Breaking Away from Big Law: Career Strategies in Tough Times | BCGSearch.com

Breaking Away from Big Law: Career Strategies in Tough Times

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The legal industry is no stranger to cycles of prosperity and downturns, but the current market conditions are particularly troubling. As economic uncertainty looms, attorneys—especially those in large firms—are facing unprecedented challenges. The downturn in demand for legal services, compounded by the real estate market slowdown and financial instability, has created a unique environment where even the most experienced attorneys find themselves at risk of losing their jobs.
Breaking Away from Big Law: Career Strategies in Tough Times

 

Introduction: The State of the Legal Market

 


In my 25 years in legal recruiting, I have never seen a market quite like this. The legal job market is exceptionally tight, and the repercussions are being felt across the profession. Large law firms, typically a bastion of stability for many attorneys, are laying off lawyers in record numbers. Some practice areas, particularly corporate law, have been hit especially hard, leading to a significant decrease in available positions and opportunities.

For attorneys navigating this difficult landscape, making the right career decisions is paramount. Whether considering a move from a large to a smaller law firm, a shift in practice areas, or transitioning out of the private sector entirely, each path has its own set of challenges and long-term implications. In this article, we’ll explore the various options attorneys face in today’s legal market and how they can position themselves for success.

 

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Moving to a Smaller Law Firm

 

The decision to move from a large law firm to a smaller one can be both appealing and daunting. On the surface, smaller firms offer several attractive benefits, including more flexibility, less rigid work environments, and the opportunity to take on greater responsibility. However, the move can also come with significant trade-offs, particularly for attorneys who aspire to return to a large firm in the future.

 

Benefits of Moving to a Smaller Law Firm:

 

1. Increased Responsibility

In smaller firms, attorneys are often given more autonomy and control over their cases. Unlike large firms, where junior attorneys may spend years handling only a fraction of a matter, smaller firms allow attorneys to take on entire cases or transactions. This hands-on experience can accelerate the development of an attorney’s skills, particularly in client management and case strategy.

For example, in a small firm setting, a second-year associate may be responsible for managing client meetings, drafting important documents, and appearing in court. In contrast, at a large firm, that same attorney might be limited to research tasks or document review for several years before receiving similar opportunities. This level of responsibility can be appealing to attorneys who want to advance quickly in their careers.

 

2. Opportunities for Business Development

One of the most significant advantages of working at a smaller law firm is the ability to build relationships with clients and start developing a book of business early in your career. Large firms tend to have institutional clients, with most business flowing through senior partners. At a smaller firm, however, you have a greater chance of directly engaging with clients, managing their cases, and developing long-term relationships.

Over time, the ability to generate your own business becomes one of the most critical factors in career success, particularly for those who aspire to partnership. Building a client base at a smaller firm can provide stability and open doors for future opportunities, including transitioning back to a larger firm or even starting your own practice.

 

3. Work-Life Balance

While it’s not always the case, many attorneys perceive smaller firms as offering a better work-life balance compared to large firms. Smaller firms may have lower billable hour requirements, less pressure to work evenings and weekends, and more flexibility in terms of scheduling. This is particularly attractive to attorneys with families or those who want to focus on personal interests outside of work.

 


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Drawbacks of Moving to a Smaller Law Firm:

 

1. Limited Training and Resources

Large law firms are known for their structured training programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to extensive resources. When you move to a smaller firm, these benefits may be significantly reduced or nonexistent. Smaller firms often lack the formalized training that large firms provide, meaning that much of your development will be self-directed.

Additionally, smaller firms may not have the same level of resources for research, technology, or administrative support, which can affect the quality of work and make it harder for attorneys to perform at their highest level. This lack of infrastructure can be particularly frustrating for attorneys accustomed to the support systems of large firms.

 

2. Perception and Prestige

While many smaller firms offer excellent legal services, the reality is that large law firms carry a certain prestige in the legal community. For better or worse, law firm pedigree can play a significant role in how attorneys are perceived by clients, peers, and future employers. Once you leave a large firm for a smaller one, it can be difficult to return to the large firm world, as your credentials may no longer be viewed in the same light.

Larger firms often prioritize candidates with continuous large-firm experience when making hiring decisions. This means that attorneys who leave a large firm for a smaller one may find it challenging to re-enter the large firm ecosystem, particularly if their practice area or market experiences significant changes during their absence.

 


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Challenges in Returning to Large Law Firms

 

For attorneys who leave large law firms to work at smaller firms or pursue other opportunities, returning to a large firm can be a difficult—though not impossible—task. Law firms often look for stability and consistency in a candidate’s career path, and leaving a large firm for a smaller one may raise concerns about the candidate’s commitment to the large firm environment.

 

Why Returning to Large Firms Is Challenging:

 

1. Perceived Career Regression

Large firms are highly competitive environments, and hiring managers often view moves to smaller firms as a step down. They may question why an attorney would leave a prestigious large firm for a smaller practice and wonder whether the candidate was unable to meet the demands of a large firm.

 

2. Competition with Large Firm Candidates

When trying to return to a large firm, you will likely be competing against candidates who have spent their entire careers at large firms. These candidates will have continued access to the high-profile clients and sophisticated matters that large firms handle. As a result, they are often seen as having a more relevant skill set for the large firm’s needs.

 

3. The Difficulty of Rebuilding Reputation

One of the most significant challenges attorneys face when trying to return to a large firm is rebuilding their reputation. In a large firm, attorneys are part of an elite club, and the longer they are away from that environment, the harder it can be to regain the prestige associated with working at a top firm. Law firms are often more comfortable hiring attorneys who have been continuously immersed in the large-firm culture, as these individuals are perceived to have maintained the highest standards of legal practice.

 

Example:

An attorney who left a prestigious large firm to join a small boutique firm faced this very issue. Despite excelling in his new role, he found it nearly impossible to transition back to a large firm. The large firms he interviewed with questioned his decision to leave in the first place and were skeptical about whether his experience at the smaller firm had kept him sharp enough to meet their high standards. His only path back to a large firm came through building a substantial book of business, which he was able to leverage in the future.

 


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Exploring Alternate Career Paths: In-House, Government, and Academia

 

For many attorneys, leaving private practice altogether may seem like an attractive option, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty. In-house roles, government positions, and academia offer distinct advantages, such as job stability and work-life balance, but they also come with significant trade-offs.

 

1. In-House

The in-house route is often seen as a way to escape the demanding hours of private practice while maintaining a solid career in law. In-house attorneys typically work on a narrower range of legal issues and are often more closely aligned with the business side of their organizations. However, in-house roles come with their own set of challenges.

In-house attorneys often find that their roles are less secure than they anticipated, as leadership changes within a company can result in a restructuring of the legal department. Additionally, compensation for in-house attorneys may plateau after a few years, leaving them with limited opportunities for growth compared to their peers in private practice.

 

2. Government

Government positions can offer greater job security than private practice, as well as the opportunity to work on impactful legal issues that affect public policy. However, the downside is that government positions generally offer lower salaries than private sector roles, and there may be fewer opportunities for career advancement.

For attorneys considering government roles, it’s important to weigh the long-term benefits of job stability against the potential for career stagnation. Additionally, once an attorney moves into a government role, it can be challenging to return to private practice, especially at a large law firm.

 

3. Academia

The academic world provides a unique opportunity for attorneys who are passionate about teaching and research. Law professors have the opportunity to shape the next generation of legal minds and contribute to the development of legal theory through scholarship. However, positions in academia are highly competitive, and the path to becoming a law professor often requires a significant investment of time and resources.

Academia can be a fulfilling career for those who are genuinely interested in legal research and teaching, but it is not a practical option for most attorneys. Moreover, once an attorney leaves private practice for academia, it is rare for them to return to a law firm, particularly at a large firm.

 

Business Development and Client Relationships in Small Firms

 

One of the most important factors in long-term career success for attorneys is the ability to develop and maintain client relationships. In large firms, client relationships are often managed by senior partners, leaving associates with limited opportunities to build their own client base. In smaller firms, however, attorneys have more direct access to clients and are encouraged to develop personal relationships that can lead to a steady flow of business.

 

Client Relationships in Small Firms

In smaller law firms, attorneys are typically involved in every stage of a client’s case. This involvement allows them to build trust and rapport with clients, which is essential for developing a book of business. Attorneys who demonstrate strong client management skills and deliver successful outcomes are more likely to receive repeat business and referrals, which can lead to long-term career stability.

 

Building a Book of Business

 

Developing a book of business is one of the most important aspects of career success in the legal industry, particularly for attorneys who aspire to become partners or transition into leadership roles. Attorneys who work at smaller firms often have the advantage of building their client base earlier in their careers, which can make them more attractive to larger firms or position them for future success if they decide to open their own practice.

 


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Why It’s Critical to Avoid Employment Gaps

 

A recurring theme throughout this article is the importance of avoiding employment gaps. In the legal profession, employment gaps can raise red flags for potential employers, especially during a downturn. Law firms value consistency and stability in an attorney’s career, and gaps in employment can suggest a lack of commitment or difficulty finding work in a challenging market.
To avoid employment gaps, attorneys should remain flexible in their job searches and be open to opportunities outside their ideal roles. Whether that means accepting a position at a smaller firm or exploring temporary contract work, maintaining continuous employment is essential for preserving your career trajectory.

 

Conclusion: Planning for Long-Term Career Success

 

Navigating a legal career during an economic downturn is challenging, but it also presents unique opportunities for growth and reinvention. Whether you’re considering a move to a smaller firm, exploring alternate career paths, or developing a business in a boutique practice, the key to long-term career success lies in your ability to remain adaptable, proactive, and focused on your professional goals.

By taking a thoughtful approach to career transitions and continuously building your skills and client relationships, you can position yourself for success in even the most uncertain of times. The decisions you make today will shape your future in the legal profession, so it’s essential to remain mindful of the opportunities and challenges ahead.


About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

  • Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
  • Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
  • Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
  • Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

  • Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
  • Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
  • Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.

This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

  • Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
  • Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
  • Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
  • Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.


About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.

Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom

Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom

You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays

You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts

You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives


Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.

Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.

To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.


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