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When someone starts their legal career, they must decide whether to join a “Big Law” firm or a smaller boutique firm. Both paths offer excellent career growth, but you need to look at the differences to make your decision.
What are Big Law and Boutique Firms?
When you hear “Big Law,” what is the first thing to come to mind? Probably something along the lines of the show “Suits” or a prominent New York corporate lawyer. Well, in a way, yes. Big law firms have hundreds of attorneys working in multiple branches. They have their attorneys working in branches spanning national and international borders. Their work consists of corporate transactions and litigation for major companies; they charge their clients higher rates, but their workloads are extensive. In fact, Big Law attorneys can work up to 80 hours a week.
On the other hand, boutique law firms are smaller, with fewer than 50 attorneys. These firms are often specialized, such as in injury, family law, and civil cases. These firms focus on creating a close-knit environment. Though you will still have work to do, the workload is significantly less, and you can have a more balanced work and social life.
Career Advancement Opportunities
In Big Law firms, there is a distinct hierarchy of associates, partners, and support. It is possible to climb the ranks through special skills, experience, and meeting goals, but be aware that the higher you climb, the more intense the competition will be.
In boutique firms, career growth is not less structured, but more of a close-knit environment. With less competition and without different ranks in the firm, the only milestone of your career is to be a partner. Boutique firms will make decisions about future partners based on how well your client-firm relationships are, how well you contribute to the firm’s success, and your legal capability. Though promotion rates are higher here, expansion opportunities may also hit a plateau.
Developing Legal Expertise
Big Law provides unparalleled access to sophisticated, cutting-edge legal work on complex cases and deals. Handling high-stakes litigation or multi-million-dollar transactions under the guidance of experienced partners enables young lawyers to acquire the skills and knowledge crucial to career advancement quickly. You also benefit from name-brand stature when seeking future positions.
In boutique firms, associates typically get high levels of responsibility and client interaction from day one. Without extensive hierarchies, even junior lawyers can receive direct mentorship from partners and work on substantive issues. Deep involvement in niche legal fields also leads to targeted skill-building and specialist reputation much faster than at general practice Big Law firms.
Client Relationship Building
Building a list of client relationships that build revenue, or a book of business, is essential in any firm, big or small. At Big Law firms, senior partners control the majority of client relationships, making it difficult for junior partners to build their own books of business. Unless they interact directly with clients, via a case team or as part of a deal, these lower-level partners will spend most of their time conducting research, writing legal documents, and analyzing data.
On the flip side, boutique firms allow newer partners to build their book of business through opportunities such as court hearings, meetings, and networking events. When newer partners engage with clients, they can organically develop connections and establish a presence in the local legal community.
Life Beyond the Law Firm
Once a lawyer succeeds at a big law firm, they can choose to leave and join a legal department in a private or governmental business, such as a bank, a bakery, or a college, or to run their own firm. Coming from such a big law firm already gives you enough credit and experience to open new doors in your career.
When working at a boutique firm, lawyers gain immediate, hands-on experience in their specific practice area, which can lead to leadership roles in other industries. They also help prepare their lawyers to branch out on their own and create their own firms.
Final Words
In the modern legal world, there are many eager and gifted attorneys with many career paths ahead. When all is said and done, it depends on a person’s work style, specialized practice, and overall goals. When you define your success, choosing the right firm is essential for your long-term career and happiness.
About Strategic Recruitment Solutions (SRS)
Since its start in 2010, Strategic Recruitment Solutions has been a leader in executive search solutions specializing in the Legal and Legal Technology fields. Headquartered in New Orleans, SRS has legal recruiters throughout the Southeastern Region of the United States. SRS strategically identifies and places top-tier talent in the legal, professional field (attorneys, paralegals, support staff, and Legal Technology Professionals). SRS’s team has over 20 years of combined specialized recruiting experience meeting the needs of a divergent, dynamic client base.