Is there such place as non toxic ID firm? Or does any of ID attys like what they do? I moved from general practice to an ID firm six months ago. Biggest mistake of my life. I am trying hard not to just quit and walk away as I’m battling head cold but still have to bill bill bill and get criticized for not billing right and etc and cases being piled up - while everyone is looking forward to the long weekend. I seriously question my judgement. Need word of wisdom just to get through this hellhole

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

All these ID posts make me wonder when lawyers will collectively have enough of insurance companies and demand better treatment. At least to what they get in other areas such as Corp/commercial lit.

I guess insurers run the world now...

like

There are some tough plaintiffs attorneys there trying to change that.

like

I think it all depends on the firm, group, and partners you work for. My office of my firm has a great culture. Weekly happy hours, associate outings, remote work policy, no face time or hours in the office requirement. I enjoy what I do and can’t ever see myself leaving where I’m at (been there 6 years). Once you get the art of billing, it becomes second nature and I like it because it is a quantifiable metric you are judged on, among other things like work quality, marketing, etc. Will I ever make as much as people at more white shoe firms, no. But the pay at my firm is great for id. I can also stroll into the office at 11am any day bc I’m hungover or my child is sick and can leave at 2 any day for any reason, so long as I hit my hours. I’m also not required to have a book of any sort to make partner. It’s all about what you want out of your career and life. Hope you find somewhere you are happier at.

like
Recent IconRecent

The secret to surviving ID as an associate is knowing how to bill smarter and not working the longest hours. Figure out the benefit any one task has to multiple files and watch your billing skyrocket. Make the toxic nature of ID firms work for you. The partners will give you favor for generating high billables and your bonus should make that low base comp bearable until you can get out.

like

The rules of ID world (especially with time) suck. Insurers want to pay for the final version without the expense of the multiple drafts that came before it. Look at everything in generalities - for each task that you are analyzing specific facts of a file think about the general issue you’re working on and how you would plausibly replicate it in your other files. Even if it’s an email on a specific file…identify the general issue being discussed (depo strategy, affirmative defenses, theories of liability, motion arguments) and think about how you can replicate the analysis for the benefit of other files.

like

I feel your pain. I made the same move to break into a different market (larger city) and an in the same boat. I wish i had better advice other than: “it’s not forever”, but I don’t. Get your experience and run. I find that people who “like” this work are just miserable in general.

like

No. The nature of the work itself is toxic. You can’t escape that.

like

Yes but the billing pressure will always be there

like

This. I worked for a good boutique that started slurping on the carrier money. Problem was it was a race to the bottom. Good folks, bad long term business decision. So I left.

like

I also made a similar move a little over a year ago and regret it daily now. I'm no longer billing in-house, but it's more of a sweat shop with case load and adjusters that demand everything go to trial since the company's cost is lower in defending. Just keeping my eyes and ears open all the time for a different opportunity. Solidarity.

like

@A you as well!

Yes, just like any other practice area! My current firm is amazing, leadership is fantastic and people are treated well. Pay could always be better but this is the first job I have ever had where work life balance is actually respected and encouraged, there is real HR, people are listened to and respected, and while there is loads of work, they actually give everyone tools to succeed while you’re buried in work.

like

I work at a nice ID firm in New England and it's not toxic. However, the pressures from insurance companies controlling the market keeps most of these conditions in place. It's not just the firm, its the market conditions which require about a 2000k billible and overloading associates. My advice is to vote with your feet and start looking for the door. I finally accepted an offer at a bigger litigation firm with a pay raise and about a 1600 billible.

like

I was at a small mostly ID firm but they took all sorts of cases, not pidgin holed to auto, dram shop or the like.

like

Not exactly the question you were asking but if you have the stomach for it, plaintiff side is generally a better lifestyle.

like

That makes sense. I appreciate it!

do a quiet quit. just work a bit and let them whine

like

Med mal ID isn’t horrible.

like

One reason why I’m leaving it A3!

like

If you actually like ID I recommend working for one of the insurance companies. They are all pretty much always hiring and handle the same or similar cases. I have worked both. You don't make as much, but no billables and you get the company perks.

like

In the NYC area the insurance carriers are paying more than ID firms for similar experience levels. Much better quality of life as well

like

It’s the particular niche. There’s a surplus of available labor despite the negative rep for being a low paying sweatshop. So what incentive do they have to improve your work environment?

Related Posts

Client Testimonial! How can I help you on your career journey?

Post Photo

Hi Fishes,

I am B.tech graduate and currently working in BPO sector in Accenture. I am looking to switch to an IT profile but having zero experience in IT sector. Please suggest how can I switch.

like

Hi! How do one get from admin assistant role into an executive assistant role? Thank you for all your responses!

likeuplifting

Hi guys, I am MBA Tier 1 college passout. Currently working in Pwc as Technology Consultant. I have 2 job offers(CTC is similar) 1. Adobe - Value Consulting 2. Mastercard - Management Consultant Which job profile should I choose. My parameters are: First is good role Second is work life balance Third is market relevancy Please help me. Thanks in advance Adobe Mastercard Accenture Deloitte Boston Consulting Group Bain & Company McKinsey & Company Kearney and Company

like

Wanna a learn Data Science cource.Anya vs suggestions please

like

Hello all, I am a fresher and have joined TCS in 2021. I have worked with mainframe and a bit of Salesforce. Now I am not enjoying the work here as I feel myself stagnant. Apart from that I am not that much inclined towards coding. Can you all please suggest me that shall I make a switch now? And since I am not interested in coding, what are all other options I should look for. Please help me out.

like

Risk fishes I’ve got an question. Would it be really beneficial to do MBA as a Risk consultant and would it be an enabler for me to step up towards being a partner in the big4?

like
like

McKinsey & Company Any advice to help prepare for data science analyst role at top consulting firms (McKinsey & Company EY Boston Consulting Group etc)? Any materials, open source platform recommended to take on freelance data science project? When should I start actively looking and applying? I am a new grad who is working in tech as a marketing analyst I’m looking to pivot to marketing& sales data science consulting next year. Would like someone with similar backgrounds offer some practical tips.

like

I went to a T14 law school, got great grades and glowing recommendations, and wrote (what I thought was) a great writing sample. But I got rejected from all 70 federal clerkships I applied to. The only thing I can think of is: I took a non traditional route after law school and did a 2 year public interest fellowship in a niche field of administrative law. The rejection gave me a lot of self hatred. I still really want to clerk. Any advice? What is wrong with me? I feel like a failure.

like

CRO companies as an exit? Yes or no?

like

What do fishes know about an alliance management career? How do you get into it? What’s career progression / wlb like?

like

Any advice for transitioning from account role at ad agency to a consultancy? I’m very interested in the work but have no idea for how to get started.

like

Looking to leave my AAE role (almost 2 year YOE) to move into consulting. Anyone here made the leap? Any advice?

like

Hello! I am working as a system engineer in IT side but really want to change my domain to digital marketing. Heard that, in the BPS side there are many projects involving digital marketing. Is there any way I can shift from IT to BPS?

like

Is LS boutique to the buy side a viable route? Or is there often intermediary roles?

like

For anyone that is CPHQ certified - how has this certification benefited you? Do you think it has improved your job prospects? Thanks in advance!

like

How does being a manager in audit compare to being a manager in deal advisory (AAS)? Nervous to make the switch of the unknown.

like

Do you always need an MBA to get into MBB?

likefunny

More Posts

‪Listening to 3 of my most qualified, hardworking coworkers talk about how undervalued they feel and how close to quitting they are. Why do we hemorrhage talent and acquire crap?‬

likehelpful

Anyone have any insights on the banking & financial services practice at Cognizant in Canada?

like

What is the difference between Product Strategy and Product Management roles at Google?

like

Let’s talk... Coronavirus. Who’s got a mask? 😷

like

Any veterans here still serving in the Reserve? Drill Hall is a new bowl here.

like

What are some of the perks of working for Deloitte?

like

I’m a salaried employee, am I legally entitled to get paid for December 28, 29 and 30 if our company tells me I don’t need to work on those days?

like

Do you tip all of your front desk staff the same amount for the holidays? Or… pick favorites?

like

I am doing my MBA on side. I am looking for ideas on what workshops or session series I can conduct that relates to exciting non work topics or work related (this would be boring though). If you have any other ideas throw it my way.

like

Any idea about when the promotion letter will released?

like

Is it worth saving money with 401K or get better rates in FD’s / Post Office etc in India ? FYI 50% match is provided by company for first 5% only

like

For anyone who's made it out of SAP: How do you write your experience on your resume to focus less on SAP so your not pegged as an "SAP guy"? My experience is mostly in testing and project management.

like

Has anyone been fired and then subsequently received unemployment? I was let go this week and am wondering if that is realistic to expect. Thanks!

like

Hii, someone please let me know the leave travel allowance in bosch.

like

Best coat for the winter? 30 y.o. Male. Really want a canada goose but that’s like paying a month’s worth of rent 😞

likefunny

I’m trying to buy my first house and my wife and I have a few IRAs from previous employers (Roth and non Roth). I read I won’t be penalized if I take out upto 10k from my IRAs for a first time house (except for taxes on the non-Roth accounts). Anyone know how true this is, how the process works, or have any advice? Is it a good idea

like

I’m behind on my IG game & want to catch up. I went to a few events before COVID that I want to share but feel weird posting it now. Do I put throwbackthursday or beforeCOVID hashtags? Something else?

likefunny

Hi all,

Does anyone have tips on how to setup a productive and engaging home office/virtual work environment?

like

Cousin got offers from IBM and TCS in pune. Which one is better? IBM is paying slightly less salary and not ready to match.

likefunny

What’s the salary band & maximum salary limit for Analytics Consultant designation in Tiger Analytics?

like

Additional Posts in Litigation & Arbitration

Have an opportunity to finally get out of insurance defense. But not really sold on the firm. Could finally get out of ID, but then could also end up at another place I really don't like. Def want my next firm to be long term as I've jumped around.

like

What is the longest deposition you’ve sat through? …..I’m currently in one thats been going for 10 hours. 🙃

likefunny

In house insurance defense comp. What’s the highest paid and lowest paid companies? Which companies give bonuses? Please provide yoe and salary.

like

Anyone with document review experience able to give tips on running searches, specifically nextpoint?

like

Curious what a big law lateral (4th year) signing bonus may be? If I get an offer, this will be my first big law job, so I have nothing to compare it to.

like

Any tips on how to bring in clients to the firm? I do L&E and one of the things my firm goes over during annual evals is whether we bring in business, even for third year associates.

like

Currently at a super conservative defense firm. I do really well but keep getting the criticism that I tend to just do things on my own initiative. I’m just predisposed to being decisive and rather autonomous. Besides being a solo atty, where would this skillset be better suited? Plaintiffs work?

My work doesn’t require us to be licensed in a particular state (i am licensed in my home country) - International Arbitration. What are the obvious benefits of getting licensed in New York?

like

Advice: my firm incentivized associates to get licensed in fed courts - 4 fed courts for a 5k raise. They also covered the admission fee. I just accepted an offer with another firm and will be putting in my 2 weeks notice tomorrow. Is it wrong to submit an expense report for the charges I incurred related to the fed court admission fees? I didn’t plan on moving to another firm; the new firm sought me out and made me an offer - the process happened so fast. I want to be professional about this.

like

Anyone who's done ID work right after law school but transitioned on to something else after a few years? Was your ID experience marketable? If so, in what other practice areas?

like

Whats your favorite case management software? My growing small practice is looking for recs

like

Best big law firms for white collar defense?

like

How early in advance do you start preparing for a deposition that you are conducting? One month? One week? The night before?

like

Anyone here have any insight on lateraling to Rawle & Henderson? 10 years exp.

likehelpful

Should Dropbox be used as the main file system for a busy Litigation office? Help me prove that it shouldn’t and suggest a software that your firm uses.

like

Hello. I currently work in-house as a Legal Operations Manager. I am working on a project to expand our network of law firms.

Any recommendations of boutique law firms in CA that have experience in commercial litigation for retail/fashion/apparel/home companies? Specifically consumer class action, unfair business practices, false advertising/17200, data privacy.

Thanks for your recommendations.

like

Does anyone work at a firm where legal assistants don't do legal assistant things? For example, I have to do my scheduling and calendaring. I have to upload documents to our file management system. This morning, a name partners assistant didn't realize the name partner had a depo and didn't confirm it. This is how this firm as been for decades and it's incredibly frustrating to work this way. It's so hard to not stress over this daily.

likefunny

I have a case I have enough evidence on to go to summery judgement on off the gate. Procedurally what's the best way to go a out this? D's are unrepresented and extremely difficult about settlement talks.

like

I am a personal injury attorney making 79k with ability to keep 40% of anything I settle, bonuses for originating work for the firm. I am 1.5 years into practicing as a Plaintiffs PI attorney - I have a review coming up - suggestions on what I should ask for as a raise. I’ve settled a couple cases and working on a third settlement. I’m new to the practice area but cannot get a read on whether a raise is coming at review - nothing but positive feedback from both partners I work with, but doesn’t

like

Any plaintiff’s attorneys on here from St. Louis? I might make the switch over from defense. Curious how much you all are making per year if you’re comfortable sharing. I’m trying to get an idea whether leaving the billable model and stress behind is worth the lower annual salary. Thanks!

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

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

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