Welcome to the third part of our mini-series on Mid-Market law firms. We opened with a comparison between Big Law and Mid-Market from a client-service prism, and all the ways in which Mid-Market firms have a head start. In Part 2, we asked what happens when Big Law comes to regional towns, and how Mid-Market firms can distinguish themselves by being more agile, with lower overheads and a more client-centric approach.

Now our discussion turns to you, the attorney. Which is better for you, Big Law or Mid-Market?

The first thing we need to recognize is about choice, as in you don’t always have one. But suppose you do. Suppose you’re a young associate, your grades are good enough, your resume fits, and you have a choice of career path, Big Law or Mid-Market? Then what? What kind of firm will be better for you?

For sure, there will be peripheral factors to consider. Your personality, your sector interest, even your debt situation. But then you might ask yourself the most important question: Why did you become a lawyer?

If your primary driver was to amass a cash fund at 40 and then leave the profession, maybe Big Law is for you. Nothing wrong with that; your life, your call. But what if you became a lawyer because you like using your knowledge, talent and creative chops to solve complex problems? Then Mid-Market may well be a better bet, because these firms may give you more opportunity to do those things. 

The counter-narrative you may hear is that if you want to act for major corporates, or do something obscure like international sovereign debt enforcement, it has to be Big Law. That used to be true. Time was, that you wouldn’t see that kind of action at many Mid-Market firms. But that’s all changed. As we saw last week, clients will send the work to whichever shop can demonstrate efficiency, effectiveness and price predictability. Even for high-value or complex work, Mid-Market firms can now make a compelling case.

Methods matter, and Mid-Market will often have leaner legal ops. For you, just as for any lawyer, of any seniority, in any sector, there is no more productive and healthy way of working than being lean. This won’t just get you experience, it’ll get you a book of business.

The wrong firm will always be the wrong choice, but the right Mid-Market firm can offer you the perfect platform to develop your full potential and enjoy the journey. Then, if you still want to try your hand at Big Law, that will be available to you and you’ll be a better lawyer for the experience.