OP here-- thank you for a very thoughtful and useful discussion, especially PP at 13:08-- you have given me something to think about.

Anonymous wrote:Personally, I did and learned very little in my four years at a firm. I worked excruciatingly long hours, but did very little in terms of practice and didn't learn practical litigation skills. As soon as I came to the government, I had my own caseload and started litigating cases. So I can't agree with you, 13:08. Yes, tons more pressure and hours in private practice, but learning? No way.

13:08 poster here. I think it is fair to say it depends on your practice area and where you go in government. Also, I find it believable that a new associate doesn't learn much at a firm. Lots of grunt work to be done by young associates, especially I suspect in litigation and deal work. But I moved (and it sounds like poster wants to move) after early years and learning opportunities may be ripe at that point. That has been my experience....

In government I certainly got to do more on my feet (including litigation). I learned as a young attorney by doing at the government. Appeared before courts of appeals. Amazing opportunities. I'll agree with that. But I also learned a lot bad habits and there was a LOT of inefficiency.

Personally, I did and learned very little in my four years at a firm. I worked excruciatingly long hours, but did very little in terms of practice and didn't learn practical litigation skills. As soon as I came to the government, I had my own caseload and started litigating cases. So I can't agree with you, 13:08. Yes, tons more pressure and hours in private practice, but learning? No way.

I made the move. In a nutshell, my advice is:

- I think it is VERY VERY hard to comprehend how much harder/more stressful law firm (at least Big Law) life is compared to government. Looking back, my job was insanely easy in comparison. It is not just the hours (although there are many more). It is the expectations and multiple levels of stress, plus very little long term job security. Really think long and hard if you are truly ready for that change. Talk to people and really understand why firm lfe is so very hard. Again, much much more challenging than I ever realized it would be.

- On the other hand, the learning curve has been amazing. I am certainly working at my highest level, which I didn't need to and didn't do, in government. As a result, I have learned so much. The environment is tough, but everything (work, management, professionalism) is top notch, whereas I found often the opposite in my old agency. Obviously the money is great And yes, if you want to ever go to a firm, you really need to do so before the window closes for a variety of reasons. So if you ever want this experience, you sort of have to take the leap.

Without going into more detail, it ultimate is a choice of: do you want a safer, lower stress work-life that will always sort of bumble along at the same pace/trajectory offered by government or do you want a stressful work-situation with more rewards and potential for upside (money, opportunities) but lots of risk and stress. Perhaps factor in the meaningfulness of government work versus private clien work. Who are you as a person? Also, in either, what are your exit strategies: can you think of other ways to move in government (to other agencies? to non-profits? in house)? Same question for post-firm life since most people don't make partner anymore.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm curious what people have to say as I am in the same situation -- probably would need to go back soon or else I won't be marketable--however, I dread the long-hours, stress and job insecurity.

I truly don't understand this, or maybe it just makes me snort. Are you a racehorse, or a highly paid fashion model?

it's just a fact: biglaw makes assumptions about you if you stay in the fed gov for too long

Anonymous wrote:I'm curious what people have to say as I am in the same situation -- probably would need to go back soon or else I won't be marketable--however, I dread the long-hours, stress and job insecurity.

I truly don't understand this, or maybe it just makes me snort. Are you a racehorse, or a highly paid fashion model?

I'm curious what people have to say as I am in the same situation -- probably would need to go back soon or else I won't be marketable--however, I dread the long-hours, stress and job insecurity.

Attorney in a specialized area of law with the fed govt contemplating a move to private practice. I would be curious to hear what your experience was. Thanks.