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CaseyGirl
Mommy to 3 Boys :)
Member since 5/05 19978 total posts
Name:
Jen - counting my blessings...
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What's it like to work in a law firm?
Is it always super formal? Are all lawyers demanding?
thanks 
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Posted 5/30/06 2:14 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
I worked in a law firm for 18 months and I would never do it again. That's just me though.
Bad experience overall.
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| Posted 5/30/06 2:15 PM |
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nylisa
My Children
Member since 5/05 7905 total posts
Name:
MaMa
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
I have worked for the same law firm as a legal secretary for the last 7 years and things have changed over the years. Right now, the dress code is business casual. There are certain lawyers that are more busier than others.
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| Posted 5/30/06 2:16 PM |
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
My sister did and she was okay.....(not as insane as she was when she worked for a liquor distributor!) And formal she wasnt. She looked like she was on her way to the gym everyday.
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| Posted 5/30/06 2:16 PM |
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hazeleyes33
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 13060 total posts
Name:
Ginger
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
My mom did, on Long Island many many years ago and she hated it.
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| Posted 5/30/06 2:17 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
I'm an attorney - a young associate at a very small litigation firm. I've heard nightmare stories from friends/family who have worked in large firms, but I absolutely LOVE and ADORE where I work. All of the attorneys leave the office by 5:30pm, no one is around before 9am, they are extremely laid back and friendly (though we are being acquired by a large firm in a month, so I may be changing my tune shortly). I really think it all depends on the firm, and the specific person you work for. In every field you're going to find jack-arses...
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| Posted 5/30/06 2:18 PM |
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dpli
Daylight savings :)
Member since 5/05 13973 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
I think it depends on the firm. I worked for attorneys when I was a student, doing clerical and typing work. One office I was in was pretty formal, the other pretty relaxed, but both were private practices. It could get very stressful around filing deadlines and trial preparation. It wasn't really my favorite job, but they paid better than other part time jobs I was able to get.
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| Posted 5/30/06 2:18 PM |
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baghag
:P
Member since 5/05 10278 total posts
Name:
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
In what capacity? Secretarial? The admin staff I knew that worked for law firms were generally very busy, very underpaid and treated like dirt. A bunch of them said they would never, ever go back to it.
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| Posted 5/30/06 2:18 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
My sister worked for a couple of law firms but it just was not for her. She now works for a broker.
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| Posted 5/30/06 2:19 PM |
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Lisa
I'm a PANK!!!
Member since 5/05 22334 total posts
Name:
Professional Aunts No Kids
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
I work for one now...Im here almost 4 years and I have always worked at either a bank or investment firms so a law firm doesnt seem much different. Some people are more formal than others and some are very casual.
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| Posted 5/30/06 2:19 PM |
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ODonnell
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Member since 9/05 5983 total posts
Name:
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
I work in the legal department of a corporation. My boss is GC and I deal with lawyers every day. They can be quirky and kind of dry, but for the most part they are very friendly and easy to deal with. We have dress-down Fridays but I notice that most attorneys who visit us dress in suits or business dress every day.
I think I would probably like working in a law firm, but I love where I am now too much to ever leave.
To answer your question - Demanding? YES! I think most of the people I deal with are very highly intelligent and they just expect everyone else around them to be on the same level.
Message edited 5/30/2006 2:24:09 PM.
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| Posted 5/30/06 2:21 PM |
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Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
I have to add, now I work in an investment bank and deal with lawyers everyday. They are great. I think that there is a big difference between the law firm and the lawyers that work in the corporate world.
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| Posted 5/30/06 2:28 PM |
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CaseyGirl
Mommy to 3 Boys :)
Member since 5/05 19978 total posts
Name:
Jen - counting my blessings...
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
Just wondering because I got called for an interview, HR Manager at a law firm 10 min from my house. Don't want to go from horrible job to nightmare job, lol. 
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| Posted 5/30/06 2:30 PM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
I worked in a law firm & loved it. I'd say it definitely depends on the firm. There are places you wouldn't walk down the hall without putting on your suit jacket.
One thing I would find out is which field of law they practice. If it's employment law, I would make sure I knew the latest rulings & incorporate them into conversation.
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| Posted 5/30/06 2:36 PM |
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casey31
Mommy of 3!
Member since 5/05 2967 total posts
Name:
Mommy to two boys and a girl
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
Jen- I worked as an HR generalist in a HUGE law firm in Manhattan for three years. The lawyers were very demanding but it was fine because the HR department and my supervisor was great. Also, pay and benefits could not be beat!
It was good because I learned SO much about HR in general- the environment was extremely professional and they highly encouraged continuing education.
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| Posted 5/30/06 2:36 PM |
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Kathy116
Hey baby!
Member since 6/05 1855 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
I'm an attorney...and I'd have to say each experience is different depending on the law firm.
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| Posted 5/30/06 2:38 PM |
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ChristineR
New Year, New Beginnings!
Member since 5/05 2083 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
I worked for divorce attorneys for 2 1/2 years, they WERE NOT laid back. They wanted business attire everyday. It depends on where the firm is. This firm was on LI, not in the city.
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| Posted 5/30/06 2:43 PM |
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FeliciaDP
♥
Member since 5/05 18599 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
Posted by nylisa
I have worked for the same law firm as a legal secretary for the last 7 years and things have changed over the years. Right now, the dress code is business casual. There are certain lawyers that are more busier than others.
I agree with this -
Some firms are very very ultra professional and stuffy, others more laid back. In NYC, it really depends on the size and the reputation on how a firm is. Some firms are fabulous to their staff, other firms you could not triple my salary to get me to work there -- (I've always worked for lawfirms in NYC so I have no basis for comparison)
I've worked in lawfirms for over 15 yrs now as a legal secretary. My current firm is somewhere in between. I only stay here because I have a fabulous boss who is one of the 'good guys' (even in his high powered position) and I followed him here from our old firm when our practice moved over here. He is great, the firm not so great (it has a great reputation, just a little stuffier than I'd like though we do have business casual all yr round which is cool).
I will say also that NYC law firms generally pay VERY well. Benefits, well they leave a bit to be desired though I do get 4 wks vacation plus sick days so that is a nice perk too. I know I could not make near what I'm making in the 'burbs, nor as a secretary/admin. assistant in-house or in any other field probably.
My old firm was simply WONDERFUL - I still miss it!!  But once my boss left, there was no spot for me so that was that!
I also agree that working for attorneys 'inhouse' at a corporation is a much diff environment ...
As in any industry, there are good and bad the comprise the office you work in. I was very good friends with the HR direct at my last firm and she was quite happy in her position (and VERY well paid I might add) So I think its a good opportunity perhaps for you to pursue -
Good luck!!
Message edited 5/30/2006 3:00:56 PM.
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| Posted 5/30/06 2:59 PM |
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MrsPorkChop
Twinning!!
Member since 5/05 9941 total posts
Name:
Missy
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
my husbands firm hires admin and they quit after a couple days...its THAT bad in his firm
i also know people that LOVE working in law firms
its all about the pay, the environment and how much help you and the associates have
if they have paralegals that is a good sign
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| Posted 5/30/06 3:04 PM |
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CaseyGirl
Mommy to 3 Boys :)
Member since 5/05 19978 total posts
Name:
Jen - counting my blessings...
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
Posted by casey31
Jen- I worked as an HR generalist in a HUGE law firm in Manhattan for three years. The lawyers were very demanding but it was fine because the HR department and my supervisor was great. Also, pay and benefits could not be beat!
It was good because I learned SO much about HR in general- the environment was extremely professional and they highly encouraged continuing education.
I will find out more when I go to the interview but why do I get the feeling I would be the one and only HR person there? Ahh! There are 28 attorneys in the office. It's in NJ.
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| Posted 5/30/06 3:22 PM |
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IluvBo
NICKY & EVIE
Member since 6/05 3321 total posts
Name:
Rose
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
I did once and quit after 3 months and the guy I was working for said "YOU CAN'T DO THAT TO ME!" I gave him 2 weeks notice and that was it. I would never work for a law firm again! Horrible, horrible experience.
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| Posted 5/30/06 3:32 PM |
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kriss2c
LIF Toddler
Member since 5/05 416 total posts
Name:
Kristen
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
I've been a legal secretary for 10 years. I've worked mostly in smaller law firms in the 'burbs. In the past two to three years I have worked in NYC at the larger firms.
I have to say the larger firms, while the attorneys have more of the hot head personalities, are better run than the smaller ones.
The smaller firms just tend to be more micro-managed, IMO.
Best of luck on the interview.
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| Posted 5/30/06 4:11 PM |
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MrsS2005
Mom of 3
Member since 11/05 13118 total posts
Name:
B
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Re: What's it like to work in a law firm?
Posted by MrsTC
Posted by casey31
Jen- I worked as an HR generalist in a HUGE law firm in Manhattan for three years. The lawyers were very demanding but it was fine because the HR department and my supervisor was great. Also, pay and benefits could not be beat!
It was good because I learned SO much about HR in general- the environment was extremely professional and they highly encouraged continuing education.
I will find out more when I go to the interview but why do I get the feeling I would be the one and only HR person there? Ahh! There are 28 attorneys in the office. It's in NJ.
I think working in HR in a law firm is very different than working as a legal secretary. In my firm, the HR employee is treated much better than the admins. I think your experience will depend on the firm and the type of work you're expected to do.
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| Posted 5/30/06 4:48 PM |
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