And What Thanks Do We Get?

I know that some of my law students (and former students) read this blog occasionally, so here's a link just for them: And What Thanks Do We Get?, a blog apparently written by three partners in a small law firm, about law firm life.

Best quote about practicing law, commenting on junior lawyers who can't take criticism that they aren't working hard or well enough: "That's the biggest secret in the business of law-- if you don't like it, you can get out. Get out of the firm that makes you work harder than you want to. Get out of the practice area that you've just realized is like a trip to the dentist every day you go to work. Get out of law all together, if it's not what suits you. All of us get into this profession because we are fairly bright, and very determined. I'd be the last to say that doggedness isn't a valuable personality trait, but very often I see lawyers who are miserable in their work, and are doing only because they are determined to hang on. That is a terrible way to feel about your profession-- if you hate it, there is no way you can be getting paid enough to keep doing this work, and the sooner you figure that out, the better.

But if you are going to by god be a lawyer, rewrite this brief-- and get your fucking hours up. Jesus, nobody makes any money if you are going home with the bankers, and I'm spending all my goddamn time re-doing your work. Stop acting like a china teacup, and start acting like a lawyer. Or else I'm going to have to start yelling, and none of us wants that."