[HDPM]

If you know you want to live where the small firm is, I would go that way. If you don't know, go with the big firm. I am biased against big firms tho, and have either been in smaller firms or public sector stuff. I might not be the best for career advice. [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img] It sounds like the smaller firm is much better to work for. I would also lean heavily toward the firm where you will make partner, and make partner faster. Then you have to like your partners and they have to like you.

As to billables, I would not believe the 1600 hour requirement. If you want to make partner you will be billing 2000 or more. I don't care what they say. Law is not something that you succeed at without working nights and weekends. I don't bill, but just to do what I do in the public sector has me working some weekends and nights. And some 18 hour days thrown in when it gets bad. And that is of course nowhere near as bad as what big firm drone associates have to do. My wife is in a small firm and was able to make partner quickly by big firm standards. Even in small town small firms people don't bill 1600 and get far ahead I don't think. But 1800-2000 hours in a decent environment is doable and not total torture. I think based on our limited experience it is better both financially and personally to make partner at a firm you like and doesn't ruin your life completely to work in. You still will work hard tho.