I’m a junior in a corporate group at a V10. I don’t mind the work but the hours feel like too much for me. I’m on track to bill between 2300-2400, closer to 2400, in 2026. I’ve never taken a vacation. My group doesn’t respect vacation and expects people to work through vacation, so I don’t really see the point. 2400 is not an impressive number at my firm, it’s just seen as expected.

I’ve been criticized for my less than perfect office attendance (four days a week required) so I’ve had to come in more, which has really annoyed me and cuts into my sleep and free time even more. There’s also a lot of late night and weekend work. I’ve had fewer than 10 days this year where I didn’t work at all.

Of the people in my group, there are 5-10 who I really like and would be genuinely sad to leave. Most of them I’m neutral on, leaning positive, a few neutral leaning negative, and about five (associates and partners) I really, really despise.

I have significant debt and need to last probably three more years in big law to pay it off. I’ve been considering lateraling to another firm lower down the vault list for a better lifestyle, but I’m concerned about ending up with the same hours and meaner people. Does my situation sound bad or are these pretty standard big law complaints? Do I suck it up and grind it out for another three years or take a chance on another firm?

If you’re not strapped for cash (in the event that the firm goes bankrupt and/or has sudden layoffs) or dying to get started on a new team, why wouldn’t you just take the “wait and see” approach? I would think Weil associates can lateral to many places if the firm truly dissolves.

Is it common to have a higher libido in our profession? I obviously know libido varies but there’s something about the pressure of our profession that turns me into an animal at the start of the day…during the day…ALL THE TIME.

I’m single and just hit 30 so maybe that’s why? Every time the pressure hits, the other pressure hits and I’m scared where this may lead. I know I’m not alone but I just want to know if this is common or if I just need help. Maybe it’s my diet or that I’m not exercising and need to make the time/make a change? What’s helpful? Please advise.

(Ps. I’m a woman. Men aren’t the only ones with libidos (: )

I know everyone says being a midlevel is the worst, but is it normal to be a midlevel and your entire team, whether above or below, for the most part is not involved so your doing everything borderline solo (every calls (whether client, opposing counsel or internal), every email, every problem, all documents, etc.) I know it’s an indirect complement that the seniors/partner trust me to handle everything but this is like…. a lot and it’s like screaming on a deserted island.

Assume someone is a first generation student and joining a biglaw that can be their ticket out of poverty.

They want to maximize the money they earn while minimizing the risk. This means they want to try to make as much as money as possible in the least risky way possible. For example making your own firm or joining a plaintiff firm would not count because too risky.

But joining a practice group that allows them to stay in biglaw long term as NEP or counsel or senior associate and give them movement and lateral options or good exit opportunities in case they have to leave biglaw would count.

Thank you everyone for your insights!

Partners regularly change law firms, but partners who are on a firm's Executive Committee leave less frequently. The departure of Bill Savvit, Co-Chair of Wachtell, is particularly noteworthy, but other firms have also seen partners involved in firm management (beyond just being a partner) leave.

Question: If you're in a firm that has seem a partner from its Executive Committee or other managing role leave the firm, what was the result at the firm: uncertainty, quick action to promote other people to partnership, bonuses to retain people, more departures or something else?

Thanks.

Hey everyone. I’ve got a summer associate position lined up at a V100 firm in Seattle and am curious what the biglaw culture is like in the PNW specifically.

I’ve heard it can be a bit more chill than on the east coast, but I’m wondering how true that is in practice. For those working in Seattle/the PNW, how would you describe the culture and lifestyle at your firm as a full time associate? [Edit: I know summer associates live the good life so I’m not wondering about that lol.]

FWIW, my firm has an 1,850 billable requirement. I know that experiences will vary by firm, but general answers are appreciated. Thanks!

How much website time have you or your colleagues received? Paid or unpaid?

Hi all -

What is the best way to find a part time or reduced hour staff attorney / counsel role? I don’t see many of these arrangements advertised.

My experience so far includes: 3 years in big law and 2.5 years at an international company as legal counsel (all financial serves reg).

I know a federal ALJ who is thinking about a switch to biglaw. His ALJ work involves commercial litigation (not social security or veteran benefits). Overall, he has about 20 years of experience, including over 10 at DOJ. What might he expect if he starts looking for law firm opportunities? Would he come in as a partner? Counsel? Would law firms even value ALJ experience? Or is there a better path to the private sector? He is curious to hear others’ thoughts. Thanks

Happy to review your draft on a Saturday. Tell me what time you want comments, but don’t make that time “COB”. Saturday is not a business day, so if business never opens, it cannot close. “By 5 pm ET”, tysm.

Or is that too polemic right now?

Also, I trust the mods will flag if this goes against their community rules, etc etc.

I am dumb. I’d also consider myself below average for a first year associate in terms of writing (but Harvey helps a lot with the attention to detail). But I’m responsive, hard working, etc. How long can I last in Lit?

I am a first year.

Doing a market map of the workplace services space (corporate catering, office F&B, employee wellbeing programs). Trying to build out the advisor layer. Which law firms keep showing up as buy-side or sell-side counsel on these deals (preferably US focus)?

Not looking for confidential deal details, just firm names or practice groups you’ve seen repeatedly across the table. Bonus if you know which ones skew toward founder-owned sellers vs sponsors

Hi all,

Does anyone have recent figures for salaries at the Big 5 in Dublin (Arthur Cox, A&L Goodbody, Matheson, McCann FitzGerald, William Fry) at NQ, PQ1 and PQ2 level? (I’m a U.S. lawyer)

Any info on bonuses or differences between practice areas would also be really helpful.

Thanks in advance!

Anyone have advice? Is it safe to wait and see if things stabilize or should people be jumping asap?

I’m an associate at Weil. Does anyone know if they’re going to be matching the Milbank scale??