City lawyers of MN- US firms

[ShowMeThe]

I know there are lots of us on here- grateful for any advice.

I'm a senior associate considering a move to a US firm. I've heard a lot about the hours and the expectations around availability and wondered if it's actually that different from a top 10 UK firm? I've made a few career decisions prioritising work/life balance (essentially, not choosing to move to a US firm earlier in my career and aa period PT) but my children are now older teens so I feel it may be manageable to take on more. Would also love to know to what extent it's possible to WFH- my current role allows 2 days a week.

I'm in a specialist dept but with a focus on transactional rather than advisory.

In terms of partnership I think there probably is a route for me in my current role within 2-3 years but our new partners are all salaried and probably earn less than a mid ranking assoc at a US firm.

I’ve just left a MC firm after over 10 years. I have several close friends from uni and law school who were or are still at US firms.

A couple of thoughts:

1. Firstly, OP, what do you mean by a “top 10 UK firms”? If you mean MC, then yes, US hours are notably worse. I’d often log off at 8pm at an MC firm. US colleagues rarely logged off before 10pm. If you mean a UK firm in the sense of DLA or Eversheds, US firms are miles apart in terms of workload.
2. Hours are even worse in transactional departments - at either MC or US firm, all-nighters are still par for the course.
3. If you’ve got grown up kids, age could also be a factor. Most City firms, including US, are pretty ageist. Few I’ve known would be willing to take a senior assoc in their 40s. Typically, if you’re not partner by about 35-40 years old, you’re out. While I don’t like it, as someone now at that age, I can appreciate that I no longer have the stamina required for that sort of role.

This is really helpful, thanks. Yes MC.

The age point is an interesting one and you may be right. I took a career break when kids were very small so am a bit older than some people of my seniority. Recruitment consultant has been reassuring on the point but they are hardly likely to say anything else 😭

I wouldn’t be put off by age (the worst they can say is no, and I do think firms are slowly becoming more open minded to different career paths). However, I would think long and hard about whether it’s the lifestyle for you.

V few City firms will hold onto senior assocs indefinitely, given it’s still “up or out”. Therefore, are you serious on becoming partner there and is that definitely on the table? If not, what would your next step be? The worst case is that you spend 2 years at a US firm, they decide they don’t want you as partner, and you’ve then given up on the chance of partner at your current firm.

Mid level here moved from MC to US firm when I was 2PQE - hours for me have been similar, but less annual leave (2-3 days less I think), no TOIL system (at MC you automatically had a 1 day off after 3 months at 90%), and less support (in terms of trainees, PSLs etc.) so I'd say more stressful overall. Also specialist team with transactional focus. 3 days in the office.

Unless you were able to bring in a lot of valuable business/ private clients who would move with you, you would not be on the partnership track, and frankly, that would be the only reason to contemplate this.

If any silk stocking law firms wanted you, they would be knocking at your door already. Don't be the one doing the knocking.

I think all solicitors get approached all the time 😂 But you have to think through whether you want to move, and to where, which is what I’m doing now.

@EleMar Thats really helpful, thank you.