BarTalk April 2005
Volume 17, Number 2

To some, it’s big city, no big deal…

by Warren Smith

As a recruiter, I meet them everyday – lawyers willing to leave the “big smoke” for the joys, lifestyle and challenges of practising in the smaller cities, towns and communities of B.C. To many, the “big deal” has become “no big deal.” But why? What has changed? Is it the fact that 1,700+ billable hours is incompatible with a “balanced” career and life? Or is it something more?

What drives some lawyers to leave the big city career track for the smaller communities? From my experience, there are four main reasons lawyers cite when making a career change towards practising in a smaller community.

Quality of Life
On a day to day basis, it’s the little things that count – family, kids, golf, hockey, housing, vacation, community events, social organizations – and the time to enjoy them all! Imagine, instead of the 45 minute road rage session you are used to, your commute is now a leisurely 15 minute drive. Oh, let’s be honest, on many days you can walk!

Long-Term Client Relationships
No longer just a voice on the phone, clients in smaller communities often become friends, play in the same hockey league, send their kids to the same school. The net result is a truly loyal client; one with whom you develop a tight bond. As one lawyer explains, “practising in a smaller community makes me feel like I’m actually a lawyer, giving advice to real people and making a real difference in their lives.”

Enhanced Standard of Living
Smaller communities offer enhanced living standards: compensation is solid, commuting is inexpensive, activities cost less, and there is often greater access to key services (such as health care). Work-related stress is usually lower. And don’t forget housing prices! While B.C. is expensive generally, outside of Vancouver the idea of owning or building your “dream house” is not just a dream.

Bigger Fish, Smaller Pond
Fewer lawyers (and a more collegial bar) mean greater opportunity to assume a leadership role, not just professionally but in the community. For aspiring leaders, there is tremendous opportunity to shape and develop your community in a real and measurable way. This increases both personal and professional satisfaction, and creates enduring, long-term relationships.

Of course, practising in smaller communities means certain trade-offs. Some lawyers miss those large corporate financings, the quality of training, the depth of expertise in specialized areas, the extensive resources and the larger team. This is why many lawyers perhaps wait until they have five or more years to make the move. They will tend to pursue more “balance” in their career once they feel they have a solid base of high level training and experience.

At the end of the day, it all depends on the kind of a life, and career, you’re looking for. For some, the big money, big city, big work lifestyle is where it’s at. But for others, the benefits of smaller town living and practice are huge and the trade offs are small.

Warren Smith, a former practising lawyer, is a Recruitment Consultant with The Counsel Network. Tel: 604-643-1711, E-mail: wsmith@headhunt.com

This article was published in the April 2005 issue of BarTalk and is subject to the copyright by the British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, 2005, all rights reserved.