u/ahermassi

I’ve been a SWE for a little over 5 years. I’m interested in making a switch to Patent Law (as an attorney) potentially starting out at a BigLaw. I’ve been lurking in this subreddit for a while and it makes wonder whether it’s worth it. My main issues with SWE are:

1- the constant layoffs, and once laid off your previous experience doesn’t matter at all, preparing for interviews is starting from scratch

2- the open ended nature of the job, where the required knowledge is unbounded and no aspect of the job ever gets “autopilot” feel even after 20 years

3- the entry barrier has become non existent because of LLMs

4- ageism is real, if you lose your job after the age of 45 game is over

I’m curious what you attorneys think? Again, if I’m making the switch it’d be only to Patent Law, so any patent attorneys here please chime in :)

I’ve been a SWE for a little over 5 years. I’m interested in making a switch to Patent Law (as attorney) potentially starting out at a BigLaw. I’ve been lurking in this subreddit for a while and it makes wonder whether it’s worth it. My main issues with SWE are:

1- the constant layoffs, and once laid off your previous experience doesn’t matter at all, preparing for interviews is starting from scratch

2- the open ended nature of the job, where the required knowledge is unbounded and no aspect of the job ever gets “autopilot” feel even after 20 years

3- the entry barrier has become non existent because of LLMs

4- ageism is real, if you lose your job after the age of 45 game is over

I’m curious what you attorneys think? Again, if I’m making the switch it’d be only to Patent Law, so any patent attorneys here please chime in :)