How to Evaluate Am Law 100 Lateral Offers | Legal Career Guide

Dear Christine W.,

Compensation Analysis: Getting the Numbers Right

Start with the hard data. Am Law 100 firms often follow or closely track the Cravath scale, though compensation can vary significantly by market and practice area. As a fifth-year associate, you should expect base compensation that generally tracks the Cravath scale (check current figures as they change annually), plus bonuses that can vary significantly depending on performance and firm profitability.

However, compensation varies significantly by market. Firms in New York, Silicon Valley, and Los Angeles typically pay at or above scale, while smaller markets may offer below-scale compensation that often correlates with lower cost of living. Factor in your current compensation, potential sign-on bonuses (which can vary widely based on seniority and market demand), and any bar admission costs if you're crossing state lines.

Practice Group Strength and Market Position

Not all Am Law 100 practices are created equal. Research the specific practice group's market ranking through Chambers, Legal 500, or industry publications. A top-tier corporate group at an Am Law 50 firm will provide better training, deal exposure, and exit opportunities than a struggling practice at a firm that's barely holding onto its Am Law 100 ranking.

Look at recent deal announcements, lateral hires, and partner departures. Growing practices actively recruiting senior associates and partners signal opportunity, while practices losing talent may indicate internal issues. The firm's client roster in your practice area is also telling—blue-chip clients typically mean higher-quality work and better training.

Cultural Fit and Lifestyle Reality Check

Am Law 100 firms span a wide spectrum of cultures, from white-shoe institutions to more entrepreneurial environments. Some maintain the traditional BigLaw intensity you remember, while others have evolved toward more sustainable models.

During your interview process, ask pointed questions about billable hour expectations, vacation policies, and weekend work norms. Request to speak with associates at your level who joined as laterals—they'll give you the most honest assessment of the transition. Pay attention to response times to emails during your recruitment; firms that expect immediate responses at all hours rarely change once you're on board.

The reality is that most Am Law 100 firms will require more hours and intensity than your current regional firm. Be honest about whether you're prepared for that trade-off, especially given your previous BigLaw experience.

Strategic Career Positioning

Consider where this move positions you in 3-5 years. Am Law 100 platforms generally provide superior exit opportunities to in-house roles, particularly at Fortune 500 companies that prefer to hire from recognized firms. The brand recognition and deal experience can also position you for partnership track at other prestigious firms if this one doesn't work out.

However, if your goal is eventual partnership, research the firm's partnership track carefully. Many Am Law 100 firms have extremely competitive partnership processes, and some are more likely to promote homegrown talent than laterals. Ask about recent lateral partner promotions and typical timelines.

Geographic and Bar Considerations

If the opportunity involves relocating, factor in bar admission requirements. Some states have reciprocity agreements or motion admission processes, while others require taking another bar exam. Use our bar reciprocity checker to understand the requirements and timeline.

Also consider the legal market strength in your target city. Markets like Charlotte are experiencing tremendous growth with firms actively recruiting laterals from major markets, while other regions may be more saturated or cyclical.

Making the Decision

Create a weighted scorecard including compensation, work quality, lifestyle impact, career positioning, and personal factors like family or geographic preferences. The "right" choice depends on your specific goals and life circumstances.

Remember that lateral moves aren't permanent. If the Am Law 100 experience doesn't meet expectations, your enhanced resume will likely open doors that weren't previously available. However, don't make the move solely for short-term financial gain if the cultural fit seems poor—that typically leads to quick departures and potential reputation issues.

Consider being selective. Not every Am Law 100 opportunity is worth taking, but the right one can significantly accelerate your career trajectory and provide invaluable experience and connections.