I made a simple graphic illustrating the possible career paths of a student aiming for biglaw. Basically I was hoping to get a better grasp on what options are available after being nudged out of big law. But as I started to think about this, I realized I have an overwhelming number of questions… Hopefully someone can help me learn a bit more.
1. I often hear that big-law associates get nudged out after 2,3 or 4 years. Does anyone have any data, or estimates on what percentage get nudged at this point?
2. If you make it past the first 3-4 years, how long do you have until you get hit with “up or out?” Obviously this differs from firm to firm but generally speaking.
3. How common is lateraling? If one is being nudged out can they often lateral instead? When hired do laterals restart at first year pay?
4. Any data on where people go after being nudged out. At this point is it mostly a matter of what one wants, i.e. if one made big law and did fine but eventually got the nudge, are they reasonably likely to be able to end up in any of the categories I pointed to—or are some harder to break into?
5. Any data about post big law income? I’d be interested in seeing reliable income data for any of the categories I pointed to. i.e. how much does one make in mid-law if they move into it after 3 years of big-law.
6. What would fall into “other legal” that is not mentioned in another box.
7. What is horribly wrong about this picture?
