In my 6th year, I've gotten to the point where I will simply say no. There are 3 partners that like to ask me to help on projects but they're terribly disorganized and poor communicators. Now I just tell them I can't help on their projects - too busy, not enough capacity, whatever excuse. . I've got plenty of hours without their work. Anyone else do this?

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How do you walk around with those basketballs between your legs?

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I've honestly just gotten to the point that I don't care. Our firm is frantically trying to hire more midlevels so it's not like they don't need me.

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I'm a junior and I say no all the time. Welcome to the party bro.

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Your willingness to say no is the biggest determinant of your quality of life in big law. My “reputation for saying no” is the least of my concern. Yes let me take on this assignment that I don’t have time for so I can do my original assignment and the new one at a lower level (or just never sleep). I’d rather crush the work I’m already assigned, make those partners happy, and have time for my life. You don’t get paid more than anyone else once you hit your bonus hours. Everything after that you’re working for free.

(Note: I have no plans to try to make partner, so take my advice with a grain of salt)

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Can’t stand disorganized partners. We act like law is such a demanding field, but it would be wayyy less so if people were just organized.

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I Know. But I think if I was copied on what was going on in a deal/case I am on, I could then anticipate what is coming, and take it off partners hand bef he sends it last minute, instead of getting a forwarded piece wise email without a clear understanding.

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I 100% do that. Ive even managed to get of cases with partners like that(it took like 4 months but still). If we have to manage our case load that includes saying no.

I routinely say no to work I don’t want to do but I message it kindly that I have no capacity and if I do I’ll circle back. Obviously, I never do. It’s about how you say no not that you said no.

Hell yea! Same way I say no if the client is awful

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