What Would Make You Want To Work for A Small Firm?
This post from January 2015 at Above the Law questions why solos and small firms pay associates so little. Initially, the answer seemed self evident to me: sadly, some solos and smalls are just plain cheap, while others need the help but simply don’t have sufficient resources to bring someone on board. (In case, you’re wondering, Lee Rosen says that the $300,000 mark is when a new hire makes sense financially).
Still, there are other reasons that firms may not want to pay associates much. Newer lawyers require training and once provided, the associate might move on to another position. Some firms may want to encourage associates to generate business, so they’ll keep the base salary low but offer bonuses for business to incentivize associates to engage in client development.
What I wonder is whether there’s some kind of a middle ground between paying newbie slave labor and attempting to match a big law salary. And so I toss the question out to readers. If you are a newbie – or even a more experienced lawyer looking for a position, what would make you seek out a small firm? Would it be the chance for hands-on experience? An opportunity to get in on the ground floor and advance? Or flexible scheduling and perks and benefits like paid CLE or free lunch? Perhaps if solos and smalls had an idea of what potential employees were seeking, they might be better able to accommodate those wishes.
I loved small law and found it very rewarding. I joined two lawyers in a law firm in rural Wisconsin (my hometown).
I received a set salary for six months of $1,500 a month and then received 50% of what I billed and collected. When I got to $100,000 in gross fees collected, I received 55%. I was assured I would not go destitute should collections be low, they would support me.
I would have worked hard anyway, but I am sure that the opportunity to earn more than other lawyers in my town motivated me. It was natural for me to build relationships in the town, but I suppose this compensation plan gave me a little more incentive.
I would have also worked hard because of my love for small firms. I clerked for a solo in the Sierra Nevada foothills while in law school and worked for a small law firm on the West Coast of Ireland for a year upon graduation.
The ability to impact people, be given instant responsibility and the opportunity to do so many different things was tough to be beat.
I’ll add one more reason to consider small law today. Social media, especially blogging.
Blogging is the great equalizer for young lawyers. Never before could you build word of mouth and relationships in as short a time as you can today do with a niche blog.
While small law firms may see you as a law grad who blogs as an opportunity for you and them, large law firms may look for you to curtail your blogging and social media. Business savvy small law firms (the ones you want to join) will want you to build a name and a book of business. It’s good for everyone.
Small law is not always easy. Can be low pay to start and may even be less than a full time job. But the rewards can be many – especially in the day of blogging and social media.
I started my legal assisting career at a solo criminal law firm and, indeed, instant responsibility – and many different things to do – was there in spades. Went on to bigger firms, but now wish to go back. I will now have fun! Plus, working alone was the best, I have learned about myself.