For my first full-time position out of law school, notably at the onset of a global pandemic, I declined the relative security of a BigLaw firm to join what was then a one-man startup. Reflecting two years later on my decision, I feel compelled to share insights and learnings from my decision, as I believe it can bring value to the lawyers—particularly young lawyers—seeking to find their true north in today’s employment market.

The social dynamic changes brought on by the pandemic have not only made these employment decisions more difficult, they have made the process more difficult by making it much less personal. I have friends in the industry receiving offers north of $200,000 after one tele-meeting. How can one assess the culture of a firm where people aren’t even in the office every day or where you can’t even meet your interviewer face to face? In today’s competitive legal environment, where mental health and work-life balance are ever-increasing concerns, it’s more important now than in recent history for attorneys to apply the right criteria when accepting employment offers. There is no one-size-fits-all, and the criteria differ for everyone, since everyone has unique preferences, personalities, and professional goals. The key is to know yourself well enough to understand who you are and what you want, and then ask the right questions when considering a firm of any size—large or small—to ensure you find the best fit.