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Oh if this isn’t my daily anxiety. I’ve had stress dreams about this - I’ve been given lots of COVID non-billable research to do and I’m compiling lots of forms and legislation, but I literally billed .5 yesterday.
Not sure if this is helpful but as a first year I billed ~1000 hours and billed 2100 this past year (2nd year). Take the time to internally network and make yourself available for all projects, no matter if billable. Right now is also a great time to get up to speed on the new stimulus program/COVID related legislation so you can be a resource/support people working on these issues.
Coach
A4 is right. Clients are worried about COVID right now and the related legislation and your firm will appreciate it if you are up to speed on the legislation so you can advise clients immediately
I'm in the same boat. On pace for 800 billables this year and really worried. I just keep asking and try my best on everything I do. Seniors have told me just to enjoy it while it lasts
Coach
Ask for more work , even from managing partners, and volunteer when you can. If they don’t give it to then at least you can say you made a good faith effort. The times they get really pissed are when there is work and you have low billables
I’m in the same boat. I think my firm also over hired before I came on. I’m trying to stay positive. Try going to a parter with a marketing idea. Something somewhat fleshed out and probably on COVID-19. I did that last week and I think it helped me strengthen my relationship with a partner at my firm.
Also, I spent last week studying for a legal certification I want to get when this is all over. Spent some money to do it. I feel like if I was fired it would make me more marketable.
Good luck and have faith that things will be ok!
I have a first year who is very anxious about this. I get it, but honestly, it is pretty exhausting and stressful trying to come up with things the first year can do, especially when I am crushed and really just need someone who can just handle stuff. I tell that associate to just have faith and that it will be okay. His work will pick up as his skill level and number of things he can do increases, and although I will work to help get him there, it is tough to just come in and have 2000 hours of work when there aren’t a ton of things I can just have him handle. You may be in a similar boat. Acknowledging the stress we all face now due to COVID-19, I would encourage you to not stress a ton. Do a great job on what you get and work to get more assignments and build your skill level.
Do pro bono work when you’re not busy. You can hone your legal skills and stay busy instead of twiddling your thumbs and being anxious. Plus you can bill for it so it doesn’t look like you’re just coming in and do nothing. Perception that you’re a hard worker can go a long way towards saving your job.