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Big-Firm Alternatives for Graduates

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  6. Big-Firm Alternatives for Graduates

published March 20, 2006

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( 11 votes, average: 4.7 out of 5)
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For those law students who feel that bigger isn't necessarily better, the first and most common option to consider would be a smaller firm. Because small firms don't have large support staffs, lawyers are usually allowed to work in different areas and get on-the-job experience immediately upon joining.

Also, small firms give more outgoing personalities the chance to get out of the library or office and actually interact with clients. This option provides much more variety than larger firms can.


Although big firms are famous for offering mouth-watering perks and nice salaries, smaller firms provide brand-new attorneys the opportunity to actually use the information they've been stockpiling. Oftentimes, fresh faces in small firms will be participating in legal proceedings, while beginners at big firms will be performing grunt work. Also, lawyers in small firms may have an easier road to partnership than those in large firms.

Small firms have also survived economic lows better than large firms. Because they are more selective in their hiring, small firms are able to keep their growth under control and remain steady in times of economic hardship. In addition, their smaller size gives them the freedom to change the way something is done, without going through a long deliberation period. If something is not working, it can be changed right away.

Bill Hogan—chairman of the American Bar Association's General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm Section—said in an interview with Lawyers Weekly USA that smaller firms are used to changing gears quickly, which makes them more adept at adjusting to changing business conditions.

"They can respond more quickly," he said.

And even though smaller firms are more selective in their hiring, the odds of getting a job at a small firm are far better than those at larger firms. That's because small firms greatly outnumber large firms in the United States.

The area of public interest law is something else to think about. In this particular area of law, recent graduates can get a feel for legal work that is both interesting and beneficial to society. Most private public interest firms are small and allow for a great deal of client interaction. The pay for positions in public interest is lower than in other areas, but many attorneys prefer the emotional payoff that comes with the job.

Within the area of public interest law, you can choose to work for a legal aid society. This type of nonprofit organization devotes its time to serving the legal needs of disadvantaged people, and most of the work involves civil cases.

Another alternative to big-firm employment upon graduation is a judicial clerkship. Law clerks hired by judges are not given extravagant salaries, but they are provided with excellent benefits and reasonable hours. A clerkship is also a way to make beneficial contacts in the legal field while gaining a behind-the-scenes understanding of the judicial process. Clerkship listings and application information can be found on the Internet.

In addition, you may want to consider going into investment banking by joining a boutique firm. These smaller, specialized firms are perfect for a young lawyer who would rather be a central part of the action than a sideline adviser.

Many law students turn towards the field of investment banking because they enjoy being part of a business deal from the ground up. Lawyers going into this type of work also enjoy the responsibility they are given from the start, which is more than what is given to recent graduates in big firms.

Investment bankers usually have a wider variety of tasks to perform than lawyers do. While new lawyers will spend much of their time researching and drafting, investment bankers will participate in dealings with CFOs and CEOs, gain first-hand experience in project planning, and contribute to expanding the firm's clientele.

If you are interested in a position as an investment banker, you should organize your resume to highlight skills directly related to this field. It's often advantageous to emphasize your ability to work well with others and your propensity for leadership roles.

Management consulting, a service that offers improvement and planning advice to various companies and organizations, is yet another alternative. These firms are hired to assess problems and develop solutions in the areas of strategy, risk management, research, operations, information technology, and human resources. Many law students find this type of problem-solving work to be very rewarding.

Management consulting is somewhat more intellectually challenging than practicing law because consultants are free to be creative in their strategies and the work environment of a management consulting firm is often less competitive than that of a law firm. Also, most consulting firms are small in size due to the fact that the industry does not require extensive licensing.

However, it is important to keep in mind that positions in consulting firms usually require extensive travel and grueling hours. Therefore, it may not be the ideal option for graduates with young families.

If you are primarily looking for a position with reasonable hours, a position at a law school may be something to think about. Though this is not a traditional career path, it's not uncommon for attorneys specializing in a certain area of the law to become faculty members or administrators.

Also, if you aren't completely sure about which area of law to go into, a legal-temp firm may be something for you to consider. Firms such as these will allow you to expand your understanding of different areas of law while you decide on or search for a permanent position.

And lastly, for those of you who wish to be your own boss, there is always the option of starting your own firm. If this is your desire, it's best to set up shop in a smaller town, where you'll be free from competition with larger firms.
  1. Legal Jobs
  2. Legal Articles
  3. Law Students
  4. Law Student Career Advice
  5. Preparing for Your Career
  6. Big-Firm Alternatives for Graduates

published March 20, 2006

( 11 votes, average: 4.7 out of 5)
What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.

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