Law School Discussion Forums
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=314977
Every firm does things a little differently, but in general I would avoid "staff attorney" roles like the plague unless you have little chance of getting a partner-track associate gig (due to academic background). In many cases, it's basically being an underpaid associate who gets the worst work and limited advancement potential, but is still subject to much of the same stress and many of the same demands.Anonymous User wrote: ↑Tue Feb 06, 2024 10:22 amDoes anyone have any insight into these kinds of roles (especially for what the day-to-day responsibilities look like and the pay)? Is the work still substantive or do you get pigeon-holed? This particular position is looking for associates with three years of experience in M&A.
I only know a few friends who are staff attorneys but they can confirm--they are basically treated like associates but with much less pay. The hours and demands are supposed to be less but when work ramps up the partners arent making that distinction. It's also very difficult to move to an associate position as its basically asking for a massive pay increase for the same work unless you have an offer elsewhere.nealric wrote: ↑Tue Feb 06, 2024 1:36 pmEvery firm does things a little differently, but in general I would avoid "staff attorney" roles like the plague unless you have little chance of getting a partner-track associate gig (due to academic background). In many cases, it's basically being an underpaid associate who gets the worst work and limited advancement potential, but is still subject to much of the same stress and many of the same demands.Anonymous User wrote: ↑Tue Feb 06, 2024 10:22 amDoes anyone have any insight into these kinds of roles (especially for what the day-to-day responsibilities look like and the pay)? Is the work still substantive or do you get pigeon-holed? This particular position is looking for associates with three years of experience in M&A.
I also know of people offered these jobs who were told they'd be up for associate elevation after some specified period of time only to get stiffed. One problem is they tend to shovel the worst work to the staff attorneys, so it's hard to distinguish yourself.hangtime813 wrote: ↑Tue Feb 06, 2024 2:37 pmI only know a few friends who are staff attorneys but they can confirm--they are basically treated like associates but with much less pay. The hours and demands are supposed to be less but when work ramps up the partners arent making that distinction. It's also very difficult to move to an associate position as its basically asking for a massive pay increase for the same work unless you have an offer elsewhere.nealric wrote: ↑Tue Feb 06, 2024 1:36 pmEvery firm does things a little differently, but in general I would avoid "staff attorney" roles like the plague unless you have little chance of getting a partner-track associate gig (due to academic background). In many cases, it's basically being an underpaid associate who gets the worst work and limited advancement potential, but is still subject to much of the same stress and many of the same demands.Anonymous User wrote: ↑Tue Feb 06, 2024 10:22 amDoes anyone have any insight into these kinds of roles (especially for what the day-to-day responsibilities look like and the pay)? Is the work still substantive or do you get pigeon-holed? This particular position is looking for associates with three years of experience in M&A.
IMO, there is no no non-partner track position that is attractive to associates. If you don't want to be a partner but still work in BigLaw long term, you basically have to find a way to convince the partners that you still want to be a partner while simultaneously leaving your foot off the gas pedal, in terms of how much you bill.Anonymous User wrote: ↑Tue Feb 06, 2024 10:22 amDoes anyone have any insight into these kinds of roles (especially for what the day-to-day responsibilities look like and the pay)? Is the work still substantive or do you get pigeon-holed? This particular position is looking for associates with three years of experience in M&A.