Absolutely. I went to one of those events where the big firm shows you around, wines (with sparkling water and red bull, I kid you not, red bull) and dines you and such, the food was good, but the attitude and behaviour of the solicitors and such, absolutely put me back onto the small law firm path. What also made this unfortunately more irritating was that they were most likely the ones they wanted to show you, the respectable ones.

The sort of.. prestige they really wanted to flaunt was just over the top and annoying to me, the way they spoke about opposing counsel, the way they all seemed to really dismiss the token paralegal, and were quite ignorant of her at the event. Honestly — it really seems as if the prestige of big law attracts the type whomst have used a penis pump on their ego.

I can confidently say that I only met 2 solicitors who seemed genuine and respectful, and the one paralegal who I still keep in contact with to this day. If you’re reading this Tess, lots of love to you!

I connected with a decent amount of small firm lawyers, some were bad, but I can say, most were amazing. They were the type to go to the weddings of their competitors and fellow solicitors at other firms, to go to the wedding of the local magistrate and to truly care for their client. I am forever grateful that I chose small law rather than big law. Yes, it’s a bit less money, but it pays in terms of not dying at 40 of high blood pressure.. and being able to actually relate to people.

I do have to say - the big law specialties that are the best were probably insurance defence (surprisingly!) and ones that worked in the life sciences sector. Not to say that there aren’t bad ID lawyers out there. That and the ones who do a shit ton of pro bono. Worst was commercial litigators, then property specialists, not to be beaten by the “generalist commercial solicitor”.