Introduction:
London-based Litigators in international law firms have a lot going on.
The demand of 2000 plus chargeable hours is enough pressure for anyone. Racking up nearly 40 billable hours per week is not only challenging, but one of the most difficult and courageous things that any professional can do.
Yet, hundreds of bright Associate litigators do this every day.
On top of this, Associates have to battle the late nights and still produce quality and “value” for their clients, their colleagues and the brilliant Partners that they support (who review their work with a fine tooth comb).
This article takes a look at the pressures on Litigation Associates and explores the question of when and if to move law firm.
What are the pressures on London Based Litigators?
So there’s the client work.
Demanding clients who need continuous support from litigators on complicated matters which can cost them everything.
Pressure from senior colleagues to produce documents and materials to assist the case that they are advising on.
The “other side” who try and railroad you into making mistakes, demand things at unreasonable deadlines.
Above all, the client piece is enough to see off any budding young lawyer, with a faint heart.
However, there’s more…
The pressure to do the right things to progress through the ranks, the constant need to learn and develop and be a “better lawyer” and the hours of reading and thinking that requires. The administration that goes with all of this, the actual billing, logging calls, preparing for meetings, delegating work and so much more.
The role of a modern day Associate litigator is not for everyone and is one of the highest pressured environments you can put yourself into.
Why should you move?
There’s tons of reasons to move. But there are also tons of reasons to stay.
The best time to look at the market is when you’ve outgrown your firm or when the market is hot!
If you have lost the trust or confidence of your mentor or supervisor, don’t convince yourself that you can stay and things will get better, as they rarely do.
The other time you should move is when you’re working ridiculous hours and putting everything into your career but not being rewarded for it. We often speak to Silver Circle Associates who are doing more hours than their peers at the Magic Circle and US law firms but getting paid 10-40% more*.
For example: a 7th year Associate in a New York headquartered firm is currently earning around £230k with around $70-110 bonus annually. Whereas, an Associate of similar calibre and at this PQE level from a Magic/Silver firm will be earning the low 6 figures.
However, you shouldn’t move when you’re just fed up. You shouldn’t move if the caseload dries up momentarily – particularly if you’re at a top firm where the sorts of cases the firm wants, don’t just grow on trees.
Remember, moving comes with risks. What if you don’t like your new team? What if the structure of the firm where you’re going doesn’t suit you? Or what happens if the work of the new firm isn’t what you’re expecting.
Structure and More.
It’s relatively easy to find a nice team and to learn about culture and personalities in interviews. It’s harder to know the structure of a practice without expert guidance.
Law firms change their policies all the time and it’s impossible to follow all of that change.
One minute a transatlantic law firm is working with a pool of Associates where Partners can staff their cases with anyone from that pool. The next minute, a decision is made at an executive committee meeting in Pittsburgh and the next day, individual Associates have to align with a particular Partner. Queue the musical chairs where there is bound to be some Associates that don’t get picked.
What’s happening in the disputes market?
2018 – A lot of the London US powerhouses were looking to grow their International Arbitration and Commercial Litigation practices.
2019 – There has been less activity in the London market. A lot of firms are watching carefully to see how the market is moving, the impact of Brexit and the demand for services.
Is this the right time to move?
NQ’s – if you can secure a role in disputes? Stay there!
2 – 4 PQE – look to move as a lot of the US powerhouses, Top UK and leading boutiques are currently looking to hire.
5 – 8 PQE – strong likelihood that most firms will only take on a person at this level who is looking for a route to Partnership.
What is it that you need to weigh up before you choose to move?
Pros & Cons
NQ’s
Pros: Some firms who have, for example, 4 NQ positions i.e. Silver Circle and only 3 of their NQ’s accept these positions leaving 1 vacancy; will go out into the market and search for a suitable candidate. Due to the urgent need, those qualifying into disputes at a lesser ranked firm i.e. UK or International firm, may get a significant upgrade to the likes of a Silver Circle firm.
Cons: if you can get a job in your current firm as a litigator within their disputes practice, it would be best if you stayed there as the market is very quiet at the very junior end.
2 PQE- 4PQE
Pros: a lot of firms are looking to hire at this level. For most firms, especially the US powerhouses, this is the sweet spot to hire. There are no drawbacks and a huge appetite for multiple hires at most firms. This includes our Magic & Silver Circle disputes practices.
For the right calibre, firms are open to creating a very interesting and competitive package to attract Associates.
Cons: in short, there are none!
5 PQE – 8 PQE
Pros: If you have seniority at a leading US powerhouse or top UK practice, which is flexible with compensation and bonuses, you could speed up your route to Partnership if you’re willing to take a step down to a smaller firm.
Cons: you can stay extend your time as a litigator at your current firm, and receive more compensation as your PQE goes up and bonuses. However, if you remain as a Senior Associate for longer, it could reduce your chances of being made Partner.
Conclusion:
Litigation Associates definitely have their work cut out for them. Be cautious, open minded and make sure you partner with a trusted advisor. Your decision to stay or move will impact your entire career, so you should do everything in your power to get it right.
In conclusion, be informed, think deeply and also try and take a step back to be honest with yourself about your relationship with your team, your current firm and what you could get from making a move.
About the author:
Ms. Gahbri is a trusted advisor and leading Associate headhunter at KC Partners.
Ms. Gahbri advises Associates at all levels within the London market and is one of the leading legal headhunters within the litigation space. Her and her team have placed over 150 lawyers over the last decade as well as a number of team moves within London, Continental Europe and the Middle & Far East.
Ms. Gahbri writes extensively on the subjects and matters that affect Associates at international law firms and is highly knowledgeable on various aspects within the disputes space.
Ms. Gahbri is affiliated with a number of societies and helps them grow their network and brand themselves. For example, she does a lot of work with The Society of Asian Lawyers and The London Young Professionals’ Network.
Considering a move? Check out our article on how to find out about a firm’s culture before joining!
