tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11195787.post3535073098370086051..comments2024-02-25T07:30:31.454-06:00Comments on SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: Lawyers and Career Uncertaintythomsingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08230569732505245876noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11195787.post-79128247763768299212009-05-23T19:37:46.328-05:002009-05-23T19:37:46.328-05:00This would be a great area to start a coaching pra...This would be a great area to start a coaching practice.Leslie Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16554687146237067593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11195787.post-86763191797337592652009-05-19T10:21:00.000-05:002009-05-19T10:21:00.000-05:00Brian-
I was not saying that this replaces the bi...Brian-<br /><br />I was not saying that this replaces the billable hour. There are Big Law Lawyers who are both meet the numbers, AND have built good referral networks. Then there are those who JUST have the hours. My point is when a choice is made for who stays or who makes partner... the one who has BOTH looks best.<br /><br />Partners have to bring in business, or they are being shown the door too. Thus, developing the skill to be a "rainmaker" is important if you want to stay in Big Law.<br /><br />If you don't want to stay, and instead just want to ride the train and get the checks for as long as you can... then you can ignore me.thomsingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08230569732505245876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11195787.post-52610505914443621732009-05-19T08:01:00.000-05:002009-05-19T08:01:00.000-05:00Yes Thom, I'm saying that BigLaw "lawyers" have li...Yes Thom, I'm saying that BigLaw "lawyers" have little to no ability to influence their job security beyond the billable hour. Find me one BigLaw who is a great networker but doesn't bill the required hours. BigLaw is about maintaining BigLaw, not the individual lawyers.<br /><br />And Ari, your point is exactly the issue - BigLaws are paid alot because they are expected to bill alot, not because the firm wants them to succeed individually.My Law Licensehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17487117416844299246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11195787.post-8768361780397566782009-05-17T09:54:00.000-05:002009-05-17T09:54:00.000-05:00Brian-
thanks for your comment.
Are you saying t...Brian-<br /><br />thanks for your comment.<br /><br />Are you saying that people who work for big law firms have zero ability to influence their job security?<br /><br />I disagree. I have seen lots of big law associates cultivate a reputation that put them head and shoulders about their peers. It has kept them secure in tough times and put them on a strong path to partnership.<br /><br />But, they had to know what they were planning and doing. No accidents or waiting. Clear focus and taking action can make an impact. <br /><br /> While it is no guarantee, this advice in big law is better than sitting on your ass looking at your belly button.thomsingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08230569732505245876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11195787.post-18205713961245468492009-05-17T09:48:00.000-05:002009-05-17T09:48:00.000-05:00Akthough unintended, this part of your post is inc...Akthough unintended, this part of your post is incorrect: "Many who had graduated from top schools (with top grades) and landed careers inside prominent law firms mistakenly believed they were forever recession proof if they simply did good work."<br /><br />A BigLaw position is not a career, it is a job, and there is no such animal as "good work" when it comes to a young associate. <br /><br />Young associates and "junior" (read: no equity, but stick around) partners are gauged by one thing, billable hours. Bill the most, you have done "good work." Client origination - discouraged. <br /><br />Ask BigLaw associates how many of them have brought in a client and worked on the case from start to finish. As a career solo, after training at the public defenders, office, I can tell you that most are told that their "small fee" client is not welcome. Young lawyers in BigLaw can't land Fortune 500 business. BigLaw is nothing more than a crutch for lawyers, taught to believe there is no other way to practice law.<br /><br />None of what you suggest will keep a lawyer in BigLaw. Networking? Not on their time.<br /><br />Your advice is perfect for a lawyer who is looking to be a "lawyer" and not a BigLaw cog.My Law Licensehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17487117416844299246noreply@blogger.com