I’ve been struggling with the workload at my job for a few months now. We are understaffed and overworked, and I have particularly demanding cases. I need to get through a trial in 2 weeks and then think I need to have a frank conversation with my boss because this is unsustainable. Any advice on how to approach that conversation? I’m afraid if things don’t change I will have to leave my firm, which is something I don’t want to do.

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This is always true of places where they have a lot of cases. The work is just piled on higher and higher. I doubt they change how they work. These folks tend to be bad with people and will blame you instead.

likesmart

Yes even at the partner level. I’m right there with you. I am going to quit shortly. It is not sustainable at any level. Plus life is too short to kill yourself. I’m sick of back to back trials and unhinged clients and opposing counsel.

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Say some version of what you wrote here

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Exactly - it is unsustainable. That is the message for your boss. Something needs to change.

I was in insurance defense for 6 years. My observation was that every firm puts as many cases on people based on their risk/comfort level, not yours. Basically, they will think, hey I’m comfortable with 300 cases, why are you bitching about half? It’s about how they run their business and manage client intake. I would leave

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I would say tell them what the problem is and show receipts but also bring the solution and prove that up as well. Good luck. Remember that at the end of the day it’s all about numbers to the people at the top. Put your foot down and tell them you will walk if they don’t fix things

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Agreed. Laying out (in writing) following an in person mtg, what you’re doing, why it’s overwhelming so that no one person could do it all effectively, while also offering some suggested “fixes” (like redeploying people from other departments to support during the trial, even if you know they won’t do it), in a way that doesn’t seem CYA (but is), and also shows you’re at least trying to come up with solutions.
At the same, put energy into looking for another job now. This isn’t going to change. The good news is, you’ll be able to peddle this trial prep experience to your benefit.

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