Yes, They Have Been Forewarned, But No Way Can They Anticipate How It Will Actually "Feel" Over Time - The Lawyers in London

Compassion is in short supply when it comes to well-paid lawyers in London lamenting the horrific hours, along with the pressure of deadlines and the high performance standards.

On March 10th, an article in the Telegraph detailed much of that. The consequences include deaths which seem associated with the extreme overwork and the angst. (In the US there was the suicide by Sidley Austin partner Gabe MacConaill which some attributed to too much work with inadequate support from the firm.)

Those lawyers who decry conditions, goes the flippant attitude, had been forewarned. The article even notes that Quinn Emanuel makes explicit the long hours expected. And, hell, they are paid jolly well, right. Stop the complaining. 

The problem with that, though, is that the warnings register in their head. That's separate from the real-life daily limitations of a human being. Since most of them haven't any sustained experience with that kind of situation they don't know how that will actually "feel." Especially since it is to be the normal for years or even an entire career. There is the joke that lawyers signing up for a "tour of duty" in the Magic Circle or those of US-based firms will never leave their desks. 

They might assume that because they pulled plenty of all-nighters in law school or worked through crises at a less demanding legal setting they know what they are getting into. But they don't. Not until extreme endurance is called upon as the usual, often seven days a week.  And, even when not working there might not be any relief. One lawyer interviewed in the article admitted that when socializing off-the-job "you're not present." Instead there is a preoccupation with work. Likely that might be necessary to complete the complex tasks, on deadline.  

Given the growing number of questions on professional anonymous networks right now about being hired for the London Big Law market, the warnings about near-impossibility of the work load obviously are being ignored. That interest probably will keep increasing with all the buzz about the lateral wars such as the multiple shoot-outs between Kirkland & Ellis and Paul, Weiss. What they might see for themselves is eventually becoming a high-value commodity who will be chased with money. What a high to look forward to. 

In my coaching I have never encountered an ambitious professional who had reservations about human limitations. They were determined "not to let anything get in the way."

RollonFridays, a UK tabloid on the legal sector, provides ratings of the cultures of  UK law firms, from best to worst.  RollonFriday is analogous to US Abovethelaw for the lowdown on the UK law-firm scene.  As its name indicates, what's new is announced on Fridays.

2024. You can transform the craziness of this time into unique opportunity. Jane Genova provides you with intuitive career coaching, Tarot readings and related communications. Complimentary confidential consultation. (For appointment text/phone 203-468-8579 or email janegenova374@gmail.com)

Meanwhile, please get to know me:

https://tarotreadingsforcareers.blogspot.com/

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