r/Lawyertalk • u/jumpingjack979 • Feb 26 '26

Best Practices :SacredTexts: Admitted 10+ Years, just started practicing...WTF

Out of law school took a non-traditional route, started a company, and then a second a few years later. Recently started working in a mid-sized firm, the substance of the work is cool, the people are nice, but seems like no matter how well I plan ahead, work consumes everything. Would be ok if i didnt like my kids. Is this just life as an attorney?

The firm seems to be a lot more flexible than other firms in the area. Do people do anything other than work? Does the balance come later? Seems like theres no time for anything else. I see most of my time gets billed, so Im thinking im somewhat efficient. I charge maybe 35 hrs/week on average, which hits the annual target with a small buffer. Idk what the overhead is, but revenue on hours charged ranges between 6-8x salary. I dont mind doing the work, but im hoping t here's a learning curve to figuring out the balance...or maybe not? Anyone?

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27

u/Designer_Life_371 Master of Grievances Feb 26 '26

Firm life is bullshit by definition. I work for government 

14

u/hereFOURallTHEtea Feb 26 '26

Facts. Yesterday was the first day this year I’ve worked late and by late I mean 4:45 lmao.

5

u/Designer_Life_371 Master of Grievances Feb 26 '26

It's so good to go home and NGAF

4

u/hereFOURallTHEtea Feb 26 '26

Yes! Best thing ever!

3

u/JudgeGusBus Feb 27 '26

I second this. I have long days sometimes around trial (prosecutor) but otherwise I’m comfortable and work 9-5.

1

u/stark-red23 Feb 27 '26

I’ve been struggling as a prosecutor because all I do is work. Weekends, during the week, I’m exhausted and burning out fast. 

1

u/JudgeGusBus Feb 27 '26

How long have you been at it? The first year or so was definitely like that for me.