Happy in Big Law

"I wish I had gone into #BigLaw sooner."

Stephanie Dorssom sent me this Reddit thread (linked below).

In it, the writer describes their avoidance of BigLaw out of law school, a following not so great experience at smaller firms, and the positive experience they've had lateralling into a firm in the back half of the AmLaw100.

I've only ever worked in BigLaw (or at least #MidLaw, but big for my city).

I also was very, very skeptical of BigLaw during law school.

Some skepticism is good.

You want to approach BigLaw eyes wide open.

And, although it is very, very hard work, it is not, for most of us, the nightmare it is sometimes painted to be.

Like everything else in life: BigLaw is not for everyone.

There are cons to this professional track--just like every job.

And, it is often cool to complain about how busy we all are, or how we want to leave it all behind us.

But, you can be happy here.

You can be content in BigLaw (or the profession generally).

The tasks are intellectually stimulating.

The work is challenging.

The friendships and relationships are meaningful.

The service (of clients and community) is fulfilling.

The opportunities for personal development are substantive.

The chance to change the profession for the better is right in front of us.

The power to control what you can control and build boundaries is there, when you look for it and build the credibility to take advantage of it.

Again: BigLaw is not for everyone.

That is okay.

But, if you like it here,

You are not alone.

I like it here, too.

#professionalwomen #law #legalissues