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Hi [USER=16399]@LateralLawyer[/USER]


I think this is a great question. I also do lateral recruitment (as well as grad rec) so know a bit about this. Here are my thoughts:


Each of the US firms you've listed will be different. Not all US firms are the same, in the same way that not all UK firms are the same.


Hours / Lifestyle - I think 1900-2000 hours is about right. In terms of working evenings/weekends, you'll probably find that most firms will respect this time when they can. If you are in a transactional practice group, you'll know that this isn't always possible though.


Training - as an NQ most of your structured training has been done. You tend to learn by doing. US firms do have smaller deal teams which will probably mean you get more exposure to partners, SAs, the clients etc. That usually helps your development.


Progression - you're right - most partners at US firms trained at UK firms and have either been hired laterally as a partner or as an associate and progressed through to the partnership. Lots of this is to do with the fact that US firms only started to run training contracts programmes in the past 10-15 years as they built out their English law practices - but we are now seeing more partners at US firms who trained at that firm. US firms have also grown quickly in London and to grow quickly you need to hire laterally. I wouldn't take this to mean US firms won't offer you the same progression opportunities. US firms are also still growing quickly, and there can be more opportunities with firms that are growing.


Reversibility - I've never heard anyone say that you can't join a MC firm from a US firm! You might find that lots of people just don't want to  ;)


I hope that helps.


Thanks,


Paul


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