How long does it take to get fired for low hours? Seeking anecdotes that it takes at least a year lol

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

I’ve lasted about a year and a half so far.

like

I've had back to back 1500-1700 hour years for at least 4 or 5 years. I've hit 2000 the past two years, but even during those lower years, I never got any kind of message that I should be worried. Doing quality work and not being a jerk can go a long way.

like

Currently a 4th year but 99% convinced my time is up

like

How low are we talking, 80pct of pace? This is impressive btw.

Low hrs alone don’t get ppl cut—it’s about leverage. Seen the monthly reports? Some groups (T&E, reg) always run lean. Relationship partners w/ originations aren’t sweating it. Before stressing, talk to the practice group lead, but don’t just ask about hrs. Instead, frame it around broader firm strategy: ‘Seen hrs in other groups—should we be shifting focus to align w/ firm priorities?’ Makes it a biz convo, not a self-defense play. Metrics are a smoke screen—depends who’s looking and why.

like

The art of subtle conversation is you never need to see the reports—just imply you have. If you did, you’d notice low-performing groups play smoke and mirrors with metrics to deflect. If you actually want to find hours reports, search emails in iManage, or NetDocs using:
• Last Name + Timekeeping ID
• Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial.

Open as read-only if you find them. Law firms are inefficient; this stuff is out there. But if a practice group lead tells you you’re underperforming, that’s when you flip it. Instead of getting defensive, you lean back and say:

“Of course, I want to make sure I’m aligned with firm priorities. Out of curiosity, what do the hours look like in other groups? I’d love to see how things are trending—I’m sure you’ve reviewed those reports, right?”

Now they have to justify what “underperformance” actually means. If they don’t show you, they either don’t have the data or don’t want to have that conversation. Either way, you’ve subtly shifted the burden onto them.

Depends on how low your hours are.

Related Posts

Hi

Is there any vaccancy in Accenture (Bangalore Location) for Semi-Qualified CA (Articleship if done from Deloitte)?
If there is any kindly let me know.

like

Hi all,
Please help me with the in-hand salary for this breakdown?

Post Photo
like

Looking for a home office chair…I need something really ergonomic/comfortable but given the visibility of the office in the house the wife wants something stylish. She keeps calling all my ideas ‘gamer chairs’ even though they’re definitely not. Anyone have any chairs they really like that may be worth looking at? I feel like I’ve looked everywhere (Steelcase, Herman Miller, humanscale, Haworth, xchair, etc).

like

Im not sure but how much do normal warehouse managers make ? I work ina start up that a makes a substitute for peanut butter for people with nut allergies

like

Hi guys, I have a table with customer information. Some entries are invalid. Way to find them out is by invalid customer name like ‘dguychjki’.. no definite rule. More so like you get to know that it does seem right. How best to extract such entries for further review? What condition do I put in where clause of sql?

like

Has any creative here ever tried to make the leap to leave advertising and be a film maker, photographer, illustrator, etc.?? I’m so tired of ad agencies and how draining the “creative” can be. Happiness is more important than a nice paycheck for me. Any inspiration success stories advice would be so helpful right now...

likefunny

Anyone at Google willing to give out a referral? I’m looking at some Product/Strategy roles. DM me.

likefunny

How much variable pay percentage on CTC in HCL for Teach Lead position

Aside from all the usual benefits like paid vacation time, health insurance, 401k matching program, have you ever seen a truly unique business perk?

like

SAP Mega Drive on 12th Nov in LTI- Larsen and Toubro Infotech.
DM your Emailid along with Jobcode to Apply!!
All LTI Locations!!
#SAP #HIRING #Opportunity #Opening

Post Photo

Proost guys! I am almost running out of all my whiskey and beer ha. Let’s see what you guys are drinking tonight?

Post Photo
likehelpful

I haven't been reading recently but I want to start again! Any good book recs?

Past likes include:
Dune (1&2 - series got a little weird later on)
Enders Game
Michael Crichton's Sphere & Prey
Gates of Fire
Loved the hobbit but that's probably all I could do with that genre as I'm not super into fantasy/magic really.

I like sci-fi but I could get into a good adventure if consensus is its worthwhile. Not really into nonfiction. Thanks!

like

I love going to karaokes but none of my LA friends are into singing in semi-public settings. Want to start a bi-monthly bar hopping then karaoke lounge thing lol. Who’s interested?

like

Have any of you pursued a graduate certificate in cyber security? If so, did you find any value in it? I currently have Bachelors and Sec+. I’m looking to obtain my AWS CCP in the few coming weeks and was looking for what to get next. I entertain the idea of continuing to pursue my education but I don’t want to incur too much debt with a masters.

like

Anyone start there career at GE as an FMP? Deciding if I should go get my MBA or if the program holds weight. Feeling like I got conned while in college

like

I am moving to Hyderabad on 4th Nov. Can anyone tell me if they have a vacant room in an already occupied flat near office. I am preferably looking for something within walking distance. Please help 🙏

like

Can someone offer some advice on how to potentially join finance transformation at the Big 4?

like

Hi Guys, I am 5.5 years Java Developer and I have offer from JPMorgan Chase and Walmart .

Jpmc: 50% on current fixed + jpmc benefits Walmrat: 50% on current fixed + yearly bonus + stocks.

Please help me choose which will be better, mainly looking for brand value, work life balance and yearly hikes.

like

Guesses for salary working at a luxury jewelry store and commission?

like

Ladies, sometimes we like our hair pulled a little too

likehelpful

Additional Posts in Big Law

Hot practice areas for laterals?

like

Are L&E firms raising salaries (Littler, Fisher, Ogletree, etc.)? What is starting compensation?

like

After you are stealth laid off, other than job search, what do you do? I assume they won’t give you work and even if they do, you can politely decline? How do you feel about you are not progressing anymore and seeing other people progressing in their career? I have no intention to make partner, but still feel a bit stuck not doing that much.

like

Is the lateral market still hot? Any of you interviewing/ lateralling soon?

like

Are there any books or other resources that mid levels/seniors/counsel/partners on here have found helpful for the project management / managing junior attorney aspects of your job?

I am not finding a lot of stuff written for lawyers specifically , but there is a lot directed at “managers” in business generally that I imagine could be applicable.

like

Seeing Cooley do a 180 from fully remote to 3x a week in the office has me insanely grateful that I took a fully remote position while they were available.

I live an hour from my office and I actually go in quite a bit because I like my colleagues a lot, but everyone in my group is across the country so there’s no pressure and I can’t be forced. Thank the lord.

like

Do you give the office manager (who does assist you with admin tasks from time to time) a christmas present (aka cash)? I have an admin assistant so that's an obvious yes but I don't know how to handle the office manager or receptionist!

like

I got that coveted big law job.

But I would much rather want a family of my own and someone to hug and kiss, something I feel really sad about around christmas.

Never had much contact with my dad, and two years ago, I broke off contact with my mother because I realized that she had been a manipulative narcissist my entire childhood.

Working 50-60h weeks on average doesn’t help your dating life though, and who would want to date someone with no family anyway

likeuplifting

Was interviewing with a firm and soon after receiving an offer, learned of bad culture/toxic partners in the practice group from a couple of associates who recently lateraled from the firm. I turned the offer down. A partner that I clicked with while interviewing reached out asking me why I turned down the offer. Should I be honest and relay what I heard?

like

What’s a normal annual collections amount for a first year lit associate? I am on pace to pay my salary and generate some extra $ for my overlords. Is that good?

like

Has your firm restored your pay? Is it worth considering jumping to another firm that is going to pay you what you’re worth? Don’t know about the rest of you, by my student loan interest rates aren’t getting any lower.

like

Anyone else super unimpressed with administrative support with a new firm after lateraling? I told a partner I’d just take care of a routine task myself. He told me my rate is too high and to use a “project manager” (basically an intern they can pay less than a paralegal). We have a 40 person group and 3 project managers making starvation wages. Big firm. You’d know the name.

like

Does someone have a good punch list of things to do before giving notice at a firm?

like

Any references for good tutoring services for the bar? Repeat taker and want to make sure I pass this time. I’ve already looked at the tutoring that barbri etc offer and I am looking for a person/service which isn’t part of a course. TIA!

like

Any associates on here develop a decent book of business while in Biglaw? How did you do it?

like

When should a stub start getting worried about not having much work and low billable hours?
I’ve asked for work but no luck. I know they say this is normal for a stub but when should I start getting worried and consider looking for exit options? Fyi, I like my practice group, so I don’t want to change to a different group within my firm, hence would have to lateral, if I have to. Also, other co-1st years are churning in high hours.

like

Is it possible to go from cap markets/public companies to in-house at a fund or do they usually limit hiring to PE/M&A/Funds lawyers?

like

People who were lateraling without being on track for hours and seeking the year and bonus with the new firm, did the question of hours come up and how did you handle it during interviews to make sure you got the bonus from new firm?

like

What are top firms for a Real Estate practice? Chicago mainly

like

There is a partner that, without fail, calls on Fridays after 6pm anytime I am staffed with him. It’s extremely frustrating since his calls are usually non-urgent and I make it a point to check in early in the day to address anything. Any advice?

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

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

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