Jessica Wardell* - Working for Big Law is something many lawyers aspire to, but often wrongly. And the result is there is actually a falling demand for Big Law roles.

The fact is, working for major law firms may bring challenge, career aspirations and money, but it can also bring a lot of negatives, particularly if the lawyer is not used to or familiar with the mind-numbing hours and endless work usually required.

The recentALM Intelligence 'New Partner' survey showed that partners in the major firms often have career objectives that extend beyond their own practice, often with a view to working with the growing number of boutique firms that offer better work/life balance and other opportunities.

But the survey also showed that there is a falling demand for lawyers seeking to work in the big firms, which is driven in large part by the growth and greater discernment shown by in-house corporate teams seeking to maximize their own value and reduce outside legal costs.

Major Drawcards

Nonetheless, the big firms will also offer certain very specific advantages for those lawyers seeking to take advantage of them - such as the networks, the prestige (and resultant opportunities), the associated skill level development that opens other doors and of course the income.

The large firms also have sophisticated career development opportunities, as well as accompanying mentoring and training advantages.

The large firms, for a bunch of reasons, are always going to attract major and usually high value work.

But those seeking opportunities in Big Law should also carefully consider just what their career expectations are and whether many of the new boutiques and other practices - or simply smaller law firms - are better suited to their personality, career objectives and interest.

To check what it's like working for Big Law (in the US at least) then check recent articles from associates and others about the type of work undertaken and the culture of the firms - such as this.

Or this article in AbovetheLaw, which sees the former Big Law employee recommending taking the Big Law salary and tough hours - because (in part) it's easier to do a tougher job when you're younger and you also need to get your student debt removed.

". . if you can bear deferring your dreams for a few years, the reward of financial freedom might just be worth it," he writes.

Not everyone will even have the chance to work for Big Law, let alone having the various options of employment, but making some serious self assessment will never go amiss.

Author -

Jessica Wardell is a recruitment advisor who also writes on careers prospects for LawFuel Jobs and other publishers.