A high starting salary or immediate pay raise is often one of, if not the, determining factor for associates in choosing a law firm job. While it clearly should be a factor, focusing solely on short-term gain can be a detriment to long-term gain, career advancement, and job security.
If you are focusing solely on a large paycheck, you should also anticipate increased billable hour expectations. There is nothing wrong with working hard and being paid well for such work but failing to recognize the need to spend time marketing and otherwise cultivating “your practice” can have consequences. Also keep in mind that while working for a top-dollar, large firm can open some doors and otherwise looks good your resume, it can also inhibit your ability to attract clients due to higher bill rates and client conflicts.
There has never been a greater premium on generating business, and you can be sure the first people out the door in trying times are those who can’t keep themselves busy. Not only will an attorney with their own portable business have immediate job security, but they will also be considerably more marketable for other opportunities. Also keep in mind that as a general rule, those who generate the most – earn the most.