Big Law To Big Insurance Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hi everyone,

6 months into big law and, not very surprisingly, I hate it. I just got done with a 85+ hour week and I had to put in some real effort to stay mentally sane (in general I have not been worked this hard consistently, but a few flare ups). More so than the hours, I don’t like the work at all. As commonly expressed, it is mind numbingly tedious. And despite what others may say, it doesn’t look like my senior associate’s work is any more interesting than mine, in my opinion. After my first legal internship I told my SO that I didn’t like being a lawyer very much, but we both agreed that a JD from my law school would likely still be worth it (135k scholarship) .

I have a family connection at a very large insurance broker. She is around my age, no JD and makes $140k + benefits (6% 401k match) + up to $15k bonus. She told me that about a quarter of the people in her group have JDs, one worked at Clearly for 4 years before making the switch. She has an amazing work life balance that I envy (9-5, doesn’t even check her emails on the weekends, 1-2 days WFH a week). She has expressed that she would be willing to get me an interview, specifically in the D&O insurance group which would make the most sense given my experience.

I was wondering if anyone has made the switch from Big Law to Big Insurance? I understand I won’t be a practice attorney anymore, and I think I’m pretty fine with that.

Some background. I work in the Cap markets group at a V10 firm in NYC and graduated from a T14. I have a 100k in student debt that I just refinanced are at a great rate. I feel like could stomach making $130k for a work life balance and a long term career.

*I am just feeling out my options, I would ideally like to leave about a year from now but won’t make any rash decision*

[Throwaway5818]

I guess if you know it'll be less intense and could live with the money, it's not the worst idea. I have not heard good things about working in insurance as a lawyer, but as it sounds, you wouldn't be practicing law per se anyway.

[Babum]

I wouldn't call insurer side work not boring, if that is something you are seeking to avoid.

[dabigchina]

Honestly,not you hate being a lawyer, this job sounds fine. Money is fine and work life balance.is good. Life is too short for you to endlessly participate in the rat race.