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It’s like that in many firms even outside of big law (despite the firms saying a million times they don’t have billable hours requirements) and you might get paid 1/3 of what you’re getting. I’m not in big law, and I work more hours than big law with far less pay and far fewer resources (copywriting, para support, etc.) with no dinner allowances when I work late, no free lunches on in-office days except when we have trainings, etc. I work across from V10s on the same billion dollar deals and work the same hours and don’t get the same pay.
Many people in law work similar hours or more as big law and don’t get paid nearly the same and don’t have the same number of exit opportunities or prestige. I don’t have children, but I’m sticking it out for an opportunity to make it to big law to then spend 2 or 3 years and get to the nice cushy jobs on the business side of companies or in house.
There are firm jobs with WLB, but they are in the minority. I know a personal injury attorney whose lawyers make less than $100k a year who work past 8 or 9 pm all the time and are in the office on Saturday’s and Sunday’s. I interviewed for another job doing mortgage litigation and was told he was replacing the person whose job I was interviewing for because they complained they were overwhelmed but habitually left the office before 7 everyday while everyone else stayed past 8 pm and came in at least one weekend day per week.
I can’t imagine having a child with this schedule though. You have to do what’s right for you and your family. Just be aware that if some boutique or mid sized firm promises you much better WLB and no hours requirements, do your homework and ask former employees. They lie all the time. Our firm duped many big law associates who were in your shoes, and now they’re not only overworked but also far underpaid. WLB jobs do exist (and are in the minority), but most advertising them are not being honest, so please do your homework before you jump ship and buy into the hype someone sells you about better WLB
Agreed that this applies to all law firms. Thank you for clarifying.
Yea it's worth it.
First thing to remember is that people are being laid off right now. It probably won't be this busy forever (if the Fed is staying aggressive, the bottom is gonna fall out sooner than later, unless you're in restructuring/bankruptcy or litigation). Get your reps in now. Every time we've hit periods of rapid inflation the Fed has had to induce a recession to get us out of it. This time won't be different, so get your hours in while you can. I'm looking at associate hours over here for Feb and they look kinda weak.
If you're transactional, start learning how to lead matters ASAP. Once you can lead these jokers, you get a lot more control of pace per deal.
Ultimately tho, remember that the money the firm pays you is cool and all, but the skill you're gaining is worth millions. You can always leave and it's damn likely someone is going to be willing to pay you a lot of money for that skill.
Thank you for the positive reinforcement. Much needed right now!!!
It doesn’t have to be this way, you just have to ask yourself if the money is worth it. I’m at a midsized firm making about half what I’d be making in biglaw. I work a 9-5 M-F and no one would ever think to contact me at night or to have me work on a weekend. My partner actually goes out of his way to tell me that matters can wait till Monday if it’s getting too late in the day on Friday.
If I was young and needed the money then I think you can definitely justify it, but if you can handle the pay hit then you should start looking around at other options.
Same boat. Got no time with my kid this weekend. But it’s not like this often. And I very much value a steady job and being able to provide for my family. Feels good. Makes it feel worth it!
Honestly, I just gave myself a deadline. I told myself that the next promotion was all I wanted and then I'd leave for. slower paced firm where it's less crazy. that's the goal I'm working towards
Your toddler is only a toddler once. A job is just a job and you’ll find another. Life flies by.
Yes, I would say so. You know as a parent that every cent you earn from your profession is a chain to secure the future of your child. It can be hard but you have to make life decisions and you need to choose one with a long term goal. If you are feeling guilty, that is valid. I usually sleep with my kids at night when I feel like I do not spend enough time with them lately.
This is a false narrative. People secure the future of their kids’ lives with far less money.