| Topic Name: |
Lifestyle Firms |
| Message Name: |
Disparity |
| Date Posted: |
02/18/2000 |
| In Reply To: |
No. Lifestyle does not = laziness. Some would simply rather expend some of their energy in other arenas. I think it is quite healthy for one to have a life outside their office. Why is that lazy?
The pay for lifestyle firms is generally about $5,000 to $7,000 less in base pay. The bonus structure varies widely among most firms. |
| Message: |
In light of the recent salary jumps at some of the bigger firms, the disparity is greater than $5-7K. Depending on how you define "lifestyle firm," i.e. I'm not talking about sweatshops that have simply chosen not to keep pace on the salary front, the disparity could be between $40-60K.
As an example of what I would consider a lifestyle firm, my firm is a comparatively small boutique. Junior associates here earn between $80-95K. Leaving at 6:30 or 7:00 is the rule, though, not the exception. On the other hand, colleagues of mine that do the same work for larger firms often work past 10 or 11, and later when things get cooking.
I passed on the opportunity to go to a larger firm because, at the time, the disparity wasn't worth the extra time-commitment. Now, though the disparity has greatly increased, I still wouldn't jump because I realize I'm getting better experience than I would at a bigger firm--and I still value my free time. I don't consider myself lazy. I work hard until it's time to go home.
Working until midnight doesn't make you a better lawyer. It's just shows you're a good employee.
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