THE TRANSITION
Though happy at his new firm, Collins finds he misses the advantages of big-law practice in a couple of ways. It's easier as a partner in a well-known firm like Greenberg Traurig to snag new business from big clients "already beholden to Am Law 10 or Am Law 50 firms," he said. At smaller firms, "you get their commodity work to begin with, and then you have to prove yourself."
He also misses the bells and whistles of big-law practice. Greenberg Traurig has a huge library system with top-notch librarians who knew how to use it. Computers and other technology were fancier, too, he said. But the ability to charge lower rates and get to know all of his colleagues makes up for any shortcomings, he said.
"I really like having personal relationships with the lawyers I work with," he said. "I don't want to rag on Greenberg Traurig, but the partner retreats were like speed-dating."
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