My firm talks a lot about work-life balance, but I still billed 2,200 hours last year and get emails at midnight. I like the people, but I’m tired of pretending this is normal or sustainable. Would you ever bring this up in a review—or is that just asking to be labeled as not tough enough?. I’ve asked around informally, but no one really answers directly. They’ll say things like 'it’s just the nature of the job'—but that doesn’t feel like a sustainable excuse when I’m losing sleep and getting snappy with people I care about.

Anyone have an idea on the type of questions the HR team at a new job will ask your references? I have 2 YOE.

I'm an IP Attorney for a global Fortune 500 company. I only focus on IP mainly patent prosecution, Right to Market searches, Patentability searches, Landscape Searches, advising the business on IP related agreements.

What are some secondary skills or speciality that could make me more than just an IP Attorney? Do any of you have other parts of your title? Just looking to grow and my head isn't super interested in that, but the CLO is, but doesn't know where he sees a gap for me right now.

Which will have better hours: H&K or Foley? Interested in data for litigation or corporate.

This is our first holiday season in the Nashville area, any suggestions on family activities/light displays we should check out? Our kids our 8, 5, and 3.

Anyone in the group from BCG Platinion in Italy?
Is BCG Platinion worth changing from Accenture?
(Experienced hire +6YOE)

Hi folks,
Can anyone help for How's us bank account in synechron??

Recs on men slim fit sweater under $100?

Can we expect a permanent wfh option?

Thoughts on maven clinic? I have final interviews this week. Want to get as much info as possible!

Sick of people saying don't wear a mask. Wear a mask people, if you have one. The CDC says only wear them when you are sick. But isn't that the tricky part of Covid19? That you can be asymptomatic?

So, recently got put on a PIP after six months at my new job., two days after I told my boss and HR I recently learned I have a cognitive disability caused by an illness. The PIP was mostly because I forgot some deadlines, but also they said I need to be more professional in emails (even though others use zero punctuation and a lot of emojis. To clients.) and simultaneously ask more questions and ask fewer questions. Should I just assume this is unattainable and look for a new job again?

Y’all I just need to vent real quick as my husband is gone for the week several time zones away and I’m alone. This late second trimester heartburn is unreal! I’ve never really had heartburn before but holy shit! I find myself pacing and feeling sick to my stomach because of it, unable to focus on anything else, and then I’m drained because all my energy is spent focusing on just this pain. Hoooo 😵 10/10 do not recommend

Anyone have a CFE designation and taken the test recently? Debating about getting it wasn’t sure if it’s worth it.

How do you manage your money?

I only bring in a little over $2,600 a month. After paying all my expenses, I get to put away $500 a month in savings but don’t have much wiggle room for anything else, including going out money.

I’m very privileged to have a significant inheritance and zero debt of any kind. I really wonder how my peers who have student loans, car payments, and even children manage to pay their bills and live so comfortably. Please share if this is you!

I need guidance - was able to sell work through relationship. All I have is my LLC and a bank account. No infrastructure, no HR set up, no legal document. Who should I reach out to get help?

Are you guys planning to attend the Scon-Manager connect on 30th?
I am feeling extremely lazy to attend it in person.
Might skip it. 👻

I have a client who just can’t get over the fact that I don’t drink. We were recently out to dinner so I sneaked and got a mock tail just so he’d leave me alone. That was annoying

Is it realistic to join KPMG Lighthouse or Gamma without a Masters degree but with previous experience as a data scientist at a big data startup?

Any advice on how to deal with a partner/boss who is shifting all responsibility to me with zero guidance, no mentoring, and an unwillingness to discuss the issues? (Small firm, only associate under this partner and have been working at the firm for 2 years). There are an increasing number of passive aggressive comments from the partner who expects to be completely hands off once the case lands on my desk. Wants me to figure it all out despite cases being from different areas of law.

I want to get out of ID so badly. I don’t mind the work but the hours are just killing me. I just started at a new firm less than 6 months ago and I am already desperate to get out. It is not the firm or the people. I just hate the high billables. I have been applying to other jobs but I think I may need a recruiter for help. Any recommendation for a great recruiter in NYC?

Rising 2L here…Just found out yesterday that one of my top target law firms is not participating in OCIs (they don’t have offices in my state). Any advice on the best way to move forward with them? Still planning to apply, just want to know what I should be doing. Thanks!

A friend was rewatching old episodes of Suits, which admittedly I’ve never seen. The main character starts at this law firm where associates are given cubicles not offices. There’s no way that’s accurate, right??? I have a cube but I’m just a lowly gov atty frm a state school LOL not a Harvard law alum at a reputable NYC firm

What is the most “do as I say, not as I do” thing you’ve been told or punished/reprimaded for as an associate?

Layoffs. Most big firms say they're sitting on a conservative pile of cash - which I believe is true - but work will obviously not return to pre-COVID levels in the short term, probably not even in the medium term. Are Biglaw layoffs coming?

What is a typical starting rate that young attorneys charge for per diem side work? First or second year lawyers should ask for what? Client is a big firm.

How do you recommend dealing with a partner senior to you trying to do anything possible to push you out, force you to quit, or get you fired for years? Owner knows my abilities and likes me (contd)

How long did you have to wait from last round interview until offer? (Public sector)

Second year associate here who recently switched from litigation to corporate law. I am absolutely swamped while simultaneously having no idea what I’m doing ever and I’m feeling so burnt out. The partners are pretty great and feedback is constructive which I’m grateful for, but I’m so desperate for a compliment I’ve been saving any scrap of positivity in a folder 😭 it’s December 22 and I haven’t done my Christmas shopping because I don’t feel capable of thinking about it. I need a hug.

Any tips when leaving a firm? Younger associate <1 year.

I am traveling out of town for callback interviews. One firm wants me to commit a full day of interviews. Would it be reasonable to ask for a half day so I can fit 2 callbacks in the same day?

Thinking about getting a MBA, partly for personal enrichment but also for professional reasons. I know schools all have different “cognates” but do people have recommendations that pair well with corporate/securities/financial legal practice fields?

Any thoughts on Legility vs. Relativity in terms of eDiscovery software? Or is there another I’m not aware of?

Has anyone been admitted to Massachusetts by transfer of UBE score? I submitted my application in July and took and passed the state law exam today. How long after this were you admitted? Thanks!

Well I learned my lesson. Never work with Wells Fargo. Any good banks I should switch to?

How much time is acceptable to bill to admin per day?

Firm announced flexible come and go as you see fit approach to coming back to office. Partner I work for said I need to be in office 4-5 days a week anyway. Thoughts?

I went through all the stages of interviewing with a firm then they chose not to fill the position. They said internal priorities changed. I saw about 5 months later they posted a similar position. Guess who has another interview!