Job Responsibilities
As a mid-level associate in the litigation department of a large
law firm, I have a significant amount of responsibility on
complex corporate litigation. I'm involved in heading up
discovery, including drafting discovery requests and responses,
and taking and defending depositions. I also do a significant
amount of writing - I write briefs and motions that are submitted
to the court. I correspond with opposing counsel and perform
legal research.
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Job Requirements
To be hired as an associate at a large DC firm, you must either
have graduated from a top law school, or graduated from a mid-
level law school, but were in the top of the class. It is fairly
competitive. Because of this, I think it's vital for people to
work hard while in law school - it can pay off in the long run.
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Uppers
One of the best things about my job is that I'm treated as a professional. By
that, I mean that I don't have a set schedule by which I must adhere. Rather, I
have responsibilities, but I can determine when I take care of those
responsibilities. If I want to come into the office late, and stay late to
finish a project, that's my perogative. I can also leave during the day for
appointments without a lot of hassle. I particularly like that aspect of my job.
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Downers
The worst part of my job as an associate at a law firm is
probably the number of hours I must work. Although I don't have
a set schedule, I am required to bill a certain amount of hours
per year. Sometimes, if I have several cases that are all busy
at the same day, I have to work late into the evening and
weekends. The plus side of this is that if I've already worked a
significant amount by the end of the year, and I'm not too busy,
I can take some time off for myself.
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Lifestyle
As I discussed above, the work hours can be pretty rough. If you don't mind the
work and really enjoy what you're doing, it's not that bad. Since I do complex
corporate litigation, I work with companies from all over the country and
frequently travel. The travel usually comes in waves though, depending on what
phase of a case we are in. If we're in the discovery phase, I often must fly
around the country to gather documents, meet with people, take depositions, etc.
Also, I have spent extended periods of time in other cities during lengthy
trials. On the other hand, if I'm in the motions phase of litigation, I often am
working out of my office.
The firm has a good deal of social functions for us - including lunches, happy
hours, etc. These are a nice break from the day.
The dress code is business casual. That means that you can wear just about
anything as long as it's not a pair of jeans, sneakers, shorts, or sweats. The
office is very laid back.
The diversity is excellent at my firm, although I don't know if that's standard
at other firms also.
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Compensation
I make a good salary - this year it is $175,000. There is also
the potential for significant bonuses from the firm. This year
alone, I have received $30,000 in bonus pay. I put money into a
401(k) up to the limit. The firm does not match that though. I
also have excellent benefits, including health and dental
insurance, flexible spending account, etc. In addition, I have
access to the full gym club in the building.
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Advice to Jobseekers
If working in the litigation department of a large law firm is
what you want to do, there are definitely things you can do to
make yourself more marketable to these firms. First, work hard
in law school, and strive to get high grades. Also, participate
in a number of extracurriculars, including law review or a
journal and/or mock trial or moot court. Law firms like to see
this additional experience, and it makes you come across as an
individual who can handle several things on your plate at the
same time. Also, you can develop special hobbies or interest.
This makes you appealing, because you are perceived as a well-
balanced individual.
Finally, I think the job outlook for litigation work at law firms
is very good, and will continue to be, as people and companies
will continue to sue each other, regardless of whether the
economy is strong or not.
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