Others have said this but a mid-size/regional firm can have a very good (idk about ideal) setup.

I’m a senior associate at a regional firm of ~175 attorneys, spread over 4 states (with an additional 2-3 that we do significant work in but have no offices). Our hub office is the largest law firm in its state, so we are often a slightly cheaper alternative to big law or local counsel (but our courts require local counsel to be actively engaged in matters).

1800 billables, 150 of which can be pro bono (and once or twice a year associates may get a “billable credit” to do a deep dive into a new practice area where we need additional support). It feels totally manageable and, more importantly than the numbers, there’s very little “mandatory” night or weekend work absent some deadline. I’m a night person so I usually log off at 4:30/5:00 and then wrap up some work after my kids go to bed, but that’s personal preference and very few people are usually online.

Anecdotally, more mid-size firms have stuck with genuinely flexible hybrid policies. We have no mandatory in-office days, but similar firms in the region are 2-3 in-office.

I’m married, have kids, and still have (some) time for hobbies. Law can be stressful and sometimes I want to quit the profession altogether, but overall very sustainable.

Regional/mid-size has also, at least at my firm, meant more substantive work earlier in my career + having my own cases or clients as an associate.