Any Kind of Absolute Age Barrier in Biglaw? Forum

[jtabustos]

I'm wondering if anyone knows whether or not there is any kind of an absolute age barrier when it comes to biglaw hiring (at all levels - from first-time SAs/Jr. Associates to higher ups)?

From what I've browsed online, some have described a kind of informal age barrier, where being over 35-ish may mean the end of a biglaw career if you're not already in a secured partner position (can people confirm/disconfirm this?).

Feel free to PM me as well.

[Lasers]

doubt there is a hard and fast rule, but i imagine most firms will prefer not hire to 35+ year olds as summers or juniors.

[Person1111]

We had a woman who was 40 (or very close to it) in my section who absolutely demolished the recruiting process. I also met a 40-45 year old junior associate at K&E back when I was interviewing, and know another guy (at a different biglaw firm) who is a 40ish year old 4th year. I'm not convinced that there's a hard-and-fast age cutoff and am even less convinced that it's 35.

[alabamabound]

As a 35+ person who'll be a first year come September, I'd agree there isn't any hard cut-off at a good many firms. And if there is, 35 is not it. That said, some firms viewed my age as a plus and others viewed it as a disqualifier. So YMMV.

[Hutz_and_Goodman]

I'm early 30s and have big law now. I don't really think it matters. There are partners in major big law offices who graduated at 35/40 years old. I've been told its a plus because of maturity, work/life experience, and when they have to put you with a client they're not going to question the bill the way they would with some 24 year old kid.