I just saw this article in the New York Times yesterday and thought it might be of interest (I figured not everyone is as devoted a NY Times Style section reader as I am!). I don't know that its completely relevant to a lot of the issues we've been discussing, and as a Style section piece surely somewhat less serious - which is why I am posting it in a new topic. But the issue it raises is one of balancing work hours which, whatever area of law one goes into, is certainly a major issue in such a demanding profession - one which already concerns me on a daily basis as a first year law student. I would be interested in hearing other people's thoughts on this subject.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/24/fashion/24WORK.html?ex=1358917200&en=47

Thanks for the link!

It seems like workers get improved worker treatment either when the government steps in to require it or the employers must to ensure that supply of workers meets their demand. I can't see legislatures stepping in to help the poor exploited attorney community anytime soon, and it seems like outsourcing is going to move the supply/demand issue in the firms' favor. So how does that effect the future of efforts like these, to achieve better working conditions for us at firms in the next 5 years? Can't be good...

-- MakalikaNaholowaa - 26 Jan 2008

The concern is the working condition of big law attorneys?

Over the past decade or two, firms have drastically increased starting pay as well as the number of hours required. There are very few (if any) other jobs where the entry level position pays $160,000 (not including bonus). If you don't want to earn that amount of money, you are free to find a firm that pays less and has a lower hours requirement.

Depending on the firm and the practice area, these attorneys seem to work something like 60-70 hours per week. Many salaried positions require something similar. Retail management comes to mind as an example.

Aside from the hours, big law work seems rather comfortable: you spend your day reading and writing in a climate controlled office. You get to sit in a chair. There is no risk of physical injury.

"Poor exploited attorney community?" Perhaps I am misunderstanding you/missing something.

-- SandorMarton - 26 Jan 2008

Carina, I assume that you are interested in balanced work hours because you are interested in having a family and assume that you will be sharing or shouldering the caregiver duties and logistics. As the article indicates, many firms offer various versions of lower hours for lower pay with (usually) less job security, and women are often interested in these mommy track options. My suggestion would be to note while you are summering at a given firm just what its official mommy tracks are, how many women are engaged in those tracks, and where they are in their tracks. Although "big firm" is usually stereotyped both generally and by community, keep in mind that each firm, practice area, and partner has its own culture and internal and street reputation, along with its own tolerance of or acceptance for alternative work options. Note the partner/associate ratio in a given practice area, and note whether and how many attorneys hold themselves out as practicing in more than one area. To you, it's the individual people who make the difference -- so use those lunch "chits" and other social opportunities to get to know others and figure out how you can fit in, be a part of, and add to that culture. Best wishes.

-- BarbPitman - 26 Jan 2008