u/Feline_Fiesta3

Hello all! I (28F) just graduated from law school in May and I have a 9 month old baby. I currently have two job offers on the table and I would love some feedback from other law moms. I had a baby while in school so that my husband and I could start our family without me needing to take maternity leave within the first year or two of practicing. That being said, I am not afraid of hard work, but I also would still like to see my husband and child and not be a total slave to the grind. We also would like to have another kid or two within the next few years.

First option:
-non-profit, worked there during law school, about 10 attorneys
-40 hour work week, no billable hours
-I have experience in the field (from working there and elsewhere)
-litigation focus
-$105k salary, no annual bonus, but expected pay bump because of bilingual abilities (I’ve already confirmed with them)
-8 weeks unpaid time off for maternity leave

Second option:
-mid size, very reputable local firm
-1850 billable requirement
-would be in one particular practice group, but I would have the possibility to branch out if I wanted
-a very good amount of women with children at the firm, a lot in this particular group
-$125k starting, and bonus possibility
-some litigation work, some transactional work
-everyone I talked to said they have great work-life balance and that people come to the firm specifically for that compared to other similarly ranked firms; many people have been there for decades
-3mo paid maternity leave
-potential for modified reduced billing schedule eventually

I am conflicted because the 40 hour work week seems so nice, but I worry that I would be shooting myself in the foot by starting at a non-profit when I have the chance to go to a good firm. I should also say that I do not have law school loans so I am not necessarily looking just to make the most money.

I would love to know if anyone has any experience with a similar situation or could give me any insight into what life is actually like in either scenario!

Hi all. I (28F) just graduated from law school and I’m currently studying for the bar. I also have a 7mo old baby. When I had my baby, my original plan was to work for at least a few years after graduating, then maybe take a few years off to have another kid or two and stay home with them while they’re little, then go back to work. I didn’t want to graduate and immediately take time off because I felt like it would be more difficult to get back into things after a gap. Lately I’ve been feeling super overwhelmed with bar prep as it’s taking up much more of my time and mental energy than 3L ever did, and it’s got me wondering if I have the capacity to work full time as an associate and be a mom to a young child.

I’ve been contemplating the possibility of not starting work right away after the bar to just spend time with my son. My husband works full time (not attorney money, but we do alright) and he is fully supportive of me not working if that’s what I want to do.

Would I be shooting myself in the foot career-wise by doing this? Has anyone taken time off immediately after law school and been ok? Should I tough it out a year or two and then take time off like I originally thought? Is working full time less crazy than bar prep and I should just chill out?

Any advice is much appreciated!! <3

I have a 6mo old baby and I'm STRUGGLING to keep up with the Themis schedule while going off of very little sleep and trying to take care of a baby (I have childcare help from family during the day, it's still hard tho). How are other parents doing??