Is Corporate Law worth it?

cartera45
Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:19:41 +0000

It is difficult to generalize about who gets what in house job, but if you’re referring to in house jobs with compensation competitive with biglaw, then, yes, those jobs are not plentiful and competition is fierce. The typical range of experience sought is 5-8 yrs. experience. Most companies do not have the luxury of doing much training so they seek attorneys who can hit the ground running. Some large in house departments are run more like law firms so they can hire more junior level associates. The larger the group, the less opportunity for moving up through the ranks. There is only one general counsel and lots of attorneys below him/her wishing for that one spot.

Unfortunately, there have always been “underemployed” ex biglaw attorneys. There are more now than ever. Even in good times, some associates either weren’t given the hint or didn’t see the writing on the wall and waited too late to leave a large firm. It has always been tough for senior associates let go from large firms to walk into a comparable position elsewhere. I receive resumes of biglaw attorneys who were laid off in 2009 and have not found a permanent position.