Job Responsibilities
I represent insurance and reinsurance companies in litigation
and arbitrations. I communicate with clients daily, manage the
cases and coordinate dates and schedules with the court,
investigate and research legal and factual issues related to the
case, analyze documentation, and oversee a staff of legal
assistants and paralegals.
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Job Requirements
I studied Civil and Human rights in college and earned a BS in
Humanities with special honors. Then I attended law school for
three years - the first year is intense and hard to wrap your
arms around but the next two years allow for practical learning
in addition to book work. Professors, for the most part, are
approachable.
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Uppers
The financial compensation and the working environment are very good. The
day-to-day has its ups and downs but good days include learning and feeling
accomplished.
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Downers
Days can drag, stress can build, and personalities can clash
depending on the case, client, or coworker. It can be a crap
shoot and the roller coaster adds to the stress.
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Lifestyle
I work from 8:00-6:30 on average on a daily basis. I travel approximately 5
days every 2 months. The organized and corporate sponsored social events are
quarterly but our particular group has drinks and lunch regularly. The office
place is diverse with regards to gender, race, religion, and sexual preference
although there is a sharp decline in women in leadership position because many
women attorneys have children and choose not to work at a large firm. We dress
comfortably with several firm sponsored casual Fridays a year. The atmosphere is
light and energetic when appropriate and nose to the grindstone when deadlines
loom.
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Compensation
Compensation is on par with other firms. I earn $190K as a 5th
year attorney but eligibility for production and merit bonuses.
Benefits are very good but I have not required treatment beyond
preventative and annual exams.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Relax and ride it out - no need to run before you can walk and
no need to make any decisions right away. A law career is long
and you may change your mind several times especially in the
early years. Being a lawyer is not always glamourous (and
certainly not like TV) but you will meet good people and learn
alot if you have patience.
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