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Deferred Law Firm Associate, Will You Go Back?

By Neetal Parekh on February 22, 2010 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

The recession has meant many things to many people. Your MBA friends may have faced expansive layoffs or their looming threat.  In parallel with a winter that has meant snow in 49 states, hiring freezes have been a norm in companies, firms, and government positions across the spectrum.  And then there are the attorneys who scored coveted BigLaw positions to be deferred employment for a year to wait out the recession. In exchange for the pause in practicing at big firms, law associates received a resting salaries in the range of $70K-$80K.   

The year is rounding its final turns. And now the question is, esteemed associate, will you go back? 

The issue was raised by the ABA Journal--and not in an empty room. Over 30 responses have been posted to the discussion. Responders have ranged from conceding the benefits of non-Big Firm life balanced with reminders of looming law school debt and agreements with law firms that make switching tracks less appealing. Or less possible.

They say blessing are often disguised. It remains to be seen whether the pause in legal practice will change the way new associates view work at a large firm. Or will alter their career goals and what they hope to do with their law degrees.

 

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