Job Responsibilities
I work in teams with other attorneys and independently to attend
to various business and personal legal matters for our clients.
Besides billable work, we have responsiblities on internal
committees to address firm management activities and outside
activities to maintain a presense in the communitiy. In total,
we work at least 60+ hours a week.
|
Job Requirements
The biggest firms in Iowa are under 100 attorneys, and those
firms are in the state capital. There are many profitable firms
of under 10 attorneys. Even though it is a small market,
competition for jobs is tough because the openings in larger
markets that attract Iowa grads (KC, Chicago, Minn.) are harder
to come by so top candidates are not finding it easy to break
into other markets.
|
Uppers
Flexabilitiy: I am accountable for my time, which allows me to come in later if
I want to or leave in the middle of the day for a personal appointment without
having to clear it with anyone else. Entreprenurship: Working in a smaller firm
is running your own business. You have control over your finacial destiny.
|
Downers
As a new associate, you are at the mercy of others for work but
expected to meet billing requirements. Training is not
structured and neither is the introduction to the firm culture.
The pressure of billable time turns many new attorneys off to
private practice.
|
Lifestyle
You would think that working in a smaller market would mean more time for
leisure or personal activities but it does not. I work as much as my classmates
who work in big urban firms, just not all of it is billable. This is a big shock
to people who move back to Iowa after working other markets. Sure, the cost of
living is lower but you trade off with less social and cultural amenities.
|
Compensation
Most firms talk big about bonuses but it hardly ever comes true.
The carrot dangled in front of associates is the reward of
partnership because there is a significant increase in
compensation.
|
Advice to Jobseekers
Have realistic compensatoin expectations for the market. Don't
think your job will be easier if you stay in Iowa after law
school. You will work harder but you will enjoy more of what you
do.
|
