Job Responsibilities
I am responsible for managing several single plaintiff cases on
behalf of a client. I manage the discovery process, which
includes drafting discovery, deposition outlines, motions, etc.
I also communicate frequently with opposing counsel, our client,
and local counsel if we are using local counsel. Managing cases
also includes researching applicable state and federal law, and
developing the facts of the case (by interviewing employees).
I also work on class action employment cases. In my role, this
work often includes interviewing employees to develop the facts
and to oppose class certification.
I also work on a number of traditional labor matters. Most of
my work in this area includes researching and drafting
memorandum to counsel our clients dealing with very specific
labor issues.
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Job Requirements
One of the most impressive things about George Mason is the
quality of the faculty. The faculty is enthusiastic and
talented. I developed lasting relationships with many of my
professors. Most of the classes were relatively small and
intimate, allowign for a great deal of interaction. I never had
a problem getting into a popular course. George Mason is a very
demanding law school, and performing well required continuous
work. However, there is a great support network at George
Mason, and the students and faculty support and encourage each
other and provide assistance when needed.
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Uppers
To me, the best part of my job is the significant responsibility I have been
given in my first and second year. As I said above, I am responsible for
managing several cases. I work direclty with one partner on these matters and
the client. I generally prepare first drafts of pleadings, including all motions
and discovery. I think that the level of responsibility is critical to
professional development.
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Downers
In general, the downers of my job are probably similar to those
at other large firms. Sometimes hours are unpredictable, but
that is part of the job, especially in a large firm where you
may be contacted by multiple partners. Often, clients contact
us at the last minute and need critical work performed in a very
short period of time. While this makes the job challenging, it
is rewarding at the same time. I also find that high stress
times are generally followed by more predictable periods of
time.
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Lifestyle
Dress code at my firm is business casual. The firm often has social events, and
attorneys do in fact socialize together outside work. The firm is very adamant
in support of diversity, and in general, our workforce is very diverse. Whether
you travel for business or not really depends on who you are working for and what
kind of cases. I have traveled on average probably once a month. I believe that
the firm is supportive of attorneys to try and balance their work and personal
lives. This, to me, is the most important part of the job. If you are organized
and can manage your time well, it is much less difficult to obtain a proper
balance between the two.
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Compensation
Base salary is $125,000 for first year associates. The firm
does not pay for benefits or contribute to attorneys' 401k
plans. I cannot provide information on bonuses, as I have not
reached that stage in my employment yet.
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Advice to Jobseekers
In my opinion, the job market in the legal field is fairly
good. It is highly competitive however. I recommend working
during law school to obtain practical experience and to develop
relationships with attorneys you work with. Also work hard to
develop strong relationships with your teachers and
administration at your school.
To me, obtaining practical experience (legal) during law school
is critical. You will get a good idea of what type of law you
want to practice and that you will enjoy, and the skills that
you learn will dramatically increase your ability to succeed
during your first year as an associate or whatever you decide to
do in the legal field.
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