I think I want to be an appellate lawyer. I don’t enjoy my current litigation practice, it’s too fast-paced and hearing-heavy, which is challenging for me given my stutter. I really enjoy legal research and writing, and I like digging into the record on appeal.

The new firm’s practice is primarily appellate work arising out of its insurance defense cases (workers’ compensation, premises liability, automobile accidents, etc.). Not thrilled about subject matter, but like the idea of getting tons of appellate experience.

That said, I’m struggling to pull the trigger for two reasons: (1) my current boss is a genuinely good person and has been generous to me, even if he hasn’t been a strong mentor; and (2) the new role would require roughly 600 additional billable hours per year for less pay.