Biglaw is an attrition game. I wholeheartedly believe and have witnessed first hand too many times that those who are median or slightly above median in biglaw are true winners of this game. They don't burn out, are replaceable enough to be placed at nice secondment gigs, and have better wlb. All the while getting paid the same.
How do you aim for median without sacrificing your work quality or damaging your reputation too much?