If your spouse was a big law counsel/senior associate & did not make partner the first time up, then

[Anonymous]

If your spouse was a big law counsel/senior associate and did not make partner the first time up, then did your spouse leave their law firm or look for another job while trying to make partner for the second and final time (up and out)? If your spouse did not make partner, then in what ways did you support your spouse afterwards? Did your spouse realize that there is more to life than big law? Did your spouse find a job they are happy with in government, in an in-house counsel position, or in a small or midsize firm?

[Anonymous]

I can’t speak from a spouse’s perspective but from the perspective of an associate who is there right now. I know biglaw is often mocked on this board but from the perspective of associates who really want to be partner and who killed themselves for it but were still told no -- often due to economy/politics etc. -- it is a kick in the teeth from those that you worked for 24-7 for close to a decade. So be kind to him and don’t say things like “there are other things in life” (of course there are).

In terms of what he does next, it’s up to him. I’ve seen people react in all sorts of ways. There are some who put in their all for the second shot at partner without thought to what they will do if it doesn’t work because they don’t want that distraction. There are others who say the decision won’t change next time (it can - but sometimes it depends on the firm situation/what he has been told/what is being insinuated) so they start searching for another firm to take another shot at partner. Finally, there are those who shut down in such a way that they cannot deal with the thought of going through the process again someplace else and not having it work -- those are the ones who start looking at other opportunities in companies, gov’t, other types of firms and often find that there are great options out there that can be just as fulfilling -- sometimes that acceptance takes time though. Be there for him however he needs right now. For someone who makes it to such senior associate ranks, a lot of their self worth is tied to their job and suddenly that and the plan they had for their life has been shattered, and will continue to be shattered more as they inevitably apply for other jobs and don’t get them right away (not bc he won’t but just bc you most likely don’t get an interview every place you submit a resume). What does he seem to want to do -- support him in that.

[Anonymous]

I know in DH's biglaw firm it is not unheard of for an associate to make it the second time. Think big 3.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know in DH's biglaw firm it is not unheard of for an associate to make it the second time. Think big 3.

There is no such thing as a "Big 3" law firm. You have spent too much time on the private school boards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know in DH's biglaw firm it is not unheard of for an associate to make it the second time. Think big 3.

There is no such thing as a "Big 3" law firm. You have spent too much time on the private school boards.

[Anonymous]

It's mocked b/c "Big Law" is hugely annoying term. Period. End of sentence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know in DH's biglaw firm it is not unheard of for an associate to make it the second time. Think big 3.

There is no such thing as a "Big 3" law firm. You have spent too much time on the private school boards.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know in DH's biglaw firm it is not unheard of for an associate to make it the second time. Think big 3.

There is no such thing as a "Big 3" law firm. You have spent too much time on the private school boards.

+1

Okay sorry- Top 3. Just don't want to say the exact name. Basically it's the top 1. Do a survey- look at Above the Law, Washingtonian, whatever. Tip top.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know in DH's biglaw firm it is not unheard of for an associate to make it the second time. Think big 3.

There is no such thing as a "Big 3" law firm. You have spent too much time on the private school boards.

+1

Okay sorry- Top 3. Just don't want to say the exact name. Basically it's the top 1. Do a survey- look at Above the Law, Washingtonian, whatever. Tip top.

Again,

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know in DH's biglaw firm it is not unheard of for an associate to make it the second time. Think big 3.

There is no such thing as a "Big 3" law firm. You have spent too much time on the private school boards.

+1

Okay sorry- Top 3. Just don't want to say the exact name. Basically it's the top 1. Do a survey- look at Above the Law, Washingtonian, whatever. Tip top.

Again,

Would love to know your meaningless, non-scientific opinion. As if there aren't firms with reputations- rated and ranked.

[Anonymous]

Yes, some do change firms and make partner. It does happen. No matter how much you put into the effort, if it is not working, it is not working. Others have gone on very happily to Gen Counsel.

[Anonymous]

The top firm on most lists does not have offices in DC.

With respect to OP's question, what kind of feedback did he get about why he wasn't partner? He should know based on those conversations whether he's got a good chance next year and the revenue/business case just isn't quite there, or whether it's really time to look around.

If he doesn't have a confidante in the partner ranks who can give him this kind of frank info, he's probably not in a position to make it, honestly.

[Anonymous]

There are definitely tiers in Law Firms. Who would doubt this? There are the top rank, then 2nd tier and so on. There are small specialty firms, and there are small firms with fewer partners. Works better for some.

[Anonymous]

The top firm on most lists does not have offices in DC.

HAHAHA!

[Anonymous]

Duh, talking about the top DC firm.