I feel like if I don’t bill less than how long it actually takes to do tasks the client will get mad at the partner and the partner will not staff me. I know “bill all your time” but what if this is the only way I get work?

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Posting as :
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Bill it all until the partner says watch your time. (Then find another partner to work for.)

likesmart

This is the correct response—it is only at the most prestigious and in demand firms/practices that associates can bill all time without aggressive efficiency pressures.

Had the misfortune of being at a firm where partners would regularly low ball cost estimates to clients to win matters then expect associates to underbill—all while having an above market annual target.

likehelpful

I know this doesn't work for every task or matter, but are you ever asking for guidance on how much time to spend? If it's a discrete project and I know there is fee sensitivity on the client's end or I have worries about an associate spinning their wheels because there may not be anything on point, I will specifically say, "Spend no more than X hours and if you find it's taking longer, please let me know and we can strategize on how to help streamline or make things more efficient." Communicating with the partner or senior assigning the work can go a long way when it comes to this.

likesmart

I concur with Associate 1– pressure to self-cut hours is a sign of poor financial outlook.

The firms where I heard of associates regularly self-cutting hours by 20-30% or more have either folded or are in decline.

likesmart

This is a constant issue for certain practice groups and also a red flag that the practice group might not be the best fit for the firm.

likesmart

Thanks, all, for the advice. Some extra context is that this is a competitive practice group to get into known for fee sensitive clients and I am a first year associate.

I want to do a good job and prove myself, and it’s hard to find other partners in the practice group to get work from. Firm overall getting record profits but this issue is really the practice group.

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I totally agree and have taken on pro bono work and volunteered for more in-demand work that is outside my area. However, the firm has decided it wants to me specialize in this area and my performance in my main practice group will more heavily weigh into my performance evals. Ugh

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Start using AI to help with efficiency.

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