City Deathmatch: NYC v. Boston!

[Dida]

I have decided to leave my prestigious New York law firm, and get an easier job, with less pay but more time to enjoy my remaining days! I have received numerous offers, in NY, Chicago and Boston, but I have ruled out Chicago and prefer to stay within the Northeast.
I am very familiar with Chicago and New York, but not so much with Boston. I am single and well-to-do, qualities that I look for in a city includes: easy commute, friendly people, urban living, nice restaurants, upscale shopping, and diversity. How does Boston compare to New York and Chicago?

 

[Fifty]

Does your title indicate that you're one of teh jews? If so, NYC.

 

[Dida]

I am no Jew.

 

[Damnyankee]

I am no Jew.

YHWH

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahweh

 

[really]

Ally McBeal should tell you every thing you need to know about being a single lawyer in Boston. The Practice and Boston Legal as well. Off the top of my head I can't think of any NY law based shows. (Yes - all I know about the US is what I see on TV)

 

[dutchfire]

Ally McBeal should tell you every thing you need to know about being a single lawyer in Boston. The Practice and Boston Legal as well. Off the top of my head I can't think of any NY law based shows. (Yes - all I know about the US is what I see on TV)

Law and Order

 

[IglooDame]

Boston probably sucks slightly less than NYC or Chicago.

Cue Whomp and Yankee to show up and dispute that.

But, you'd probably do better asking a crowd that actually gives a damn about easy commuting, friendly people, urban living, nice restaurants, upscale shopping, and diversity.

 

[downtown]

I thought that driving in Boston was supposed to be one of the biggest pains in the arse ever.

 

[IglooDame]

I thought that driving in Boston was supposed to be one of the biggest pains in the arse ever.

It is, but being a considerably smaller city than NYC or Chicago (and having decent mass-transit to the 'burbs), one tends not to drive around in it. I'm sure Dida is used to taking cabs anyway.

 

[bigdog5994]

i like New York better but i think that Boston is just as great (thats my Hilary answer)

 

[downtown]

I don't have a lot of background with NYC, and I've never lived in any of these cities. I am a somewhat frequent visitor to Chicago though.

All three of these cities have great upscale shopping, diversity, amazing places to eat, winning sports teams, and nice urban living options if you have the money (which apparently you do). Their weather is also similar...it can get cold as balls.

Personally, I like Chicago better. I think the people are nicer (There is a reason the slang term M. .. .. .. .. .. .. .s exists)...and I'm more partial to the Chicago music scene, and deep dish pizza...but I'm also a midwestern guy. You really can't go wrong.

 

[joycem10]

What firm are you leaving? How hard is is to transfer bar memberships to MA from NY. How many years since you passed? Can you waive in to the MA bar?

 

[Irish Caesar]

downtown-

The fact that we wear that derogatory label as a badge of honor should tell you something, too.

Dida-

If you're looking for friendly people, go to Boston. And let me know when you find one.

Other than that, I think Boston can hold its own with those other places... but I'd give the edge to Chicago, I think.

 

[Fetus4188]

I get excited every time I go to Boston. Until I get there and remember that it's my least favorite city in America. To be fair, I've never been to Detroit.

 

[Masquerouge]

The few days I've seen of Boston appealed a lot to the European cosmopolite that I once was.

 

[Bronx Warlord]

NYC... no bias or anything from me

 

[Abaddon]

Come to the UK!

 

[Dida]

What firm are you leaving? How hard is is to transfer bar memberships to MA from NY. How many years since you passed? Can you waive in to the MA bar?

Leaving Davis Polk. I won't have to transfer bar membership if I move to Boston, because NY bar works for the job too.

I was considering moving to London, with either Herbert Smith or Clifford Chance, but they pay US associates in US dollar, which in this day and age means huge financial detriment.

 

[Fifty]

So is firm work as horrible and soul-crushing as everyone who I've ever encountered who does it says it is?

 

[Dida]

The hour is long and unpredictable, and the firm certainly requires high level of dedication from its associates. It's like having a highly demanding and jealous girlfriend. She wants to play all the time, thinks she should be your first priority. Although your hour gets better as you move up the rank.
However, firm work is not without its merit. The pay is glorious, and quality of work top notch. So I would say working at a big firm is soul-crushing, but not horrible.