“What Young Lawyers Don't Know About Working at a Midsize Law Firm” by Justine Fitzgerald Published by Law.com

06.24.2026

Many law students are singularly focused on securing a Big Law job after law school, believing it to be the best route to kick off their careers. Not so fast! There is no question that mega law firms can provide excellent training and serve as a springboard for subsequent career moves. However, young lawyers often overlook—or are entirely unaware of—the notable advantages that midsize law firms offer. In fact, unlike their Big Law counterparts, midsize law firms are uniquely positioned to furnish greater opportunities for hands-on experience, direct mentorship and leadership roles.

Click here to continue reading about how midsize firms differentiate on training, mentorship, and leadership.

Justine Fitzgerald is managing partner of Hirschler’s Tysons office. Her practice concentrates on all aspects of commercial real estate transactions, including the acquisition and disposition of real property assets, development projects, debt and equity financing, leasing, joint ventures, and the formation and operation of ownership entities. She has a proven track record negotiating purchase and sale agreements, ground leases, development agreements, office, warehouse and retail leases, and financing documents for commercial mixed-use, office, retail, residential and government projects in Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland, as well as around the U.S.