132: What's BigLaw Really Like? (w/ Sadie Jones)
The Law School Toolbox Podcast: Tools for Law Students from 1L to the Bar Exam, and Beyond
Welcome to the Law School Toolbox Podcast. Today, we're talking about what it's actually like to work in BigLaw, with ex-BigLaw recruiter, Sadie Jones. It's generally accepted that in BigLaw, you're expected to bill a ton of hours and work long nights in exchange for a hefty paycheck, but is that all there is to it? Learn more of the nuanced ins-and-outs of life working in a large law firm.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The BigLaw hierarchy, and your chances of making partner
- The type of work and the type of client you can expect to encounter
- The BigLaw hiring process
- Typical work assignments for junior associates
- How many hours are you really expected to bill/work?
- Bonuses: Show me the money!
- What does partnership really require?
- Expectations for business development
- Some common pitfalls of BigLaw life
Resources:
- Podcast Episode 105: OCI Basics with an ex-BigLaw Recruiter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-105-oci-basics-ex-biglaw-recruiter/)
- Podcast Episode 130: How to Make Difficult Decisions in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-130-how-to-make-difficult-decisions-in-law-school/)
- Podcast Episode 131: Thinking Ahead About the Future (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-131-thinking-ahead-about-the-future/)
Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Episode-132-Whats-It-Like-to-Work-in-BigLaw-with-Sadie-Jones.pdf)
If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/).
Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee
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