I just recently received an offer at an AM100 firm but I’m not sure if I should take it. I was told it’s a lot of overtime and I just know understand what that type of schedule looks like. I work at a 9-5 paralegal position now and I just don’t know what I’m getting myself into at Big law type of firm. I appreciate any insight and advice

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If you have children, you need to have a really active partner and a back up plan for working OT with little to no notice. Find out how often they actually go to trial, but trial times are the heaviest OT and you basically won't be home ever. Big Law has a lot of advantages, but litigation is litigation. Its the nature of the beast.

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They are trying to sell you on the job, so they are going to paint the best picture possible. If they are already telling you OT happens, I'd expect it's likely a regular occurrence.

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Depends on what practice you are in. Corporate is super slow now.

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I just left a top litigation firm (but I’m in corporate). You won’t work 80-100 every single week, only when you have a trial. I saw most litigation paralegals pretty chill usually. Maybe 2-3 trials per year depends on your level.

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Each firm is different honestly. I'm in Corporate at a big law firm and have probably the best work life balance of any job I've had. I can work OT whenever I want, but my attorneys never expect it. Even with deal closings, they ask my availability outside of "normal" work hours.

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Litigation is just different.

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I worked at a large law firm in corporate and real estate. It was at least 60+ hours a week and every other weekend. I did have a lot of nights I was there very late. I did learn so much but my quality of life was more important. I am so much happier now and can actually make plans for my evenings and weekends.

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Really depends on what you want. Where are you now? Is there growth? Big law definitely had OT and the expectation is you support your attorney teams but usually pretty manageable unless there is a big filing … or trial prep.

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