Many lawyers like the idea of working sane hours. Many also like the idea of living in low-cost metropolitan areas — say you want to be close to your extended family, or you want more house for your money, etc. — yet they also like the idea of working for an elite firm that takes on challenging, complex work. A growing number of law firms are taking on career associates who have these options, and I can’t for the life of me understand why anyone would think that’s a bad thing.