Leave DOJ to go in-house?

[Anonymous]

I’m a DOJ attorney, pretty senior, and have an in-house offer at a small company whose work is related to my DOJ work (but no conflict issues). Small pay bump, but with real bonuses in addition. A friend has been there a few years and is happy. Full telecommute, which is huge for me because I have kids and would love to be home an hour earlier rather than wasting my time commuting. But obviously this is more risky than my current job. Spouse has a fed job, so there’s some security there. My gut says take it. I’m bored and stressed at current job, and this would be a move out of litigation. Dumb? Smart? Crazy?

[Anonymous]

Life is short. Keep it interesting and try new things.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely take it. I'm a litigator and would LOVE to move away from litigation. I'm moving from biglaw to gov soon but my ultimate goal is to go in-house.

[Anonymous]

Is this Rod Rosenstein?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a DOJ attorney, pretty senior, and have an in-house offer at a small company whose work is related to my DOJ work (but no conflict issues). Small pay bump, but with real bonuses in addition. A friend has been there a few years and is happy. Full telecommute, which is huge for me because I have kids and would love to be home an hour earlier rather than wasting my time commuting. But obviously this is more risky than my current job. Spouse has a fed job, so there’s some security there. My gut says take it. I’m bored and stressed at current job, and this would be a move out of litigation. Dumb? Smart? Crazy?

I would be cautious about leaving DOJ for a "small company" that only offers a "small pay bump." Small companies are notorious for laying people off in a downturn. If you were offered a Fortune 500 legal position, then I'd consider taking it. Otherwise, keep looking. DOJ is very marketable to in-house (depending on specialty).

[Anonymous]

I left the fed for an in-house job and am infinitely happier. I’m challenged, get more latitude to be creative and work with smarter colleagues with much better people skills. I also get annual bumps that greatly exceed any raise I received with the govt, meaningful bonuses and have more room for advancement. It’s better in every regard.