Lateral from Boutique IP to Biglaw IP?
Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2022 12:57 pm
Without giving too much information to out myself, I am a mid-level associate at one of the big IP "boutiques" (i.e. Fish/Finnegan/Desmarais/McKool/Durie) doing soft IP (non-patent). I have the opportunity to lateral into an IP practice at a V50 firm. It is hard to estimate the "prestige" here because all the IP rankings for big law are patent heavy (if not solely based on patents), but I'm basically moving from what is considered in the upper echelon of IP boutiques to something not as prestigious. My end goal is also to work in-house, so I don't intend on being at the firm all my life, however I have no intention of making this transition unless I don't make partner or after a few years of partnership (eyeing roles higher than senior counsel in the latter case).
My only concerns for the move are (1) the drop in prestige (and possible effect on exit opportunities) and (2) that I think there is a >50% chance I can make partner where I'm at now, so I'd be giving that up. Otherwise I like (1) the security of big law in terms of raises (while I am currently at market, there is no guarantee if there is another raise that I will get a match); (2) much bigger bonuses (I am not at market for bonuses); (3) the big law reputation (while I'm currently in a very high regarded IP firm, I still find there is a lack of awareness outside that field in terms of exit opportunities); and (4) if I do make partner, I will make a lot more money.
Is there something I'm not seeing here that should counsel me against moving? I basically have one move left within me the next year then I'm unlateralable basically given my class year.
My only concerns for the move are (1) the drop in prestige (and possible effect on exit opportunities) and (2) that I think there is a >50% chance I can make partner where I'm at now, so I'd be giving that up. Otherwise I like (1) the security of big law in terms of raises (while I am currently at market, there is no guarantee if there is another raise that I will get a match); (2) much bigger bonuses (I am not at market for bonuses); (3) the big law reputation (while I'm currently in a very high regarded IP firm, I still find there is a lack of awareness outside that field in terms of exit opportunities); and (4) if I do make partner, I will make a lot more money.
Is there something I'm not seeing here that should counsel me against moving? I basically have one move left within me the next year then I'm unlateralable basically given my class year.