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Subject Expert
It is both. Almost no one (especially first years and new laterals where there’s more of a ramp up) gets laid off if you don’t hit hours one year though, so I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Usually you get a scolding about getting your hours up the next year and if you do all is fine. If everyone else in the group is slow too, then even less of a thing. The problems start to come up when everyone else is at 2100 and you’re at 1100 because no one wants to work with you or you keep dodging work.
Subject Expert
You’ll be fine, but I’d try and hit whatever the requirement is, 1950 or whatever. If you hit the hours requirement, I wouldn’t be worried about others even at 2400 or whatever, but not even hitting the requirement when others are way over is not a good look and makes you a target for layoff in recession. I’ve gotten mild scolds for missing hours by like 50-100 some years. It’s not a huge deal but they did notice and comment on it.
And seriously, guys, layoffs do occur in biglaw. The hot market of 2021 was an anomaly, we don’t have eternal job security. I see a lot of people (not this thread) recommending to coolly miss hours by 300 every year… which I’m sure some people get away with for a while… but you get away with it until you don’t. If you’re OK with it then more power to you but I personally cannot live with that kind of anxiety. 😓
Subject Expert
You need to hit your hours to earn a year end bonus. They also want you to think that if you’re below that you could get fired. Realistically so long as you’re within 300 hours (and do good work and don’t always turn things down and don’t piss off partners) you’ll still be fine. In fact it’s freeing if you decide you DNGAF about the bonus or making partner and instead want WLB.
Caveat- if there’s a downturn and you’re junior and have way lower hours than everyone else you could be the first to go unless you’re super specialized or juiced in with a rainmaker
Coach
Typically it means bonus eligibility, but agree with C1 in that if your hours are too far away from the goal it’s a red flag
Subject Expert
Depends on the firm. I know of people at some biglaw firms who have never hit the hours requirement and have been just fine. That tolerance might not continue if there is a looming recession.
At some big firms, if you don’t hit your hours, you won’t be promoted that year.
Coach
It should be in your attorney handbook.
At my firm 1750 client billable hours are “generally expected” but 1900 client billable hours are required for full bonus. So 1750 seems to be the safe zone.
At my prior firm 2,000 client billable hours was “expected” but 1,900 client billable hours made you eligible for bonus, which really made no sense.
Mentor
Depends in the firm. I’ve never hit hours and always get glowing reviews. I only work with a handful of partners that feel comfortable leading out when I’m on their deals though.