Job Responsibilities
It is impossible to summarize what I do on a daily basis as
every is different. I spend approximately 75% of my time
researching substantive legal issues, preparing documents for
the court or my clients, counseling my clients regarding
strategy, supervising other lawyers in their work. I am out of
the office on business related travel approximately five days a
month. The rest of my time is spent on administrative tasks,
legal education and marketing.
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Job Requirements
A J.D. degree from an accredited law school is required. Strong
academic performance with extracurricular involvement is viewed
as a plus by virtually every potential employer. Prior work
experience in any field also can be an asset. Continuiung legal
education is required in most states.
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Uppers
The best part of my job is that no day is like the one before it. There are
constantly new challenges to face and problems to solve. I also enjoy the
teamwork aspect of my job. Unlike many fields, a variety of personality types
can excel in the legal field. A very detail-oriented person can be as successful
as a big picture person, and in fact a team comprised of multiple personality
types may be the strongest and most effective arrangement.
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Downers
You cannot practice law at a high level without experiencing
periods of high stress and long work hours.
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Lifestyle
Lawyers' lifestyles vary from firm to firm, from city to city. At my firm, a
50-60 work week is typical, and most lawyers travel a fair amount. Attendance at
firm social functions is encouraged but usually not required. We have a business
casual dress policy that essentially means no ties for men and no panty hose for
women. Our firm has been ranked as one of the top firms in the country in terms
of diversity for women, racial/ethnic minorities, and gays and lesbians.
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Compensation
Our starting salary for first year associates is $100,000, which
is competitive with other Atlanta firms of our size. There is
some variation in salaries for more senior associates but not
much. Hours-based bonuses are available to those who are
willing to put in the time, but there is no "unspoken
requirement" to aspire to them. The firm offers very generous
maternity/paternity leave benefits, and provides a variety of
other benefits including 401k matching and life insurance.
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Advice to Jobseekers
A good lawyer must have a strong ego but be open to constructive
criticism; must be dedicated to producing high quality work but
not be obsessive-compulsive about it; must be loyal to clients
and colleagues but not lose sight of ethical and professional
obligations; must be willing to work hard but know how to
protect personal time; must be willing to stand up for an
argument but know when deference is more appropriate. In other
words, being a lawyer requires a person to possess a variety of
character traits and the judgment to know how best to use them.
There will always be jobs for good lawyers.
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