Lawyers who work in boutique firms tend to be happier than those who practice at Am Law 100 firms, according to a recent ATL survey. But attorneys at regional law firms are less satisfied than their counterparts at national and global firms.
More than 700 attorneys took part in the survey, whose results were published this fall in the Above the Law/Lateral Link Report, Ranking the Law Firms Lawyers Love.
Lawyers were asked to indicate how happy they are at their current firm by rating their level of satisfaction on a 5-point scale. Respondents working in boutique firms had the highest average rating (3.81), while those at regional firms had the lowest (3.13).
The average rating among attorneys at Am Law 100 firms (3.42) was the second-lowest, just below the overall survey-wide average of 3.43. Am Law 200 firms (3.58) fared better, as did national non-Am Law (3.47) and especially global non-Am Law firms (3.69).
It is worth noting that this survey was conducted before the latest rounds of bonuses were announced — especially since the same survey underscores the significance of compensation to lawyers weighing whether to remain where they are or to change firms.
For more insights into attorney satisfaction, including which firms attorneys most want to work for and what makes them so desirable, download a free copy of the report.
Ranking The Law Firms Lawyers Love [Above the Law]
Earlier: Stat(s) Of The Week: That’s What I Want [Above the Law]