Am I crazy for being nervous about my first job asking me to bill 2100 hours? It’s a big law job, and I’m from a smaller part of the country, so very “fish out of water” feelings in my head.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Every hour over about 1800 gets exponentially harder. Those are the hours you’re working at night and on the weekend.

2100 will be tough, but totally doable if the work is there and you enjoy doing it.

like

Well said.

like

You got this! It is a lot of hours, but it is doable, especially in big law.

Don’t be nervous, be excited for the challenge, kick ass, bill 2500 hours, and collect your gigantic bonus and raise at the end of the year.

likeuplifting

You’re not crazy; that’s a lot of hours. You’re *billing* in excess of 40 hours per week on average to hit that target. You’re working even more than that to bill that level.

like

Planning may help. Figure out what you need to bill weekly to hit the target number, and as you go, what you need to make up for weekly hours missed. Bill as you work. Most efficient that way and more sound. Hope all works out well.

like

2000 hours is pretty standard for biglaw. I’ve never gotten below 2100 but I’ve gotten pretty close and would be nervous about it

I would be nervous about having a 2100 hour requirement.

My minimum is just over 2200. Tough at times, but once you get into a groove you’ll figure it out and get used to it. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there for work to ensure that you’re getting enough to hit your billables, and if you feel like you’re getting behind, don’t wait too long before you get things straightened out!

Related Posts

Hi! I want to start my own consultant agency. Anyone have recommendation for business plans template and any other goodies that would assist my thought process.

like

Does international experience (media) even matter anymore in this industry? As in a US citizen working abroad then coming back to the states Any experiences to share on compensation, career growth.

like

Anybody know why BRQS volume is so high.. roughly 111 million. I mean yes BRQS 🚀 🚀 but why!?

like

Hello, does anybody have an recommendations for hospitality experts in Texas? Defending a hot coffee case.

like

Curious if you have any recommendations for comfortable, cooling pants at work? Pretty much taboo to wear any type of shorts, but Arizona is hot as balls. Preferably something that doesn't show sweat on the ass. Thanks :D

like

PwC PS - how’s the transition going?

funny

Took 30mg of vyvance and feel the same after three hours. Does it take a few days?

like

When some asshole won't quit singing in your meeting. I don't need to hear your "rnb sounds" 😘

like

Best cashmere overcoat for men? Willing to spend some $$ if it’s worth the price

like

Can anyone speak to the work-life balance/lifestyle of a Tech Advisory Consultant?

like

Planning a trip to Copenhagen for 5 days and doing a day trip to Malmo. Any recommendations on must-visit spots or things to do?

Hello! I am currently in the Fintec industry as a remote VP of human resources. I am looking for an opportunity where all of my talents will be utilized. I am finding myself getting into a dark tunnel because I'm bored. I adore my company, but they are not ready for someone with my level of experience. I would appreciate any lead. Thank you.

like

I went to a “women in leadership” training and what was supposed to empower me toward a clear idea of where I want to go in my career, crystallized how unhappy I am at my current job. Spent the...

like
like

eBay on my mind

Post Photo
like

McKinsey & Company Has Mckinsey met BA headcount quota for the year/did they freeze hiring? I interviewed and got to last round last year, and applied again with a referral two months ago but haven’t heard anything from recruiting. Last year I heard back within 1 month of referral drop. I would’ve thought with my 1 more year of experience I should be able to get an interview easily.🥲 McKinsey & Company

like

How should I negotiate an offer for more money in an entry level paralegal job ?

like

I want to get my PhD, but all of the programs I want require a full time commitment for the first year. What are my options? Is a sabbatical an option? Or would I have to straight up resign? Utilization notwithstanding (I’m a GPS consultant)…is it possible to go part time? I completed my master’s full time while a full time Deloitte consultant. I know school can be done, but for PhDs they usually want you to also work as a TA. Additionally, I am not interested in online programs.

like

Is Capgemini Invent know for “digital” or just for “tech”? I’m concerned that if I accept an offer I’ll end up being far more down the tech implementation route than the digital strategy route I’m after.

like

Anyone seen any long-term, effective risk mgmt philosophies other than 3LoD (seen I.e. deployed in practice and stood the test of time at a mid-size+ company, not just a theory)?

likefunny

Additional Posts in Law

Having my weekly crisis here. I feel like I’ve ruined my career by doing insurance defense at the same firm for 8 years. I’ve been aggressively job hunting for six months in this state, I previously took the bar in another state and was job hunting there for over a year. I haven’t had anything come up. The only options seem to be the miserable sweatshop ID shops everyone says to steer clear from. Thinking about a career change to selling cars so I can make more money. Really having a meltdown

likefunny

Is anybody in the house at one of the big four accounting firms? They keep advertising legal counsel roles and I'm just curious about what the work is like/ what the work life balance is. I'm primarily interested in non tax rolls if they exist in that organization

likehelpful

Which books would you recommend to a product counel for tech startup about strategy, management, and leadership?

like

Hi folks. Mid level corporate associate thinking of making a move into the tech industry (preferably in a legal-adjacent or non-legal position). Any thoughts on how to make the move, such has what types of folks to network with and skills I should obtain?

like

EOY review time! Boutique firm with large workload. I’ve signed multiple clients and met my billable requirements in the months I’ve been here. Is a 20k raise request reasonable?

like

How much pro bono do you typically bill per year? Have you been called out on it?

like

Canadian BigLaw Securities/M&A associate here, considering a move to the US.

Any insights on LA vs Austin vs NYC? Lifestyle, coat of living, work hours...

like

Looking to make a move. Working with two different recruiters (I reached out to 1, the other reached out to me). Each ask what else I have in the pipeline? Do I tell them abt other firms Ive met with?

like

FL fish - any insight on Hill Ward Henderson culture? Specifically the construction & design group?

like

My dad's friend over the holidays: "are you one of those 'save-the-world' lawyers?" Me thinking about this now: "ahahaha"

likefunny

Any good podcasts about the practice of law or lawyering?

likehelpful

Advice requested: When you were a legal intern or a summer, what type of projects did you like best? What was most helpful to you when you received a new assignment? Anything you wish your mentor did/didn’t do? I’m working with my first ever intern and trying to structure projects so they know that the work is important and relevant to the business, and why, and to provide enough background info on the area of law so they don’t spin wheels on the basics. What else should I be doing?

likehelpful

When your firm requires billable hours, how are they calculated? Actual vs realized (I.e. what you put on your billing sheet vs what is billed to the client). Does your firm differentiate? Which number do they go by? My mind is somehow not comprehending how some big law hours are under my small firm requirement?

like

First (second?) year here, already hit hours for the year. Finally a slow week with little to no work on my plate. Someone help me fight the urge to let partners I have capacity.

like

I’ve been in house my entire career (6 years) and I am thinking about transferring to big law. I feel the experience would sharpen key skills and compensation wise would work out better. Has anyone made this transition before? Is it too late?

like

For small firms - What was your billable rate in 2015 and what is it today in 2022. Please provide your practice area too, if possible!

like

Anyone in this bowl did the CAMS exam? If so, is this an exam that can be passed without AML experience?

like

In Corpus Christi. Solo Practice. Business plummeting. Does TWC pay laid off employees?

like

My favorite office activity: canceling meetings.

like

If you could do a regular job outside of the law what would you do?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal