No offense to big law, but for those who have left, please join our new fishbowl (Ex Big Law). Thanks!

“I work in the graveyard called Publicis New York"

What are key questions you would ask a recruiter during an initial call? What about the hiring manager?

How should a structural engineer with 2 and a half years of experience be earning?

What’s the latest with UWMC?

Is Equinox worth it? I live on the same block as one. My primary form of exercise is currently Peloton/my very active dog, so I am primarily interested in using the gym for weightlifting (and yoga classes when they come back).

Was wondering how the media landscape would look like after COVID-19 crisis / lockdown is lifted. Personally, I think digital will be stronger while TV viewership will go back to normal. Any thoughts?

Attrition of AVP in JPMC INDIA is quite high... if you survive this then you will stay for 15 20 years easily

Hi Fishes,

What is the probation period in TCS? Do we receive any confirmation letter once the probation period is over?

Thanks!

Anyone here used their Amex platinum on apps like remitly? I know the exchange rate is slightly lower if we pay by CC/DC but I guess if we make MR points should make up for it?

Any startup looking for data science/AI experts or AI products ?

I am currently working as Data Scientist with Big 4 and have consulted brands present in Top Brands.
Ping me directly if in case you have any requirements.

Hi,
My name is Abhijit Srivastav and presently I am working in Accenture in a contract basis employee as a transaction process associate.

I have one question it will be appreciated for your valuable comment.

After my completion of contract of 1 year does Accenture gets me as a permanent employee???

Thanks & regards
Abhijit Srivastav

We are thinking about getting Marketing Salesforce Cloud. I’m struggling to put a plan together that shows some thought leadership. I keep getting wrapped up in the tactics. Help!

I’m going to be going luxury handbag and shoe shopping in Paris and looking to spend around $10K total. What are some classic things you recommend I consider? I am looking at YSL, Dior lady bag, Ferragamo loafers, etc. I want classic items that will never go out of style and are worth the cost

Why are people not good at ending zoom calls? I feel like I’m always the person who throws in the closing statement (I.e, ok well sounds good is that all? Have a nice day! This was helpful thanks Karyn..looks like we’re at top of the hour already) 🤦🏻‍♀️

Given how crazy deal flow has been recently, do you do think interns will work more than the standard 40 hour week this summer?

I’m a first-year associate. I love tattoos; the ones I have are covered. I want to get one on the back of my neck. I don’t face clients except on Zoom, is it still a bad idea? Would love to hear everyone’s thoughts.

Kind of want to write a book about biglaw called “Oh, the Hoops You’ll Jump Through.”

Junior associate here. Almost a month since I started. Transactional group. I am still going days where I don’t bill a single minute. Is this worrisome? Sometimes I bill 5 hours in a day, but it’s rare.

I’m staffed on 2/3 deals, but they havent kicked off yet. Should I be worried?

First review is coming up. Tips for survival? I fully expect it to be terrible. I am not happy here, I never have been, I don't want that to come across in the review, and I just want to make it out of the meeting with a small amount of grace. My plan is to just nod along and say thanks, will work on. I am also insanely busy right now and this is the last thing I want to deal with.

Thoughts on Cohen & Gresser for lit?

December feels like a country song. Two dogs died on the 1st. A hard rain exposed latent roof damage and collapsed ceiling in two rooms. Stove, fridge and water heater all went out on the same day last week. Yesterday my spouse said they needed a break from the chaos through the holidays and left. Today a positive covid test. And 7 deals trying to close before year end requiring my full attention so none of the aforementioned can get any attention.

Associates, don’t let this become you.

If you receive an offer that doesn’t include a sign-on bonus, is it kosher to counter and include a sign-on bonus? How would you introduce that?
TIA!

M&A/corporate lawyers - what project/deal management system does your team use (if any)? My group has about 6 or 7 of us and probably 15 deals and 4 public company clients. We’re looking for a way to keep track of who’s working on what (not specific tasks but more like what deals, status of those deals, capacity).

Winter is coming.

The two most common things on this bowl that disappoint:

(1) people saying what do you think you signed up for

(2) people saying that's why we get paid the big bucks.

Nobody thats suffering actually understood it was going to be that bad. And that's no reason to tolerate/perpetuate the toxic parts of our profession even if you did.

And, we don't get paid large salaries to deal with unhealthy environments. We get paid because we perform a function our clients are legally required to use.

Who’s ready for another week? Just worked all weekend - looking forward to another 5 days of this. 😭😭😭

What’s the typical ramp up period for a first year? I’m lucky to hit a few billable hours each day. Started in September.

Thoughts on Paul Hastings tech transactions? Specifically the Palo Alto office. Thanks everyone!

Listening to a Bloomberg podcast while hammering away at an acquisition finance. Lead in ad goes “2021 could be a record year for middle market M&A, make sure you’re prepared with…” and I just audibly said “oh god please no make it stop”

Other than Gibson Dunn, which V20ish firms have strong employment practices?

The other day I had a dream that I got an offer from a top v10 law firm. I became so emotional that I actually woke up with tears of joy. To many of us, Big Law in New York is a dream…

Any book recommendations for someone starting as an associate in cap markets to get a better feel for the field?

I would like to quiet quit. How does one do that in BigLaw?

Corporate attorneys: how many of you like the substance of the work you do? If you do like it, what's the nature of your practice and what about it do you like?

To clarify, "substance" means what you do when you actually sit down at your computer and turn a document. I don't mean stuff like "I like working on important deals" or "I like working with smart people" or "I like the prestige." Curious how many actually like the nitty gritty work.

Can someone explain to me why biglaw firms don’t “review up” and have junior/mid level associates evaluate senior associates? I understand partners have no interest in hearing the minions gripe, but wouldn’t it be valuable to know if your senior associates—seeking to enter your partnership are good managers and not complete a**holes? I’ve had so many projects mismanaged by clueless senior associates lately and it seems like juniors/mid levels bear the brunt of it, but there’s no recourse.

What firms give the best clerkship bonuses?