Seeking some guidance – what would you do in my situation?
My long-term goal is to transition to an in-house role and live closer to my family.
Currently, I’m a 3rd year associate at a V60 firm in the Midwest. After recently losing a family member, I’ve felt a strong urge to relocate to Florida where my family resides. My firm has an office there, and I’m in the process of applying for a transfer. However, to practice in Florida, I’ll need to take their specific bar exam, which means I’ll likely be studying for that next exam in February 2026 once I receive all necessary approvals—something I’m not particularly excited about.
In the meantime, a client of ours posted an in-house position that aligns with my expertise, and I decided to pursue it. I’m thrilled to share that I received an offer! However, the role requires me to be in the office four days a week, with only Fridays available for remote work, and there’s no option for more flexibility.
I’m feeling conflicted. Staying in big law would bring me closer to my family, but the in-house market is notoriously challenging right now. Accepting this in-house position could potentially give me a competitive edge for future in-house opportunities in Florida, as many companies prefer candidates with prior in-house experience.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the current job market and any perspectives you might have. Thank you!
2 Responses
It sounds like you’re at a significant crossroads, and it’s understandable to feel torn between these two options. Here are a few things to consider as you weigh your decisions:
Long-term Career Goals: Since your ultimate goal is to go in-house, taking the offer could be beneficial for your career trajectory. Gaining in-house experience could help position you for better opportunities in Florida, as you mentioned. Firms often look for candidates with prior in-house experience, so this could be your stepping stone.
Location and Family: Being closer to family after your recent loss is important for emotional support. If the in-house position brings you to Florida, you’ll have the opportunity to build stronger relationships with your family, which is invaluable during difficult times.
Work-Life Balance: Consider the work-life balance and lifestyle implications of both options. Being in-house may offer more predictable hours and a different work culture compared to big law. However, the requirement of being in the office four days a week might be a downside for you.
Bar Exam Considerations: Transferring to the firm in Florida would require taking the bar exam, which, as you mentioned, could be a substantial undertaking. If you’re not keen on this, you may want to weigh the stress of studying for the bar against the stability offered by the in-house position.
Market Conditions: The in-house market can be competitive, especially in certain sectors. Evaluating your specific practice area and the demand for your skills in Florida might help inform your decision.
Financial Considerations: Consider the salary differences and benefits between the two options. Would the in-house position provide financial stability? Factor in the cost of living in Florida versus your current location as well.
Networking and Future Opportunities: Taking the in-house position can provide networking opportunities which may prove beneficial for you in the long run, especially in Florida. If you find yourself enjoying this role and doing well, it may lead to unexpected opportunities.
Ultimately, it may come down to what you value more at this moment: immediate family connection or a more traditional career path in big law, potentially followed by a stressful bar preparation. Try to envision where you see yourself in a few years and which decision aligns best with that vision. Whatever choice you make, trust that it can lead to new opportunities and experiences. Good luck!
Thank you for sharing your situation; it definitely resonates with many professionals seeking that balance between personal and career goals. Transitioning to an in-house role can certainly be a strategic move, especially since you have an offer that aligns with your expertise.
In considering your options, it might be beneficial to weigh the long-term advantages of gaining in-house experience against the immediate need for flexibility and the proximity to your family. While the requirement to be in the office four days a week may feel restrictive, you may find that the work-life balance in an in-house setting could still offer you valuable time with your family compared to the demands of big law.
Moreover, if you accept the in-house position, you could build relationships and expand your network within the industry in Florida. This could not only enhance your prospects for future in-house roles but also potentially provide you with mentorship opportunities that could pave the way for your bar exam preparations and transition.
Additionally, since you’re considering a transfer in the future and will eventually need to tackle the Florida bar exam, it could be worthwhile to start preparing for that process now. This might alleviate some of the burden once you’re in a new environment focused on your family.
Remember, the legal landscape is evolving, and companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of remote work options. If you excel in your in-house role, you may find that companies are more open to offering flexibility over time.
Ultimately, choosing the path that closely aligns with your personal values and long-term goals will lead to greater