Top Ten Reasons Many Attorneys Choose to Become Staff Attorneys Instead of Associates

Job Security

Many major law firms have seen the benefit of offering more job security to their lawyers. Many lawyers stay with the firm for years, and many law firms have also hired staff attorneys rather than purely relying on outside counsel for every litigation or contract task. This is also beneficial to those looking for a full-time career position, as many major law firms now hire staff attorneys, and many offer long-term employment security. As many law firms move towards providing their in-house legal services, this offers job security and consistent opportunities to many qualified applicants.
 

Work-Life Balance

One of the greatest benefits many attorneys enjoy when they become staff attorneys is achieving a better work-life balance. While firm culture and demands in the legal industry vary, staff attorneys typically face different expectations than their associate counterparts. Long and grueling hours are avoided, allowing staff attorneys to lead lives outside their practice and improve their well-being. To some degree, staff attorneys benefit from a more predictable work schedule that doesn't require them to go beyond the call of duty at all times of the day. As such, they can make time for themselves while pursuing a successful legal career.
 

Less Pressure to Bring in Business

At many firms, equity partners are under immense pressure to bring in business for the firm, as it can determine whether their job is secure. This can create a stressful working environment for equity partners and full-time associates. Thankfully, staff attorneys are not expected to contribute towards generating business and merely need to focus on meeting the job requirements of providing legal representation. Less pressure to bring in new business helps staff attorneys remain focused on their work, which benefits the firm overall.
 

Less Competition

For many associates at biglaw firms, the scramble to rise above their peers and stand out is incredibly strenuous. The competition runs high in many practice areas, with junior associates trying to take on new clients to outpace their co-workers and gain recognition from senior attorneys. On the other hand, many staff attorneys find themselves relieved of such dizzying demands. Instead of vying for a slot amongst many competing associates, they can dedicate themselves to work at hand - efficiently submitting projects or seeing cases through from start to finish without worrying about career advancement. Similarly, many small law firms provide staff attorney positions that don't rely on internal competition; staff can focus on individual tasks and contribute meaningfully without fear or distraction.
 

More Focus on Substantive Work

In the legal field, practice areas such as patent prosecution often require an attorney's full attention. Associates at law firms are left to split their time between client work and business development, which can be difficult when insufficient time is allocated for both. Corporate staff attorneys, however, do not have to worry about anything other than practice-related tasks. As a result, they can take on complex matters and develop practice skills more easily, making them highly sought after in the legal profession. This has become a popular option among law school graduates who want to practice law without the added pressure of meeting business development criteria for equity partners. Despite its many benefits, the primary motivation for any legal professional is still the practice of law, and staff attorneys cater to this reality.
 

More Flexibility

Working as a staff attorney allows attorneys to take advantage of the practice setting they desire while avoiding the endless hours often associated with law firm practice. Staff attorneys often find that their limited hours allow them the flexibility to practice many different types of legal work than second-class attorneys in larger firms who are typically relegated to tedious document reviews or cases that may have little meaning for their long-term career goals. Fundamentally, more flexibility is a major plus for staff attorneys when it comes to practice settings and legal practice.
 

More Time for Pro Bono Work

Many attorneys become staff attorneys to have more time for pro bono work, which is work done voluntarily to help those who cannot afford legal services. Associates may have less time to devote to pro bono work due to their other responsibilities. On the other hand, staff attorneys can dedicate more of their time to pro bono work, which is both personally gratifying and beneficial to the clients.
 

More Time for Other Interests

Attorneys who become staff attorneys may have more time to pursue other interests outside of work, such as hobbies, family, and community involvement. Associates may have less time for these activities due to their demanding schedules. However, staff attorneys' limited hours may provide more opportunities for a balanced lifestyle. This can be particularly beneficial for attorneys who want to practice law without sacrificing other interests or activities.
 

Lower Stress Levels

Associates often face high levels of stress due to the demands of the job and the pressure to bring in business. Staff attorneys may have lower stress levels due to their more predictable schedules and the fact that they are not expected to bring in business. This can make for a much more relaxed work environment and provide the opportunity to focus on legal work without the added pressure of career advancement.
 

Opportunity for Advancement

Although staff attorneys may not have the same opportunities for advancement as regular associates, they may still have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and move up within their organization. Staff attorneys who excel in their roles may be able to move into management positions or take on leadership roles within their organization. Professional development is an integral part of any career, and staff attorneys may be able to benefit from this as well.
 

Why do Large Law Firms Hire Staff Attorneys?

Large law firms have traditionally employed staff attorneys to handle various tasks related to their practice. This includes providing guidance on legal issues, drafting documents, preparing briefs and other filings, researching precedent cases, and more. Staff attorneys can be particularly beneficial for large firms with multiple offices or a diverse client base. These firms may need additional support in areas such as regulatory compliance or client services, and staff attorneys can provide a valuable resource in such scenarios. Furthermore, staff attorneys can often be more cost-effective than hiring outside counsel for specific projects, as they may have less overhead costs associated with their employment. Finally, large law firms may hire staff attorneys to take advantage of their expertise in specific areas of law, such as tax, immigration, or intellectual property law. This can help firms better serve their clients and provide them with the most comprehensive legal advice possible.

Law firms may pay staff attorneys significantly lower than the amount they bill their clients, allowing them to reap the financial benefits. This practice of "billing rate-salary arbitrage" is highly profitable for law firms and gives them an advantage in quickly hiring and firing staff attorneys.
 

Conclusion

Becoming a staff attorney is a great way to directly impact your clients' lives. You will likely work for a nonprofit organization or government agency, which allows you to help those who cannot afford private legal services. As a staff attorney, you are more likely to have a varied and interesting caseload than an associate at a law firm, where you may only work on one case. Working as a staff attorney allows you to learn about many different areas of the law rather than specializing in just one area. You will also usually have regular hours and days off, which can be very appealing after working long hours as an associate. If you are looking for ways to make a difference in your community, consider becoming a staff attorney.


About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

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This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

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He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

• His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
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With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

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A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

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For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

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If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

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Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.