[joe c]

at most big firms, the associates aren't going to work 80+ hours a week every week. the number of 80 hour weeks will vary, but will the exception of a couple firms, they shouldn't be the norm. that being said, 60+ hours a week will be the norm at most big places.

many associates will leave after 5 or so years and take jobs in house, in the government, smaller firm etc. big firms push their clients to hire their associates, with the hope that then those former associates will continue to hire the firm for the client's work. these jobs typically involve less hours than working at a firm, at less (but still good) pay.

typical firm will consider people for partnership after 8 years, but its going to be hard at most places. partners of course make the big money, but generally not as much as 1.1 mil for a junior partner. the other perk of being partner is working less hours too. to some extent, the associates do all the work while the partners go home, but of course this will vary too.

to do any of this from a low level law school, you will need to graduate in the top 5% of your class. even then, could be a problem to get hired outside of the area the school is in. a NYC firm isn't going to look to favorably on the top students from a low-level school in the midwest, while they are more likely to consider the top students from the crappy NYC area law schools.