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Partner in midlaw or biglaw associate?
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 7:53 AM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House These are my options. If I stay at my firm (national L&E firm) I will almost certainly make partner. But comp is capped at 250k for non equities and in the last 3 years I've seen 2 people get dinged in my office for equity. Also two big rainmakers might be leaving with no succession plan (this is a worst case but at least one I'm sure is leaving)
Biglaw pays me 240k on day 1. Two year track to partner, but it's biglaw and there is only one partnership tier (no non equity) so it's probably hard as fuck to make partner. Exit ops would almost certainly be much better out of biglaw. Partner who hired me is a former small law bro so isn't homegrown biglaw psycho.
What would you do, brothers? |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 2:08 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House LOL at my penultimate sentence here. the rainmaker who hired me is abusive and insane. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43983661) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 2:21 PM Author: Hilarious pearl nursing home Yeah but you are doing pretty well professionally (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43983730) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 2:25 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House i dunno about that. my pay is garbage and the little bit of business i've developed this jew has stolen from me. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43983757) |
Date: September 22nd, 2015 7:55 AM Author: purple titillating crackhouse Option B without much hesitation (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#28811626) |
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 8:19 AM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House I've accepted and think I'm going through with it (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#28811658) |
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 8:03 AM Author: umber becky giraffe Still haven't made up your mind? Any updates on the boutique spinoff? (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#28811636) |
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 8:05 AM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House Question mark. I think it could happen but am uncertain. I think the best thing is for me to go biglaw and see how things shake out. I've even considered staying put but if the bad shit happens that I'm worried about id be in a bad spot and relying on traditional labor work from other offices to feed me. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#28811640) |
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 8:21 AM Author: frozen death wish What's the QoL at the current firm? (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#28811664) |
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 9:19 AM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House Good. I bill around 2100 but the office environment is fun and almost no travel. Biglaw job would be holed up in office/regular travel (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#28811844) |
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 10:01 AM Author: frozen death wish I would probably stay put. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#28812011) |
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 1:55 PM Author: Rebellious Menage how is 2100 good. that is a lot (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#28813598) |
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 2:31 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House it gets nuts at times, but I enjoy the work (for the most part), so I don't hate billing that much.
actually the last 3-4 months I've been billing a lot less because they have staffed up (if this stayed constant, i'd be doing around 1900 a year), so I will be going back to being consistently busy. |
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Date: September 23rd, 2015 10:48 AM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#28819979) |
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Date: January 18th, 2020 8:13 PM Author: Arousing sickened famous landscape painting (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#39452308) |
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 8:46 AM Author: Ivory locale Thread title makes me sad. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#28811714) |
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 9:29 AM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House Elaborate (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#28811905) |
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 9:36 AM Author: umber becky giraffe look if you are really as well liked as you claim, won't they take you back if after a few months you hate the new place and want out? Or if the boutique really does get off the ground and you want to be a part of it? Stay in touch, don't burn bridges, and have confidence in your decision whatever it is |
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 9:54 AM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House I've been told there's an open door. I think that even if they're pissed at me for leaving, there would be out of necessity because I'm not sure they will be able to find a replacement. So coming back (albeit having shot my chances at partner) or doing the other firm would be an option in the future.
It's just killing me that I can't get off the goddamn fence. |
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 10:43 AM Author: flirting mewling prole I may have a similar situation arise. What year are you?
If they cap salary at 250k do they at least give out larger bonuses? I really think I'd take the midlaw/partner tbh. |
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 10:56 AM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House 8th year. the bonuses here suck, and I think that applies even if you are at the cap. I think I'm coming down on doing biglaw because if it sucks I really think I can come back. Although partnership would have been blown and I'm not sure how likely it would be that I could get that back on track.
I've posted about this before, but there could be a defection here soon to a competitor firm that would alleviate concerns about this firm and my future here. if that happened, I'd probably leave biglaw for that. |
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 11:11 AM Author: flirting mewling prole I would go with whichever firm requires me to be there less. But I really dont like to be in the office past 5 so that's why I have always put off any jump to biglaw.
Is this nyc? or secondary? |
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 11:12 AM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House DC. I've always worked more than I had to, but I will say that current firm has hired up and taken some of the burden off me. I might end up billing more like 1950-2000 a year if I stay, which is kinda nice.
But biglaw is way more money. Maybe I just bank that shit and go in house in a couple/few years. |
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 11:26 AM Author: flirting mewling prole Interesting point with the in house. I believe you said before that the current firm may undergo severe changes. If that is the case then biglaw puts you in best position for any exit opts for sure. If working the extra hours arent an issue then I say jump ship. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#28812460) |
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Date: September 22nd, 2015 12:31 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House even with the possible (negative) changes i'd probably be ok here at least for a while, but fuck it.
I just made my departure official. |
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Date: October 6th, 2015 11:35 AM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House Update. Biglaw, shocker, kinda blows. I'm basically getting all my work from another associate who, from what I can tell, has less first chair experience than I do. He also calls a partner for permission to take a piss. I'm sure that's a good look from the clients perspective.
The beginning obviously is gonna suck but if it keeps up I'll see if I can just go back to my old firm and cop a huge raise. Either way, glad I did this because if not I'd always wonder what if.
Don't do biglaw, bros. just don't. |
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Date: October 11th, 2015 7:54 PM Author: Cerebral tripping dog poop I went from boutique to biglaw as a result of relocation, and I'm having the same reaction. Biglaw midlevels/ sr associates are very meticulous but don't seem to have any grasp of big picture. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#28947886) |
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Date: October 11th, 2015 8:01 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House the big thing for me is having to start all over and being so senior. it kinda looks like senior associate dood was threatening to bounce because he's so busy and needed help. they should have hired a 3-5th year, but they got me. but we will see if it plays out that way.
i guess one way to look at it is i'm being paid an ungodly sum of money to do bullshit monkey work. i might as well enjoy it while it's easy.
long term though i could see myself going back to midlaw after a while. |
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Date: November 7th, 2015 10:04 AM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House i think the partner who hired me (and basically the only partner i work with) has OCD. shit has to be done JUST THIS WAY or he flips out. it seems to go beyond the typical psycohpath biglaw attention to detail you hear about. example, he had his secretary send me a fucking format of a binder cover sheet because i was doing it wrong. this is a goddamn fucking binder that just says "client - matter - date" on the thing, but it was formatted incorrectly.
partner just sent an email to a client about a matter i'm working on and it was all "i'm doing this" "i'm doing that," no reference to me (which makes sense because i'm basically doing second-year level work).
this was an interesting experience, but i'll probably be out of here in a few months at the most. i'm still going to stick it out for a bit to see if things change. |
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Date: November 8th, 2015 10:37 PM Author: Aquamarine metal puppy abode yep, sounds like biglaw (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#29141165) |
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Date: January 20th, 2020 9:20 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House pretty funny reading this now. the partner I was talking about is super cool to me now, but I had to go through some serious hazing for several months. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#39462485) |
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Date: November 7th, 2015 10:11 AM Author: judgmental den Bottom line is, no matter what label they want to us, you're not a partner if you don't get equity. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#29129862) |
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Date: November 8th, 2015 9:59 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#29140779) |
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Date: January 16th, 2016 9:47 AM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House PSA: don't do biglaw. this shit sucks. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#29609247) |
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Date: January 16th, 2016 11:36 AM Author: beady-eyed legal warrant stead That really sucks man. I made the jump from biglaw to midlaw and could never imagine going back. Much more fulfilling work, clients call me all the time, I make almost all decisions without asking partners, etc. unless you have a legit shot at biglaw partner, you should go back to midlaw ASAP if you can and continue developing a real practice. If it really is midlaw, exit ops are probably better anyway since you actually get to know clients and other lawyers (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#29609619) |
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Date: March 2nd, 2016 8:24 AM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House I poasted before about some of my old colleagues leaving my former midlaw firm for a competitor (national L&E firm) and taking me as a partner, but that fell apart. The same people might just go out and start their own firm. Biglaw is getting a bit better but overall I don't really like it. Cr to go start a firm with a few other bros? Two are legit rainmakers and are 60-62 years old and hopefully would leave some good clients behind in a few years. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#29959882) |
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Date: July 2nd, 2016 9:50 AM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House 9 months in, and biglaw has gotten better. i'm starting to first chair some stuff. but i still might leave to start a firm with 3 other bros from my last firm (midlaw). (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#30837096) |
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Date: July 2nd, 2016 10:15 AM Author: Bespoke exciting tanning salon Any other partner OCD outbursts? Have you been getting work from othet partners? (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#30837187) |
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Date: July 2nd, 2016 10:32 AM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House they continue but i am getting used to it. he has a very "direct" style meaning he basically tells you something is a piece of shit if he doesn't like it. i don't think this is a great management style but whatever. so i think when you get used to it and don't take the bullshit personally it isn't that bad. there are other partners in our group that he chastises for "giving clients a law school answer", etc. but yeah he still gets all fucking weird about font size and particular words being used in emails to clients. it's all about presentation with him.
very little work from other partners. there wouldn't be a labor practice in this office but for this guy. he is a powerhouse of business - i've heard his book is in the area of 10 mil. it's all really good work, too. (well, mostly.)
even still, it seems 180 to start a boutique with a few other chill bros and work for myself. |
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Date: July 2nd, 2016 11:57 AM Author: bearded free-loading university chad You sticking around? (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#30837612) |
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Date: July 2nd, 2016 5:41 PM Author: milky corn cake Wait I thought you left a while back (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#30839267) |
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Date: July 4th, 2016 12:17 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House Left midlaw last September. I'll stick around if the new firm doesn't happen, but it looks like it will. Three partners from my old firm (all strong rainmakers) and I are planning on starting our own outfit. My salary off the bat will be 300k with a 10% equity stake. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#30849295) |
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Date: July 2nd, 2016 9:56 AM Author: bronze narrow-minded clown home Here at least we shall be free; the Almighty hath not built Here for his envy, will not drive us hence: Here we may reign secure, and in my choice to reign is worth ambition though in Hell: Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven. |
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Date: July 2nd, 2016 11:59 AM Author: Flatulent Preventive Strike Electric Furnace what's the point of being a "partner" with no equity? just the title? (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#30837618) |
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Date: July 4th, 2016 12:14 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House Idea is to eventually build a book and the title helps. My old firm made it impossible to make equity unless you made serious rain. Big reason I left (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#30849276) |
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Date: January 18th, 2020 7:11 PM Author: Ivory locale Update? (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#39451998) |
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Date: January 18th, 2020 7:28 PM Author: Self-centered swollen native halford OP is deputy managing partner of DLA Piper Baltimore (West) (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#39452080) |
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Date: January 18th, 2020 7:34 PM Author: pea-brained laser beams they come regularly right? (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#39452108) |
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Date: January 26th, 2020 7:24 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#39492914) |
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Date: January 18th, 2020 7:36 PM Author: duck-like fiercely-loyal boiling water Jumped from a tall window (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#39452118) |
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Date: January 18th, 2020 7:36 PM Author: Adulterous principal's office (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#39452119) |
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Date: January 20th, 2020 8:24 AM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House service partner at a sub-v50 firm in DC (the one I mentioned in the OP). probably the right move in that I am making more than I ever would have at the firm I was at (they capped nonequity comp at 250k and also made it nearly impossible to make equity.)
I have since developed a fairly bad alcohol and cocaine problem.
I also have been hanging out with and have fallen in love with an ex-stripper that used to hook up with a client of mine and used to hang out with all of us and do blow when we were in LA. I am married and have two young kids.
in short, in some ways my life is an absolute trainwreck right now. actually, in most ways I guess. |
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Date: January 20th, 2020 9:25 PM Author: Adulterous principal's office Would you say there is a life lesson here? (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#39462522) |
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Date: January 20th, 2020 9:49 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House probably don't do anything that I've done. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#39462703) |
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Date: January 28th, 2020 12:26 PM Author: Indecent indian lodge Except the strippers alcohol and blow, that part sounds 180 (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#39501425) |
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Date: January 29th, 2020 8:15 AM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#39506520) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 1:19 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House UPDATE brothers: i am bailing from the biglaw firm and going back to my "midlaw" boutique L&E firm. income partner, comp is likely going to be 350k (as a w-2 employee, so lower tax burden) with a pretty clear path to equity, hopefully in a few years.
taking QUESTIONS. |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 1:21 PM Author: confused house-broken theatre How many hrs have you billed in the last 5-6 yrs as a senior big law asscoiate? (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43983398) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 1:22 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House i've been a partner since 2018 and my comp is garbage. first year as partner i billed nearly 2000, and i got a bonus of like 15k. i then started phoning it in and billing 1700-1800. i did just over 1600 last year. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43983401) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 1:44 PM Author: vivacious cruise ship How is this biglaw? What year are you? (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43983504) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 2:06 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House i got out of lol skool in 2006. this is a v60-ish full service firm with a national presence, so by any reasonable definition does qualify as biglaw. the shit comp surprisingly fairly common in the v100. i think most of the v50 firms pay associates lockstep but i think plenty outside that do not pay on any kind of scale - we always match first year pay but it's black box after that. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43983643) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 2:11 PM Author: Talented french chef How's Greenberg Traurig? (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43983679) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 2:14 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House it's fantastic. just great. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43983700) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 2:40 PM Author: vivacious cruise ship Sure got it. I myself just quit 550K biglaw for 300K litigation boutique, but with significant upside over the next couple of years. The pay cut is super painful right now but I'm hoping I'll be overall happier with my life and legal practice at this smaller firm. I also needed a practice area change which this new firm will provide. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43983872) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 2:41 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House good luck brother (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43983881) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 2:42 PM Author: vivacious cruise ship We will make it (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43983898) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 2:48 PM Author: exhilarant parlour bbw 15k bonus? really?
did you not originate or proliferate any business at all? what mattered most bringing in work or yours hours? |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 2:58 PM Author: vivacious cruise ship Lol at non equity partners in litigation originating business. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43984005) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 2:59 PM Author: Hilarious pearl nursing home $350K should keep things even keel I would think. And it will go up. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43984017) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 3:01 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House i think my pay will be frozen until i make equity, but i probably will be bonus eligible. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43984033) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 3:03 PM Author: Hilarious pearl nursing home It looks like from all accounts $350K should work in the meantime, even if wife is SAH. Probably can't go nuts w the private schools if you want to save anything, and you'll have to save of course. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43984056) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 2:54 PM Author: sexy awkward gaping station biglaw partners make seven figures (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43983971) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 2:54 PM Author: exhilarant parlour bbw non equity ones? (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43983975) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 2:56 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House cr, there are biglaw partners who make that (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43983989) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 3:01 PM Author: vivacious cruise ship How did you meet the stripper? Have you banged? Do you pay her? (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43984031) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 3:01 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House through a client. i fucked her many times and ditched her a long time ago. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43984036) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 3:06 PM Author: vivacious cruise ship how do you meet strippers through clients in biglaw?
did she know you have a family? ever get worried she would fuck you over?
did you pay her? |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 3:11 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House he was an in house labor relations guy with substance abuse problems. he met her at a strip club and fucked her for $ and she got us coke. i eventually hooked up with her and started doing coke and paid her, but stopped paying her after a bit. having said that these girls are all whores so i was paying for everything when we were together, i just wasn't giving her money directly in exchange for sex. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43984104) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 3:11 PM Author: vivacious cruise ship were you worried about getting caught?
any pics of said stripper? |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 4:53 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House i wasn't because i was a total wreck at the time. i eventually split with my wife, long story.
no pics but she wasn't great looking. okay body. |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 3:27 PM Author: Talented french chef Thoughts on ability to do your job while coke is in the picture?
One night of it and uh "many people" are mentally fried for like five fucking days after. |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 3:28 PM Author: vivacious cruise ship yeah i get a cold from like one day of coke (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43984222) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 3:56 PM Author: Talented french chef I get weird emotions, feelings of shame, mental fog, fatigue, etc for a solid 4-5 days after. It's goddamn brutal. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43984392) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 3:58 PM Author: vivacious cruise ship yeah and after like 30 minutes the high goes away and you feel worse off. (http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=2997788&forum_id=2#43984401) |
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Date: February 17th, 2022 4:54 PM Author: 180 Step-uncle's House i've negotiated labor contracts high/coming down/with a horrible hangover. i do not recommend this.
i am totally sober now, except for some kratom here and there. |