Are there any paralegals here in Big Law?

What is the most important thing you've learned in your career that you wish someone had told you when you first started?

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Do not get behind in keeping track of your time!

It sounds so simple, but man does it kick you in the rear end if you get behind. Find a system and don't ever look back.

It's a terrible feeling missing bonuses or having it brought up in reviews and it's totally within your control.

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My firm requires that we release our time everyday. I used to fall behind on my time when it was ok not to release time everyday but now have this down pat so I guess I don’t have this problem anymore.

In case anyone wants to chime in, i posted something similar in the Big Law bowl and some first year associate decided to bully me. How typical.

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Not surprised at all @rolls eyes@

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That working 16-20 hour days seven days a week is more like the norm than the exception.

likesmart

If you want to increase your salary by significant amounts, it very well may require you to jump to a new firm. That’s how I’ve gotten most of my large raises and signing bonuses. I’ve been doing this for a looooong time, and my skills are very much in demand (corporate/finance). Learn everything you can from your corporate paras in their 50’s. There is no one to replace us when we retire, and there’s a huge wave coming.

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I used to work big law- i’m in-house now. I would absolutely agree with the advice of do not lose track of your time, keep on top of doing your billable hours. And also know that there is a hierarchy and it’s not uncommon for some attorneys to treat you terribly. Easier easier said than done, but try not to take it too personally. But don’t let yourself be abused!

Finally know that a 40 hour week in big law is definitely not the norm.

The positive side is you’ll gain valuable experience and life skills, and my big law experience is why I was able to land my wonderful in-house job.

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Many big law firms will bring you in as a temp to hire position. Then when its time to hire you they give you the run around and claim its not in that offices budget. It's much cheaper to keep you as a temp and not have to pay benefits such as pto, paid holidays and parking.

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