Life in international firms is harsh but rewarding. Pay is better than anything a law student would ever imagine. Silver circle firms start their NQs at about 10k, while magic circle firms do about 12k. You’d be an “NQ” when you finish SG 2PQE. Monthly salaries generally increase by 2k each year thereafter until Year 8-10 or so, which is quite decent.
US firms pay even better, but generally work you somewhat harder (though i’d say the higher pay more than justifies this additional burden).
My advice is always to jump out of a big4 and go international as soon as you can. Then pull yourself all the way to the highest tier you can reach (Magic Circle or White Shoe ideally).
Sorry i can’t say much about work life balance. It’s a tough profession which rewards the tough. Definitely not a bed of roses. Been in the game 9 years and it doesn’t get any easier...
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