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Amazon folks - need to reschedule an inteview due to an unforeseen work commitment. Wondering if it's going to look bad/impact the interviewing chances if I were to ask for a reschedule? It's taken months of applying to get one so don't want to jeopardize but the current job committment is going to be difficult to get out of (unless I call in sick). Recommendations?
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It depends on the firm. BigLaw associate compensation is more or less public record.
I note parenthetically that in most organizations I have seen, nearly every person is convinced their role is vital and the organization will collapse without them.
In a law firm, I am afraid this is only true of relationship partners and attorneys who are high-level experts in their practice areas.
I was a research librarian for 30 years. While I was paid well, lawyers, including associates made significantly more. It never bothered me. Attorneys make a lot of sacrifices for the money they earn. Of course the three years of law school for starters, but then years of long hours, stress, always on call to their clients etc. Would I want that deal? No.
If you want a career that pays more, then go out and pursue it. I have very little patience for people who complain about their jobs and then do nothing to change their situation.
Finally I was no pushover when it came to my compensation. Several times during my career I had discussions with management regarding my salary. However, I presented evidence of what my peers at other law firms our size were earning and adjustments were made. To have argued about how my bonus or salary compared to the firm's attorneys would have been silly.
The partners at my midsize Midwest firm don’t technically get a “bonus” - we take a low “draw“ payment once a month (low compared to other firms/attorneys) and then equalize at the end of the fiscal year by looking at receipts. so my ”bonus” is often a lot more than my salary and I don't think it’s a good comparator as it’s purely receipts driven.
But our associates usually get $5k - $30k depending on their performance and their billable hours. Staff get $5-10k.
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The answer to this question varies based on your role within the firm, firm size, geographic location, and how successful the firm is.
Out of curiosity, do you think that as a legal biller you should make more than an attorney? You do realize that we're the ones who are bringing in the business and doing the work the client needs, right?
I’m really confused why you think in Big Law we as associates don’t deal with 30 different personalities on a daily/weekly basis. Of course we do. Also, our hours are insane. Do you work outside normal business hours? The bonuses our to compensate us for giving up our nights, weekends, holidays and family time beyond that of a normal 40 hour work week. We deserve our bonuses, thank you v much.
I don't get any bonuses and I am im charge of a department (of 1 lol). I handle all PI cases from intake to disbursement, but my salary is pretty good. This salary (80K) is after 15 plus years of experience.
That’s actually not a great salary. I hate that paralegals are so underpaid. I had to leave the field and now make more money as an insurance support staff. We deserve better
I have worked as a Finance Manager - Billing/Revenue/ Reporting etc in professional services for over 20 years, Briefly, I do all my own reconciliations of our bank accounts (also Trust Account), process all receipting, then based on the receipts, pay the barristers on a daily basis, coordinate my 2 part time direct reports their workflow based on what needs to be done each day regarding on the time of the week/ month. I then set up all the new clients and matters with all the correct details eg. charge out rates, scope of budget etc that way the matter is set up with the correct billing details, and formatted as requested and any additional reports required from the get go are done correctly the first time which insures the invoice gets paid in a timely manner and there isn’t any reason for the client not to make immediate payment. This saves each cost centre a lot of interest being charged for days in WIP and days in Debtors. Getting the small stuff correct shows that you are willing to work with the client to help them, shows you are willing to help them with information etc that assists them on their end to get out invoices paid which assists the clients needs and requests. For example issuing a $100k invoice to the client (which internally based on their polices need to get 3 directors to sign off on payment, which is quite timely. So suggesting we issue 4 invoices for $25k each assists every one all round. It makes it easier to ask for payment when it is late or needing a payment made just before month end to meet cash collection target. The client will always help with payment/ additional information etc as you have made their job more efficient for them and in turn it greatly assists us not only be been know to be helpful but we meet our targets and in the P&L it shows we have saved interest against forecast etc. This is just one example of how I save my cost centre in overheads. Only commenting as I would love to work At K&L Gates Melbourne. I know I have the right experience etc, yet I have never even had a call re my application over the last maybe 5 years and can’t work out why. Worked 11 years at 2 of the Big 4 and now over 10 years at a Barristers List. Miss the opportunities I had at the Big 4. Just wish some one would advise why no K&L Melbourne recruiters will not even entertain the thought of having a discussion with me or even giving me a chance at a trial for a month. I would love the opportunity to work as a Billing Specialist. If anyone sees this comment, it would be greatly appreciated if you could please leave an anonymous phone number? Kind Regards L
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Your post is too long and poorly formatted, so I skimmed it. From what i can tell you're looking for advice regarding a potential career change to legal billing?
If that's correct, I'd suggest that you make a clear, succinct post of your own instead of commenting on someone else's. You'll get more visibility and will have a greater chance of someone responding. I wouldn't ask for a phone number (that's not anonymous, so I'd re-word that), but just general advice. Make sure to include your geographic location so that we all have an understanding as to where you are in the world. It'll help us to ensure you get advice that's relevant to the industry in your area, as they do vary widely.
I love that me replying I not downgrading any was reported as trolling.