The Benefits of Working in a Large Law Firm

Large law firms rank among the highest paid practice environments for legal professionals and employees are often granted more generous compensation packages than those working in the government, judiciary, small firm, non-profit and public interest environments.

Since many large law firms pay top dollar, such firms can recruit the most well-qualified lawyers, paralegals, and staff. Mega-firms often recruit only the top students from the most prestigious law schools. Paralegals in large law firms generally have bachelor’s degrees and experience in their legal specialty.

Much of the high-end, complex litigation and transactional legal work is given to large law firms which boast high-caliber talent and a broad range of resources.

Clients of large law firms tend to be more plentiful and diverse than those of smaller firms. A large, diversified client base makes it less likely that the firm will encounter financial difficulty if a client takes its business elsewhere.

Large law firms have more on-site resources than smaller firms. Large firm resources range from full-service copy centers and extensive law libraries to in-house gyms and full-service cafeterias.

A large law firm has extensive administrative and support staff at its disposal. Staff may include legal administrators, legal secretaries, paralegals, marketing specialists, IT personnel, file clerks, librarians, court filers, and messengers.

Large law firm offices may offer more plush and spacious surroundings those of small firms, public interest firms, and the government. Large law firm offices are generally located in prime areas of town, close to the courthouse, fine dining (to woo clients and recruits) and other amenities.

Many of the mega-firms have multi-jurisdictional practices and multiple locations across the globe allowing lawyers and paralegals to serve international clients.

Large law firms often establish well-defined training and mentoring programs for associates, paralegals, and other law firm professionals. Many large firms also have elaborate summer associate programs and in-house educational programs that provide continued growth and learning opportunities for its employees.

Many large law firms contain complex organizational hierarchies creating more opportunities for promotion. For example, the career path of a lawyer in a large firm might progress from entry-level/junior associate to mid-level associate, senior associate, non-equity partner, equity partner and senior partner.

Many large law firms create diversity initiatives to promote the success of its women and minority attorneys and encourage equal opportunity.

Working for a large law firm may include perks ranging from expense accounts to seats at sporting events and extravagant firm functions.

Large law firms frequently establish pro bono and public service programs that encourage lawyers and paralegals to commit a certain number of hours to helping the community and underserved populations such as children and the elderly.

Working for a top-name law firm that is well-recognized and highly regarded in the legal community affords the employee a certain level of status and prestige.

High-end, complex legal work in a broad range of practice areas provide an intellectually challenging environment for law firm attorneys and paralegals.