To BigLaw or Not to BigLaw? (Part II)

Date: October 31, 2018

Is being a “BigLaw” attorney really a viable career track?

It is—if you are in Atlanta! (Okay…technically, BigLaw is a viable career track if you are in the right market—Atlanta happens to be one of the right markets).

According to the National Association for Law Placement, BigLaw associates in Atlanta take home more money and enjoy an excellent quality of life—and DO have viable BigLaw careers.

Atlanta is particularly appealing due to its cost advantage. Law firms also tend to allow for more work-life balance and provide a greater opportunity for promotion to partner, while the city boasts thriving and diverse downtown areas and bustling arts and entertainment scenes. Atlanta has great schools, good weather and access to natural resources.

It takes a salary of roughly $77,855 to equal the same buying power of a BigLaw NYC attorney making $180,000.

Due to high demand for associates in the Atlanta, the likelihood of being able to find a position at a large law firm there is positive. Once in a large firm, associates have a way up. Deal teams in large firms tend to be smaller than in other major markets, so associates assume significant responsibility over their matters at an early stage in their careers. Firms have an appetite for junior and midlevel associates with between two and six years of experience in all practice areas, litigation and transactional.

In addition to Atlanta, other cities that are also great places to pursue a BigLaw career include Austin, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas and Houston.

After adjusting for cost-of living differences…

In Houston, a salary of $67,320 equates to a $180,000 salary in NYC
In Austin, a salary of $67,890 equates to a $180,000 salary in NYC
In Charlotte, a salary of $74,780 equates to a $180,000 salary in NYC
In Chicago, a salary of $93,470 equates to a $180,000 salary in NYC
In Dallas, a salary of $70,240 equates to a $180,000 salary in NYC

NALP used the median reported private practice salary in each city and incorporates cost of living information from The Council for Community & Economic Research to determine buying power.

In sum, aside from the personal considerations discussed in Par I, you want to evaluate whether you are in a market that supports your career in BigLaw. Being in a market like Atlanta makes BigLaw a viable option because:

You get more bang for your buck (your buying power is greater due to the lower cost of living)
You have opportunities to get involved with matters earlier rather than later
There is demand for your skillset and talents
There is a thriving legal market, supported by a growing economy
You can have a life AND work—and have a life at work