Is it normal for me to essentially be running a pretty large and complex case as a 2nd year associate in biglaw? There are 2 partners who obviously provide some level of guidance and strategy and sign off, but I feel like everyone would benefit from there being a senior associate or counsel to align and prioritize tasks for their review. They’ve said I’m doing a good job but I’m starting to feel overwhelmed with the responsibility and lack of direction. Is this something I can bring up to them?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Not normal.

like

It isn’t normal, but I’d say take this opportunity and run with it. Unless it becomes detrimental to the client, do your best and show the partners you can handle it. You get great exposure in these situations.

like

I agree with this. The fact that it is not normal is good for you. Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. You have support when and where you need it.

like

Keep doing good work. Seems like a great opportunity to show you can handle it.

like

While yes great opportunity, you also don’t know what you don’t know. So if partners are telling you all the steps that need to be taken and you’re in charge of executing then this is a great opportunity. Otherwise, I think you should raise your hand and get more help before you end up missing a deadline for a thing you didn’t know existed.

like

I’ll trade you

like

I ran more than one significant cases as a second year in Big Law for various partners. It’s what you call “a good sign.”

like

You need to balance taking the opportunity to drive the bus, which is important, with not being negligent and covering your butt, which is also important.

What I would do is to do a weekly or biweekly “stocktake email” addressed to the partners, giving an update on outstanding action points for different phases of the case, and setting out what the relevant timescales for doing specific tasks are under each phase. When you describe the action points, make sure you flag what you need the partners to do in bold.

At the start of the email, also ask the partners to review (particularly the bits in bold) and ask them to let you know by X deadline if there is anything else you should be considering or doing.

When doing your stock take email, refer to any resources you can (Practical Law/LexisNexis etc) that could give you more of a big picture overview of what needs to be done at each stage of the litigation. If need be, consult litigation knowledge lawyers or PSLs if your firm employs any.

If the partners are light touch then it may be that a couple of things will slip, but this way you will have done everything you could have and the partners will thank you.

like

Related Posts

I am still waiting on a 2k federal tax refund from the 2019 tax year. I’ve called 20+ times over the past year, and haven’t gotten more than “we are working through an unprecedented backlog and will get to it soon.” Anyone in a similar boat and/or have any advice other than wait?

like

Hi Folks,

will the BGC status be as 'BGC Scheduled' till day 1 ?
submitted all documents and Every section is displaying green in TCS iBegin but still status is as Scheduled only.

like

I have an offer from BOSCH, but the location is Coimbatore. Im based out of Kerala. Does Bosch allow a wfh option?

like

Hi Fishes,
A friend of mine with 7+ years of experience in debt syndication and investment banking. She is a qualified CA looking for opportunities in Gurgaon. Any leads would be helpful.

like

How did you go into real estate? What caught your eye?

like

Where are you all from? I’ve noticed most fishers in this group are new to Miami. Curious to know where this crew comes from.

I’m somewhat local, living in Miami for the past 8 years straight from São Paulo, Brazil

like

Hello HR folks. Overheard a conversation at work and am curious what is the norm.
If an employee goes out on FMLA, obviously the benefits person sends them the STD, FMLA paperwork etc. But is it the maagers responsibility to maintain communication with the person out on leave and to get a timeline on their return or would that be the benefits team? Or maybe the HRBP?

like

Hey, tips for where to look for good excel cheat sheets online? :)

London, UK. Currently work in real estate finance for a retail/commercial bank. 2+ years exp in debt (mezz and senior). Graduated 2018 from UK target in Real Estate (around 1/5 modules were finance). Looking to get out of retail and move to corporate. Think IB might be a push but MBD at GS sort of think more likely. I’m doing CFI modelling course to get my skills up to scratch. Any other suggestions? I think CFA has slim to no value in my situation but open to hear otherwise. Cheers

like

Joining BCG as a Project Leader soon and am curious what onboarding is like. Is it just at your home office or somewhere else?

like

I tried resigning and my company really doesn’t want to take no for an answer and is trying to offer to have me move to another team or make some sort of counter. However, I know I won’t accept the counter bc the culture has been so bad for my mental health and have already accepted another offer. Struggling how to be firm on the no with this! Any tips would be greatly appreciated!!

like

What’s an MVA in relation to HCP work?

Ladies, I need your help
I have been looking for a job for 3 months now and would like to understand what I do wrong

I have 2 y of experience as PM and 10 y in marketing

So, I had 28 screening interviews with HRs (from companies) that led me to 12 interviews with hiring managers - 42%

And 5 out of these 12 invited me going farther- again 42% and have interviews with teams
Unfortunately, I wasn’t successful by any reasons. I am frustrated (((

What was your hiring funnel?

like

I’m at a hotel bar getting a drink while I wait for my hookup. Now I understand why hookers hang out at hotel bars. There are so many fish here to fry.

funnylike

Where the married female fish??

likehelpfulfunny

Hi Fishers,

I have a very good referral | Interview guarented.

Role: Oracle PL/SQL Support Enginner. (JD attached)
Exp:2-7 yrs
Job Location: Greater Noida/Gurgaon/Banglore.
Offer will be much good from current market.
Company: Coforge (NIIT)

If anyone is interested, kindly comment or DM me for more details.

(Early joiners to 45 days) will be given priority.

Post Photo
like

OFF Topic

Who is going to win the T20 title.

I think england is going to win it.

What is the chance od india here 😌.

likefunny

And the rest is history 😅

Post Photo
funnylike

What are some of the essential Salesforce certifications that a Program Architect should have?

Peeps, what's your fap frequency? (no of times Done daily/weekly)

like

Additional Posts in Law

Best dating app for busy lawyers?

likesmarthelpful

If you could do a regular job outside of the law what would you do?

like

Does anyone feel their practice area is fun and/or exciting? I’m a commercial litigator and yes I have a wide variety of cases but it’s becoming kind of redundant. I’ve always had an interest in business, finance, investments etc. (private equity and stock market) and was wondering what practice would be best to merge the two?Any suggestions or comments on what you find to be an enjoyable practice area?

like

I took adderall while I was studying for the bar and it really helped. I don’t have a prescription but am wondering if this likely means I have undiagnosed ADHD but don’t know how to bring this up to my doctor. I definitely have trouble focusing in general and have always been pretty dozey/aloof but have somehow gotten by and am now a third year associate who is doing okay without it. Do you think getting Aderall could help even though I’m doing fine? Maybe I’ll go from good associate to great

like

Any entertainment lawyers out there? What’s your day-to-day like? Do you like the work? I’m a tax attorney (7yrs) in LA looking for a change and thinking of switching practice areas. I want to make sure this isn’t a grass is greener situation...

like

Why are weddings so expensive?!

like

Apps for keeping track of billable hours?

like

I hear a lot about people saying they'd like to go into banking. But most of the time it seems like they really mean PE, which seems like a long shot to me

like

Any loopholes to prevent Westlaw from logging out every 5 minutes? That’s not enough time to get all my tears out before going back to my 20 Westlaw tabs

like

What is the lateral hire process like?

like

Is it normal for plaintiff lawyer to make no base salary?

like

Is there a market for lawyers to add expertise In crisis management or reputation management? My goal is to counsel clients on how to respond to media inquiries without saying or posting something detrimental to a potential litigation while still maintaining communication with their client base. If so, how to break into that industry? Courses? Books? Certifications?

like

Best gifts for older parents who genuinely have everything and won't tell me what they want??? I'm stuck. Please help! Any gifts your parents have absolutely loved?

like

Interested in hearing about so-called “lifestyle” firms. Names, typical hours, comp, markets, etc.

like

Easier to go from litigation to transactional or transactional to litigation? I’m currently in litigation but wondering if I I could make the switch later in my career.

like

When you’re about to give notice but they are bringing you on new client project’s…. Sorry…

like

Just interviewed for a “JD Required” position and at the end of the interview was told the starting salary is less than I could be making as a legal assistant. 🧐🤔

likehelpfulfunny

Is it okay to submit a writing sample that you wrote for a partner, if you did all the work they just got the credit?

like

Does anyone else hate weekends? Like let’s pretend we don’t have work to do so we can please our family & kids but meanwhile our anxiety is brewing inside? I’m never more relieved than to sit on my computer on Monday morning.

likefunny

I'm currently making +250k as a 5th yr IP/TM atty at AMLaw 100. Considering going in house. Haven't looked at anything yet. Anybody have an idea what to expect re salary range (cash) for a corporate IP counsel role (w/ 5 yrs law firm experience) at Amazon?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal