Job Responsibilities
Complex civil litigation case management, including client
briefings, legal research and writing, motion practice, and
defensive and offensive discovery.
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Job Requirements
B.A. History from CSULB: rigorous research and writing using
primary and secondary source materials. Seminar courses required
for degree based on Socratic model of teaching.
Two Years Gov't Experience: Administror for City Attorney of Los
Angeles. Responsible for various administrative and legistlative
functions, reporting directly to the City Attorney (elected
official).
JD Stanford Law School: Small courses taught by premier legal
scholars. The course work was academically demanding and
although not a practical legal education, my courses at SLS
proved to be excellent preparation for my practice. Career
Services was far more helpful in restrospect in helping me find a
firm that matched my temperment and interests.
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Uppers
The practice of law is an intellectual challenge and that is a welcome surprise.
I especially enjoy the autonomy and individual accountability of practicing law.
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Downers
It spent nearly the entirety of my first two years of litigation
practice getting used to the ebb and flow of litigation. A white-
hot case can triple my workload for a few weeks but I'll then
find myself surfing the web for several days before new tasks,
projects and deadlines appear.
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Lifestyle
Work hours are surprisingly reasonable considering the uneven workflow of
litigation. I travel frequently to oversee fact investigation and due diligence,
as well as to meet with clients. Firm social events can range from informal to
stuffy but typically provide good opportunities to socialize with Partners and
catch up on what everyone else is working on.
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Compensation
Starting salary for the Los Angeles market is $125K and rises
each year based upon merit and number of hours billed. Bonuses
are also available for merit and billed hours exceeding
2,000/year. The firm offers numerous benefits packages--medical,
dental, vision, life insurance, etc.--from which to choose.
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Advice to Jobseekers
The job outlook for attorneys is very good, there is so much
growth and movement in the profession that firms are constantly
seeking new talent. My recommendation for anyone considering law
school and a legal career is to take advantage of opportunities
to visit schools and meet with students. I also recommend
getting to know attorneys in various practice areas and
interviewing them about their practices and career satisfaction.
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