Experiences of Big Law Newbie

Trials (ha) and tribulations of a freshly minted lawyer in big law

[nicolauda]

i’m on twitter

[biglawnewbie]

"Discussions"

Partner: Let's discuss what the best course of action for you to take will be.

Me: (smiling) Of course.

Me: (internally)

[biglawnewbie]

This morning I woke up and realized that the reception on my phone had been turned off since 6 p.m. yesterday when I left the office.

[biglawnewbie]

Making plans on weeknights

So I know that it's a weeknight and I really shouldn't have made plans, but...it's been really quiet today, so I shouldn't have any problems, I should totally be able to sneak out, right?

[biglawnewbie]

Some Mondays I don't make it to work quite on time

Getting out of bed can be more of a challenge than I am equipped to deal with.

[biglawnewbie]

Working Out

I am really trying to enforce my new year's resolution to work out more (work out at all), but after a long day, when I put on my workout clothes and try to go for a jog, my heart doesn't seem quite into it....

[biglawnewbie]

Do you have time?

How I wish I could respond:

[biglawnewbie]

Soulless as a lawyer

My new standard response when people ask me, "You're going into big law? Ready to give up your soul?"

[biglawnewbie]

How many hours?

I just found out how many hours one of my fellow first years worked last month. There's no way that anyone can be human and work that many hours.

But seriously, they can't be normal....

[biglawnewbie]

Closing a deal for the first time

My reaction:

[biglawnewbie]

Sure, why not?

You think that an officer's certificate may work for both the agreement and the backup legal opinion? Sure, why not? (I'm not going to argue with less work...)

[biglawnewbie]

Monday Mornings

That 7:30 a.m. conference call on Monday morning? So happy to be a part of it....

[biglawnewbie]

Friday Night

Without fail, every Friday night, I have pretty much the same attitude...

[biglawnewbie]

False Confidence

See, I try to say everything confidently even when I have no idea what I'm talking about. However, I'm pretty sure that it entirely comes out like:

[biglawnewbie]

I Am Honored

You actually specifically want me to be a part of your team?!

[biglawnewbie]

Deal closing

The wires just went out and my first deal officially closed!

[biglawnewbie]

The best part about being a first year?

That it is totally ok my most common reaction to anyone asking me a question is: