What is the most useful technical or soft skills for any mechanical engineer to have where you work? I’m curious to know what really matters for everyone and what makes a big impact on the team and business.
Specifics if you can; CAD tools, simulation, CAD speed or proficiency, industry or standards knowledge, GD&T, certifications, Microsoft Excel, presentation skills, technical writing, project management, self organization, great communication, teaching ability, relationship building, etc.
I’ve been in pi and one question you need to ask is how are cases assigned? You need to make sure they’re giving you good value ones.
I’d also ask about overhead, which can be much higher in pi firms that advertise.
I do not have specific advice to share to help you with making this decision, but I do wish you the best of luck whatever you decide to do 😀
I am not a PI lawyer but I have interact many PI firms and lawyers. Like in any practice area their are all kinds. If you are joining a respect group of lawyers, you should have no problem. One good thing about the PI practice is no billable hours. As a former prosecutor, I assume you know how to put a case together. It no different in the PI area. You will have a client to represent so be aware of your responsibilities to your client. Your friends should be able to help you in introducing you to the practice. Good on your new venture in the law.
I've been doing plaintiff PI work at a couple different small firms the last few years. Obviously my experience may be different than that experienced at different or larger firms. I work 40 hours per week (or less). I never have to work weekends or evenings. Taking time off has never been a problem. It can be very rewarding to help people in need get the treatment and compensation they deserve. The only downsides are dealing with the stress of clients with unreasonable expectations and the stress of the constant fight with adjusters and opposing counsel. But as a former prosecutor and insurance defense attorney, those are things you would be very familiar with and probably have a lot of experience dealing with anyway.
Good advice
Depends on your arrangement. If you’re just an associate paid salary you’ll see lower numbers with sporadic bonuses. Otherwise it’s common to have few agreements where you get 33% of pre settlement after any expenses and subro, slightly more if trial which can be nice if you have good cases.
So like most law firms the benefits kick in with partner/shareholder status. I assume that’s when the real money becomes possible.