Thanks — really appreciate your take. I agree with you that legal tech offers better balance and exciting growth, especially with how quickly the space is evolving.
I think my biggest tension is around the long game in Big Law. The hours are brutal (12–15 hour days, regularly), and while the salary isn’t bad by local standards, it’s hard to ignore that I’m basically working two jobs for one income. Sure, Big Law could pay off in the long term if I stick it out to equity partner — but will I even make it that far?
With the new BEE codes, and my firm doing a lot of government work (which pays really well), I do wonder how realistic that path is for someone like me. To be fair, the firm has treated me well — extended my contract and made me permanent — but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about a ceiling.
The legal tech offer, on the other hand, pays significantly more now — which would make a real difference in terms of saving, investing, and long-term financial security. The company is well-established (worth billions in USD) and has real credibility in the legal tech space, so I’m not too worried about it vanishing overnight. I also have international experience and a pretty strong background in legal tech already, which I think is part of why they’ve come back now — there’s not a ton of local talent in this space yet.
The tough part is that if I leave Big Law now, that door’s probably closed for good. My articles weren’t at a large firm, so this is really my first proper run at traditional law at the highest level — and I don’t want to walk away lightly.
That said, it’s hard to ignore how unsustainable the hours feel, and how much of a gamble the long game is — especially when the short- to medium-term trade-off looks this good.
It’s sad to see what real impact BEE has on the minority in SA.
It’s not you know what’s right for you in the end. Good luck with your decision. Do keep us updated though. I’d be interested to see how it goes. Either way.