattan or New England (the people who belong to golf clubs that host the Open), (3) are in high finance (no commercial banking or no-name PE here) and/or (4) engaged in outsize philanthropy and the arts, you are almost certainly not a Manhattan elite. You are "the Help" or well-compensated corporate janitors for these people. I had a job before law school in fine hospitality and you overhear enough to realize that law will not bring you entrée to those circles. You are either born or marry in or become a real big swinger.

[Anonymous User]

Have fun with a half attractive wife and children in bed stuy. Not long for this world.

WE FINALLY BROKE HIM. Not so helpful now Johny, are we?

[johndooley]

Have fun with a half attractive wife and children in bed stuy. Not long for this world.

WE FINALLY BROKE HIM. Not so helpful now Johny, are we?

I don't think Bed-Stuy is a good place for a family, no. I cannot help anyone who is trying to make it there in that circumstance. On that note, I will be tarpon fishing this weekend. A couple friends from the local bar association and I are taking a trip to the west coast of FL where one of them is currently keeping his boat. I do not have to appear at any in-person commitments until Wednesday so four days on the water should be great.

https://www.tarponfish.com/tampa-bay-tarpon-fishing/

If you all do not like the idea of being inland (despite all the lakes), then Tampa is another place to consider. It has all of the benefits Orlando does while being closer to a major body of water. I would say it has more career opportunities and has a higher rate of education if that is what you are looking for. I do not believe its culinary scene is as strong and its outdoor activities tend to be more difficult to arrange (tee times, court time, boat charters).

[johndooley]

John D is definitely an obnoxious dude with a chip on his shoulder, but his posts have provided a different point of view and information we usually wouldn’t get here, so I think he’s a net add. Especially if we can keep him separate from other threads that have nothing to do with Orlando Med Mal.

I actually vote that we start a John Dooley Thread for Medmal Attorneys and Attorneys That Wanna Learn to Do Other Stuff Good Too.

Again, I made something of my life. Most people here are still in student debt and not even five years into their associate years. Yet the criticism trends one way...

John D. I complimented you. There’s no way you don’t see yourself as obnoxious. You are. Hence all the criticism. But I completely agree that you bring a valuable point of view, which was the point of my post. You’re not the victim man. If you did a little more showing and a little less telling I bet the board in general would love you.

I get where you are coming from, but who was obnoxious first? This website takes a dump on non-top tier law schools all the time and thinks of anything outside big law/DC government as a joke. So yes, I will state where I stand financially and how it is better than most people on here can expect 9-12 years out of law school. And I will brag about having property, hobbies, and a family which most here will not have in such abundance.

[12YrsAnAssociate]

I get where you are coming from, but who was obnoxious first? This website takes a dump on non-top tier law schools all the time and thinks of anything outside big law/DC government as a joke. So yes, I will state where I stand financially and how it is better than most people on here can expect 9-12 years out of law school. And I will brag about having property, hobbies, and a family which most here will not have in such abundance.

I didn't go to a top tier school and no one gives me shit. But let's not focus on divisive shit. I want to hear about your path and what makes someone good at what you do. Here are some questions I have, that you can answer or not if you don't want to.

(1) How early did you go out on your own ? (feel free to be vague to avoid doxing)

(2) How do you find clients?

(3) Do billboard / any other forms of ads work?

(4) What are good case strategies for medmal lawyers?

(5) Do you think the courts and others in the community treat you with respect? In full candor, a reason i've stayed in biglaw and haven't tried to strike out is that I think clients and judges are comforted by a big firm name and it helps them know I'm not trying to run them by them.

(6) Do you go against biglaw?

(7) How did you choose medmal?

(8) Is there a tort reform cap in Florida? I know in other states medmal is kindof a shitty area because there's super low caps on what you can recover.

(9) what is a realistic salary progression on the plaintiff's side in medmal?

[johndooley]

I get where you are coming from, but who was obnoxious first? This website takes a dump on non-top tier law schools all the time and thinks of anything outside big law/DC government as a joke. So yes, I will state where I stand financially and how it is better than most people on here can expect 9-12 years out of law school. And I will brag about having property, hobbies, and a family which most here will not have in such abundance.

I didn't go to a top tier school and no one gives me shit. But let's not focus on divisive shit. I want to hear about your path and what makes someone good at what you do. Here are some questions I have, that you can answer or not if you don't want to.

(1) How early did you go out on your own ? (feel free to be vague to avoid doxing)

(2) How do you find clients?

(3) Do billboard / any other forms of ads work?

(4) What are good case strategies for medmal lawyers?

(5) Do you think the courts and others in the community treat you with respect? In full candor, a reason i've stayed in biglaw and haven't tried to strike out is that I think clients and judges are comforted by a big firm name and it helps them know I'm not trying to run them by them.

(6) Do you go against biglaw?

(7) How did you choose medmal?

(8) Is there a tort reform cap in Florida? I know in other states medmal is kindof a shitty area because there's super low caps on what you can recover.

(9) what is a realistic salary progression on the plaintiff's side in medmal?

Define top tier school. You almost certainly went to a top 50 school, maybe they speak negatively of it behind your back.

1. Approximately 5 years after working for a 10-20 person medmal firm. I left with another associate.

2. Advertising mostly. Most people will never sue for medical malpractice and do not know more than a handful of other people who have. There is only so much word of mouth can do as opposed to say teenager DUIs and drafting wills. You would be surprised how many people ultimately do not pursue litigation despite clear cut cases. These "accidents" (or whatever you want to call them) happen to people on the lower end of the socioeconomic ladder to a disproportionate degree.

3. Yes, remarkably well. Most people do not socialize or know attorneys in their private lives. Especially medmal clients. If you provide a face, a phone number, and a pithy sentence they will call you or others who do it.

4. I do not exactly know how to answer such a broad question. Because of the nature of being paid on contingency it is best to avoid lemons unless you calculate some outsize award. That combination is extremely unlikely.

5. Orlando is by most American standards a mid-size to large city so the bar is big enough that you are not known by most but small enough that you are one degree away if active, sometimes two. There are a handful of larger firms that carry weight. Because most are not associated with them, it is not a problem to be independent of them. I have not been disrespected in the manner you describe, it is not like medmal attorneys come from Harvard and expect others to be of that background. Outside the bar, yes, some people treat plaintiff's attorneys like lepers. I have not had many issues though. I probably cannot join a top of the line golf or tennis club even if I had the right connections because of my line of work. I would also struggle to befriend a doctor, if that matters.

6. I have not gone against what you would consider big law. I am sure NYC/DC/Boston/SF/LA hospitals and medical groups have more resourceful and large firms at hand. I do not know if your Vault level firms to that kind of defense though.

7. I went to a law school that does not provide many options and was fortunate to work for the firm I did. It was medmal or the DUIs and wills I mentioned. Medmal is very interesting because of the stories and characters involved, it is emotionally gripping (people get hurt by doctors in ways that would make your blood curdle, if there is anything I can try to dispel it is that lawyers are mercilessly going after doctors, so many doctors are absolutely irresponsible, reckless, and sometimes malicious), there is a STEM element with working with expert witnesses, and it is true trial work if you do not agree to a settlement. I feel challenged in a way small time crim law or wills would not.

8. Florida is regarded as a decent state for personal injury/general tort attorneys. They are trying to crack down, it probably will not go far. There are better states to operate in, there are worse, at least according to the rankings put out by various legal groups.

9. No one should go into medmal for the salary. Unless you are seeking to strike out on your own ASAP, it is not worth the time and investment of being a medmal associate. You should be seeking between 50-80k in Florida. Less than 50k and you are working for a boss who will not respect you, more than 80k is unrealistic.

[Anonymous User]

If this isn't an anon post by that medmal guy with the inflated ego from the house buying thread, I will be disappointed.

OP here. Sorry to disappoint. That’s a great idea, what are housing costs like for James mal associates? I guess that goes hand in hand with pay. Are any houses “on the water”???

Be disappointed. Housing costs? Depends on whether you want to be downtown or in the suburbs. A medmal associate can afford a 2BR with views, a pool, and a gym downtown. In the suburbs, there are new construction starter homes at 300-500k. If you want to be in Windermere or Winter Park where most successful attorneys in the area live then you generally need to be a partner or a solo. To get anything decent it will be about 1.5 million. There are less desirable parts of both towns but you might as well stay downtown at that point.

On the water? Many, my friend. And obtainable on an associate’s salary if you are willing to make a 45 minute commute.

OP here. Can you list some firms please and actual salary numbers? Also please let me know types of perks offered (relocation budget, tech budget, meals on the firm etc).

[Anonymous User]

I hear it's increasingly competitive. The best firms gift summers with Adirondack chairs and an autographed photo of Ron DeSantis.

Make sure you negotiate market salary so you can afford to eat at the Latin restaurant there.

No Eames chairs? I'll pass on Orlando. I'll check out Miami instead. Heard there's a booming property insurance market.

All depends on what you want to do. The Miami market is much tougher to break into. If you don’t know Spanish or Hebrew you are at a major disadvantage in recruiting. At my law school it was understood Jacksonville and Tampa were the best bets for an offer, then Orlando, then Tallahassee (it is small and UMiami/UF students into politics move there), then Miami, then Fort Meyers, then West Palm.

...Hebrew? C'mon.

There’s so much Israeli investment in general corporate and real estate. Firms actively recruit for Hebrew speaking associates.

So Hebrew and med mal or Hebrew and corporate?

[Anonymous User]

John D is definitely an obnoxious dude with a chip on his shoulder, but his posts have provided a different point of view and information we usually wouldn’t get here, so I think he’s a net add. Especially if we can keep him separate from other threads that have nothing to do with Orlando Med Mal.

I actually vote that we start a John Dooley Thread for Medmal Attorneys and Attorneys That Wanna Learn to Do Other Stuff Good Too.

I love how he throws out links. Who has that much time for the links!!!

[johndooley]

If this isn't an anon post by that medmal guy with the inflated ego from the house buying thread, I will be disappointed.

OP here. Sorry to disappoint. That’s a great idea, what are housing costs like for James mal associates? I guess that goes hand in hand with pay. Are any houses “on the water”???

Be disappointed. Housing costs? Depends on whether you want to be downtown or in the suburbs. A medmal associate can afford a 2BR with views, a pool, and a gym downtown. In the suburbs, there are new construction starter homes at 300-500k. If you want to be in Windermere or Winter Park where most successful attorneys in the area live then you generally need to be a partner or a solo. To get anything decent it will be about 1.5 million. There are less desirable parts of both towns but you might as well stay downtown at that point.

On the water? Many, my friend. And obtainable on an associate’s salary if you are willing to make a 45 minute commute.

OP here. Can you list some firms please and actual salary numbers? Also please let me know types of perks offered (relocation budget, tech budget, meals on the firm etc).

How about you give me some big firms that are willing to hire an experienced medmal attorney? Given my income (including passive income) is seven figures, I’m looking for a firm that can match that.

[johndooley]

John D is definitely an obnoxious dude with a chip on his shoulder, but his posts have provided a different point of view and information we usually wouldn’t get here, so I think he’s a net add. Especially if we can keep him separate from other threads that have nothing to do with Orlando Med Mal.

I actually vote that we start a John Dooley Thread for Medmal Attorneys and Attorneys That Wanna Learn to Do Other Stuff Good Too.

I love how he throws out links. Who has that much time for the links!!!

Someone who doesn’t have billables and doesn’t have clients who say “turn these documents over by 9am.” Never understood why people brag about how busy they are.

[Anonymous User]

Few observations (which I made in another thread under accidental anon):

TLS has an outdated view of florida vs NYC. Florida is no longer cheap because a bunch of CA/NY peeps moved down there. So yes, 3500 for an apartment in Orlando seems ridiculous, but keep in mind that the equivalent apartment in NYC is going to be smaller, older, and with inferior amenities. That's not to say one or the other is better, just that there are tradeoffs. Central Florida isn't for everyone but neither is NYC. Florida has other benefits (weather, taxes etc, space) that still hold true even though cost of living may no longer be one.

Also, i have no idea how big law associates get off on needling a solo attorney who makes enough from his own practice and actually does trials. This is way more impressive then being a capital markets lawyer preparing disclosure for F500 companies. Sounds like some of you are drinking the Kool aid and think you're "prestigious" (unless you're an equity partner, miss me with that).

Last, very pathetic to brag about living in NYC unless you own property or are part of the elite. Protip: white collar workers are not part of the NYC elite.

Yes, Florida is not nearly as cheap as pre-covid, let alone pre-08. As you said, there are benefits and drawbacks to both. Orlando did boom the last three years, but not nearly as much as South Florida, which has less and less of a cost of living advantage over the northeast.

Thank you for bringing up this point about needling. The impact of any solo who shows up to trial is higher than what almost any junior to midlevel big law associate does, and probably senior associate. There are serious consequences for individual clients if a trial attorney phones it in or does not bother to spend that extra hour reviewing a motion (and we do not have billables in medmal, so that incentive to stay up all night is very different). If a solo or small firm partner can also out earn those associates then more power to them. I'd rather be Joe Jamail when living than a big law equity partner any day.

Yes on not being part of the NYC elite. That is a world most people in Manhattan sneak glances of but are never part of. If you are not (1) worth eight figures, (2) went to private school in Manhattan or New England (the people who belong to golf clubs that host the Open), (3) are in high finance (no commercial banking or no-name PE here) and/or (4) engaged in outsize philanthropy and the arts, you are almost certainly not a Manhattan elite. You are "the Help" or well-compensated corporate janitors for these people. I had a job before law school in fine hospitality and you overhear enough to realize that law will not bring you entrée to those circles. You are either born or marry in or become a real big swinger.

Aren’t PPP for top firms approaching 8 figures?

Nyc elite commentary from the guy living in Orlando. Come on man. We get it. You hate biglaw people looking down at MedMal attorneys. Great! You won! Your rich! You live in Orlando! You are married!

[Anonymous User]

John D is definitely an obnoxious dude with a chip on his shoulder, but his posts have provided a different point of view and information we usually wouldn’t get here, so I think he’s a net add. Especially if we can keep him separate from other threads that have nothing to do with Orlando Med Mal.

I actually vote that we start a John Dooley Thread for Medmal Attorneys and Attorneys That Wanna Learn to Do Other Stuff Good Too.

I love how he throws out links. Who has that much time for the links!!!

Someone who doesn’t have billables and doesn’t have clients who say “turn these documents over by 9am.” Never understood why people brag about how busy they are.

The point was more what millionaire is posting on TLS. But okay billables yay.

[Anonymous User]

If this isn't an anon post by that medmal guy with the inflated ego from the house buying thread, I will be disappointed.

OP here. Sorry to disappoint. That’s a great idea, what are housing costs like for James mal associates? I guess that goes hand in hand with pay. Are any houses “on the water”???

Be disappointed. Housing costs? Depends on whether you want to be downtown or in the suburbs. A medmal associate can afford a 2BR with views, a pool, and a gym downtown. In the suburbs, there are new construction starter homes at 300-500k. If you want to be in Windermere or Winter Park where most successful attorneys in the area live then you generally need to be a partner or a solo. To get anything decent it will be about 1.5 million. There are less desirable parts of both towns but you might as well stay downtown at that point.

On the water? Many, my friend. And obtainable on an associate’s salary if you are willing to make a 45 minute commute.

OP here. Can you list some firms please and actual salary numbers? Also please let me know types of perks offered (relocation budget, tech budget, meals on the firm etc).

How about you give me some big firms that are willing to hire an experienced medmal attorney? Given my income (including passive income) is seven figures, I’m looking for a firm that can match that.

Got it so no answer on the entire point of this thread. Just more links and hype about your seven figure income. Do we need to PM you for you to drop the machismo act? Even when people ask you questions your confrontational.

[12YrsAnAssociate]

How about you give me some big firms that are willing to hire an experienced medmal attorney? Given my income (including passive income) is seven figures, I’m looking for a firm that can match that.

Probably none. You'd bring a ton of conflicts, and your business model wouldn't really fit well at biglaw. Why would you even want biglaw? The reason a high earning solo would want biglaw would be to leverage their name through network connections--e.g., Tim down the hall knows the Walmart CEO and you're a fucking big name expert at some shit Walmart needs. No biglaw firm would provide any benefit to a medmal practice, and you wouldn't provide them with any benefit (unless you're willing to make less money to help the firm's profits, and why the fuck would you do that?).