BigLaw associates handle sophisticated transactions and litigation with significant client responsibility, billing 1,900-2,400+ hours annually. Work varies dramatically by practice area, from M&A due diligence to complex commercial litigation, with clear advancement tracks to counsel and partnership.
Corporate associates handle M&A, securities, and general corporate work, with firms evaluating deal experience, drafting skills, and client management abilities. The current market strongly favors experienced corporate laterals, especially those with 3-7 years of experience.
The Charlotte move likely makes financial sense when adjusted for cost of living, with senior associates earning $280K-$320K versus NYC's $435K+ but gaining 40%+ lower expenses. Partnership timelines are often faster in Charlotte's growing market.
California's intricate wage and hour regulations, including PAGA claims and classification issues, create enormous demand for employment lawyers. The state's employee-friendly laws and high-stakes litigation make California-specific expertise incredibly valuable.
Fenwick & West is a premier Silicon Valley technology law firm known for venture capital, IPOs, and emerging company representation. They're particularly strong in tech transactions, employment law for tech companies, and intellectual property matters.
BigLaw junior associate salaries follow the Cravath scale, with first-years earning $215,000 and second-years making $235,000 at top firms. Regional markets like Charlotte and Seattle may offer 10-20% adjustments, but cost of living differences often favor these markets.
Fund finance focuses on subscription facilities and capital call lending to private equity/hedge funds, while traditional banking covers broader commercial lending. Fund finance typically offers higher compensation and more deal velocity, though both practices share core lending documentation skills.
Financial services associates in Charlotte typically earn 15-25% less than NYC counterparts, but with 40%+ lower cost of living. Strong demand from major banks and growing fintech sector creates competitive opportunities.
Most major Seattle firms don't match full Cravath scale compensation, typically offering 10-20% below NYC rates while emphasizing work-life balance and lower cost of living. However, top-tier firms increasingly compete on salary for high-demand practice areas like tech transactions and IP.
California employment litigation firms prioritize candidates with wage & hour class action experience, California-specific regulatory knowledge, and strong motion practice skills. While state law expertise is valuable, firms will train strong candidates on California nuances.
California's employment litigation market offers strong remote opportunities, especially for attorneys with wage and hour experience. PAGA reform in 2024 shifted the landscape but demand remains high, with firms increasingly flexible about remote arrangements for experienced practitioners.
The transition from BigLaw to in-house can be excellent for work-life balance and business exposure, though it typically involves a 20-40% salary reduction initially. Charlotte's strong financial services sector offers robust in-house opportunities, particularly given Bank of America and Wells Fargo's headquarters presence.