By Jim Knott, Founder

Attorneys who consider a smaller firm usually have a reason: more client contact, a clearer path to partnership, or different hours. Those can all be true. Other things change as well, and it is better to know them before accepting an offer.

What usually changes

  • Responsibility comes earlier. Smaller firms often give associates direct client contact and responsibility for matters sooner.
  • Business development comes earlier too. A smaller firm may expect an associate to build relationships well before a partnership decision.
  • The practice may be broader. Fewer attorneys can mean a wider mix of matters, and less room to specialize narrowly.
  • Resources differ. Research tools, technology, and professional staff support vary a great deal between firms. Ask what you will actually have.
  • Visibility is higher. Everyone knows everyone. Good work gets noticed, and so does poor work.
  • The partnership path is shorter or less defined. Some firms have a clear process. Others decide case by case.
  • Compensation is built differently. Base salary, bonus, and the billable requirement may all differ. Compare the whole structure, not only the base.

Questions to ask before you accept

  • How is partnership decided, and when did the firm last promote someone to partner?
  • What is the billable requirement, and what proportion of the associates meet it?
  • How are bonuses decided, and who decides?
  • How does work get assigned, and who would I report to?
  • What does the firm expect me to do on business development in the first two years?
  • How many clients does the practice depend on?
  • What professional staff, technology, and research tools will I have?

Stability is worth asking about

A smaller firm can be more exposed to the loss of one client or one partner. That does not make it a bad choice, but it is a fair question. Ask how many clients make up most of the group's work, and what happened the last time the firm lost a significant client.

Who tends to be a good fit

Attorneys who want more responsibility sooner, who are comfortable with business development, and who value a closer working relationship with the partners are often well suited. Attorneys who want a narrow specialty, formal training programs, or deep institutional support may find the move harder.

Moving quietly

If you are employed, the main concern is confidentiality. Bound sends your resume to a firm only after you approve that specific firm, and never contacts your current firm. Bound is free to candidates; the hiring firm pays only if it hires. You can register confidentially, or read what Bound does for attorneys first.