For many associates at large law firms who find themselves seeking new opportunities, midsize firms often come under consideration. However, the road to making sizable career decisions, such as moving from Biglaw to a midsize firm, is fraught with questions and uncertainties. To provide some clarity into what life at a midsize firm may look like, I had a conversation with Ron Shechtman, managing partner of Pryor Cashman, an Am Law 200 midsize firm.
On asking Shechtman about the culture at midsize firms, an area of great interest to associates, he indicated that these firms often cultivate greater community, collegiality, and collaboration. Junior lawyers at a midsize outfit are likely to work more directly with partners and firm management, which is only enhanced by less leveraged staffing situations. Client and business development are encouraged, presenting associates with opportunities that they might not encounter at larger firms.
Frequently, associates search for firms that offer a genuine work-life balance. According to Shechtman, while larger firms often pay lip service to the importance of work-life balance, it doesn’t frequently translate into practice. At Pryor Cashman, there’s an emphasis on accommodating personal commitments. The firm believes that when associates lead fulfilling lives outside of the office, it results in a more productive and engaged professional experience.
One of the most significant advantages of working at a midsize firm, according to Shechtman, is the potential for a much more hands-on professional experience for associates. One particular associate in their Litigation Group contrasted their experience at Pryor Cashman with past experiences at larger firms, noting that at the midsize firm, they were allowed to “become a lawyer” by developing business, managing client expectations and being in the driver’s seat more frequently.
Shechtman encourages associates considering a lateral move to a midsize firm, highlighting the maintained intensity and rigor of legal work, alongside the greater opportunities for advancement and business development. Retention rates and Vault surveys indicate a preference for the midsize platform due to the nature of the work and the potential for growth.
In conclusion, it seems that for many lawyers seeking a more balanced, engaging, and hands-on experience, midsize firms such as Pryor Cashman indeed offer a myriad of benefits often not as readily available in Biglaw firms.
The original conversation with Ron Shechtman is available in full at Above the Law.