Job Responsibilities
Research law, write memorandum of law, and discuss cases with
other lawyers in the office. I spend between 30 to 40 hours a
week doing all the previous tasks.
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Job Requirements
At present, I practice law and the job is certainly more
practical than academic.
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Uppers
The best part about my job is being able to write your own pleading and see the
impact it has on a client. I enjoy the challenge of demonstrating my intellectual
vigor agaisnt an adversary!
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Downers
The downers are when there is no law to practice, no case to
work on and even though I seek work from inside and outside the
office, it sometimes does not pay off.
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Lifestyle
The lifestyle requirs substantial time commitment, particularly when it gets
busy. One must also have the capacity for diligent and thorough work. The
unpredictability of the hours is also a factor in the job, since one can be
extremely swamped with work and then have a less busy work schedule later on.
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Compensation
Lawyers in New York City at big firms usually get compensated
$100,000 plus. Lawyers also have the benefit of insurance plans
that cover dental and medical insurance needs. There is also an
option to save in tax-deferred investment plans, including 401
(k)'s.
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Advice to Jobseekers
I would advise persons interested in a legal career to spend
time speaking with and researching what the practice of law
emtails and then decide whether it is appropriate for them based
on the variety of feedback they will inevitability receive from
members of the profession.
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