SEC attorney hours

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Attorneys who work for very large law firms in mergers and acquisitions are expected to be on call at all times for emergency fire drills. Some have even been called back to the office during their honeymoons.

Working as an attorney for the federal government is considered to be a cushy job.

I am a federal litigator in a different agency and this is why I agreed to half the salary I could have gotten at a firm. There are some nights/weekends, but “my kid has a school play” is an acceptable reason to reschedule an internal meeting.

I’ve never heard of an SEC staff atty working nights or weekends. Unless they’re extremely disorganized or poor planners.

Have you ever been on a rule making?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A relative of mine does this. Works longer hours than most at SEC and hard to schedule vacations. But better than a firm.

Lol. If this is true, your relative is very much an outlier. 9-5 is normal, rarely more than that.

They have to do depositions, work with trial counsel during the trial & prep, settlements. It’s not a 9-5 bullsh*t job. Less than trial counsel but more than other SEC positions.

This is FALSE. Staff attorneys don’t “have to work with trial counsel.” Once the investigation is over, trial counsel takes over ALL aspects of litigation. Obviously, the staff attorney, purely out of professional courtesy, will answer basic questions about the case file, but other than that, being on the litigating team is purely VOLUNTARY. That’s why trial counsel get paid more.

Unless you’re a sucker (doing same work for less money), very few staff attorneys are actively involved in litigation.

The investigation phase is totally flexible and the timing is 100 pct within the staff attorney’s control. Easy peasy, no stress. If a staff atty is working more than 8 hrs/day, they’re doing something very wrong.

That’s not at all what my relative describes. How can it be entirely within the investigating attorney’s control when they have to schedule interviews & depos? I also understand there is pressure to move investigations along.
Less stress than trial counsel but more stress than other jobs.

No offense, but your relative is having a very bizarre experience. He’s doing something very wrong.

Again are you an SEC investigations attorney? I’ve discussed this a lot with them and it seems like a pretty normal expectation for government investigations. I’m confused at how you think an attorney who does stuff like document requests, depos, interviews w targets and witnesses,
settlements, and Commission staff recommendations (all on a timeline set by bosses who want to have good case metrics) is a purely 9-5 job. No doubt it’s much much better than Biglaw litigation, but it’s a job with demands.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Attorneys who work for very large law firms in mergers and acquisitions are expected to be on call at all times for emergency fire drills. Some have even been called back to the office during their honeymoons.

Working as an attorney for the federal government is considered to be a cushy job.

I am a federal litigator in a different agency and this is why I agreed to half the salary I could have gotten at a firm. There are some nights/weekends, but “my kid has a school play” is an acceptable reason to reschedule an internal meeting.

I’ve never heard of an SEC staff atty working nights or weekends. Unless they’re extremely disorganized or poor planners.

Have you ever been on a rule making?

I think this PP must be a non-attorney or maybe a bitter Biglaw lawyer.

[Anonymous]

It definitely varies based on how much you care about the outcome of your work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wouldn't people rather make double in private sector? Or are the hours too much that SEC is better fit overall?

The SEC positions are a lot per hour salary wise on top of other benefits a lot of firms don’t offer (e.g., 8% 401k match, lower health insurance costs). It’s also not a bad place to go if you need better WLB for a little before going to back to firm life.

[Anonymous]

OP, are you considering an offer? If so, do you mind sharing your interview/offer timeline generally?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A relative of mine does this. Works longer hours than most at SEC and hard to schedule vacations. But better than a firm.

Lol. If this is true, your relative is very much an outlier. 9-5 is normal, rarely more than that.

They have to do depositions, work with trial counsel during the trial & prep, settlements. It’s not a 9-5 bullsh*t job. Less than trial counsel but more than other SEC positions.

This is FALSE. Staff attorneys don’t “have to work with trial counsel.” Once the investigation is over, trial counsel takes over ALL aspects of litigation. Obviously, the staff attorney, purely out of professional courtesy, will answer basic questions about the case file, but other than that, being on the litigating team is purely VOLUNTARY. That’s why trial counsel get paid more.

Unless you’re a sucker (doing same work for less money), very few staff attorneys are actively involved in litigation.

The investigation phase is totally flexible and the timing is 100 pct within the staff attorney’s control. Easy peasy, no stress. If a staff atty is working more than 8 hrs/day, they’re doing something very wrong.

That’s not at all what my relative describes. How can it be entirely within the investigating attorney’s control when they have to schedule interviews & depos? I also understand there is pressure to move investigations along.
Less stress than trial counsel but more stress than other jobs.

No offense, but your relative is having a very bizarre experience. He’s doing something very wrong.

Again are you an SEC investigations attorney? I’ve discussed this a lot with them and it seems like a pretty normal expectation for government investigations. I’m confused at how you think an attorney who does stuff like document requests, depos, interviews w targets and witnesses,
settlements, and Commission staff recommendations (all on a timeline set by bosses who want to have good case metrics) is a purely 9-5 job. No doubt it’s much much better than Biglaw litigation, but it’s a job with demands.

Ask your “relative” how long an average investigation takes and whether there are any formal deadlines (beyond the 5-year statute of limitations, which itself is often extended via agreement). Based on that, let me know whether you genuinely think staff attorneys are working weekends and nights.

No doubt some attorneys impose deadlines on THEMSELVES — either bc they’re gunners or bc they screwed up by letting something fall through the cracks and now need to play catch-up. But a smart, organized professional who has any semblance of common sense can EASILY get their work done in less than 40 hours per a week AND also be considered a strong performer. Anyone who tells you otherwise is misrepresenting the normal situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Attorneys who work for very large law firms in mergers and acquisitions are expected to be on call at all times for emergency fire drills. Some have even been called back to the office during their honeymoons.

Working as an attorney for the federal government is considered to be a cushy job.

I am a federal litigator in a different agency and this is why I agreed to half the salary I could have gotten at a firm. There are some nights/weekends, but “my kid has a school play” is an acceptable reason to reschedule an internal meeting.

I’ve never heard of an SEC staff atty working nights or weekends. Unless they’re extremely disorganized or poor planners.

Have you ever been on a rule making?

Lol. Too bad investigative attorneys have NO ROLE WHATSOEVER with rule making, so it’s totally irrelevant to this discussion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A relative of mine does this. Works longer hours than most at SEC and hard to schedule vacations. But better than a firm.

Lol. If this is true, your relative is very much an outlier. 9-5 is normal, rarely more than that.

They have to do depositions, work with trial counsel during the trial & prep, settlements. It’s not a 9-5 bullsh*t job. Less than trial counsel but more than other SEC positions.

This is FALSE. Staff attorneys don’t “have to work with trial counsel.” Once the investigation is over, trial counsel takes over ALL aspects of litigation. Obviously, the staff attorney, purely out of professional courtesy, will answer basic questions about the case file, but other than that, being on the litigating team is purely VOLUNTARY. That’s why trial counsel get paid more.

Unless you’re a sucker (doing same work for less money), very few staff attorneys are actively involved in litigation.

The investigation phase is totally flexible and the timing is 100 pct within the staff attorney’s control. Easy peasy, no stress. If a staff atty is working more than 8 hrs/day, they’re doing something very wrong.

That’s not at all what my relative describes. How can it be entirely within the investigating attorney’s control when they have to schedule interviews & depos? I also understand there is pressure to move investigations along.
Less stress than trial counsel but more stress than other jobs.

No offense, but your relative is having a very bizarre experience. He’s doing something very wrong.

Again are you an SEC investigations attorney? I’ve discussed this a lot with them and it seems like a pretty normal expectation for government investigations. I’m confused at how you think an attorney who does stuff like document requests, depos, interviews w targets and witnesses,
settlements, and Commission staff recommendations (all on a timeline set by bosses who want to have good case metrics) is a purely 9-5 job. No doubt it’s much much better than Biglaw litigation, but it’s a job with demands.

Ask your “relative” how long an average investigation takes and whether there are any formal deadlines (beyond the 5-year statute of limitations, which itself is often extended via agreement). Based on that, let me know whether you genuinely think staff attorneys are working weekends and nights.

No doubt some attorneys impose deadlines on THEMSELVES — either bc they’re gunners or bc they screwed up by letting something fall through the cracks and now need to play catch-up. But a smart, organized professional who has any semblance of common sense can EASILY get their work done in less than 40 hours per a week AND also be considered a strong performer. Anyone who tells you otherwise is misrepresenting the normal situation.

I mean, even negotiating a tolling agreement is a multistep process a staff attorney doesn’t control. But sure, they’re all “gunners.” I think you must be a white collar defense cog bitter that your opposing counsel at SEC are smarter than you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A relative of mine does this. Works longer hours than most at SEC and hard to schedule vacations. But better than a firm.

Lol. If this is true, your relative is very much an outlier. 9-5 is normal, rarely more than that.

They have to do depositions, work with trial counsel during the trial & prep, settlements. It’s not a 9-5 bullsh*t job. Less than trial counsel but more than other SEC positions.

This is FALSE. Staff attorneys don’t “have to work with trial counsel.” Once the investigation is over, trial counsel takes over ALL aspects of litigation. Obviously, the staff attorney, purely out of professional courtesy, will answer basic questions about the case file, but other than that, being on the litigating team is purely VOLUNTARY. That’s why trial counsel get paid more.

Unless you’re a sucker (doing same work for less money), very few staff attorneys are actively involved in litigation.

The investigation phase is totally flexible and the timing is 100 pct within the staff attorney’s control. Easy peasy, no stress. If a staff atty is working more than 8 hrs/day, they’re doing something very wrong.

That’s not at all what my relative describes. How can it be entirely within the investigating attorney’s control when they have to schedule interviews & depos? I also understand there is pressure to move investigations along.
Less stress than trial counsel but more stress than other jobs.

No offense, but your relative is having a very bizarre experience. He’s doing something very wrong.

Again are you an SEC investigations attorney? I’ve discussed this a lot with them and it seems like a pretty normal expectation for government investigations. I’m confused at how you think an attorney who does stuff like document requests, depos, interviews w targets and witnesses,
settlements, and Commission staff recommendations (all on a timeline set by bosses who want to have good case metrics) is a purely 9-5 job. No doubt it’s much much better than Biglaw litigation, but it’s a job with demands.

Ask your “relative” how long an average investigation takes and whether there are any formal deadlines (beyond the 5-year statute of limitations, which itself is often extended via agreement). Based on that, let me know whether you genuinely think staff attorneys are working weekends and nights.

No doubt some attorneys impose deadlines on THEMSELVES — either bc they’re gunners or bc they screwed up by letting something fall through the cracks and now need to play catch-up. But a smart, organized professional who has any semblance of common sense can EASILY get their work done in less than 40 hours per a week AND also be considered a strong performer. Anyone who tells you otherwise is misrepresenting the normal situation.

I mean, even negotiating a tolling agreement is a multistep process a staff attorney doesn’t control. But sure, they’re all “gunners.” I think you must be a white collar defense cog bitter that your opposing counsel at SEC are smarter than you.

You got me. Everyone works all weekend or till midnight negotiating tolling agreements that they knew were necessary months/years ago.

Actually, sarcasm aside, in fairness, there probably are people who do that. They’re the same people who have zero planning/executive skills and who constantly are trying to put out avoidable fires that they caused by their failure to think more than 2 days ahead. But most attorneys at the SEC aren’t like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A relative of mine does this. Works longer hours than most at SEC and hard to schedule vacations. But better than a firm.

Lol. If this is true, your relative is very much an outlier. 9-5 is normal, rarely more than that.

They have to do depositions, work with trial counsel during the trial & prep, settlements. It’s not a 9-5 bullsh*t job. Less than trial counsel but more than other SEC positions.

This is FALSE. Staff attorneys don’t “have to work with trial counsel.” Once the investigation is over, trial counsel takes over ALL aspects of litigation. Obviously, the staff attorney, purely out of professional courtesy, will answer basic questions about the case file, but other than that, being on the litigating team is purely VOLUNTARY. That’s why trial counsel get paid more.

Unless you’re a sucker (doing same work for less money), very few staff attorneys are actively involved in litigation.

The investigation phase is totally flexible and the timing is 100 pct within the staff attorney’s control. Easy peasy, no stress. If a staff atty is working more than 8 hrs/day, they’re doing something very wrong.

That’s not at all what my relative describes. How can it be entirely within the investigating attorney’s control when they have to schedule interviews & depos? I also understand there is pressure to move investigations along.
Less stress than trial counsel but more stress than other jobs.

No offense, but your relative is having a very bizarre experience. He’s doing something very wrong.

Again are you an SEC investigations attorney? I’ve discussed this a lot with them and it seems like a pretty normal expectation for government investigations. I’m confused at how you think an attorney who does stuff like document requests, depos, interviews w targets and witnesses,
settlements, and Commission staff recommendations (all on a timeline set by bosses who want to have good case metrics) is a purely 9-5 job. No doubt it’s much much better than Biglaw litigation, but it’s a job with demands.

Ask your “relative” how long an average investigation takes and whether there are any formal deadlines (beyond the 5-year statute of limitations, which itself is often extended via agreement). Based on that, let me know whether you genuinely think staff attorneys are working weekends and nights.

No doubt some attorneys impose deadlines on THEMSELVES — either bc they’re gunners or bc they screwed up by letting something fall through the cracks and now need to play catch-up. But a smart, organized professional who has any semblance of common sense can EASILY get their work done in less than 40 hours per a week AND also be considered a strong performer. Anyone who tells you otherwise is misrepresenting the normal situation.

As a former Enforcement attorney, I can confidently state that you are ill-informed. At any given moment, an attorney is almost certainly juggling multiple matters at various stages; some in their initial stages of investigation, some requiring substantial amounts of data collection and analysis, etc., plus they may have others being actively litigated. On top of that, there are also the pressing, high-profile matters that come in every now and then--the type that agency leadership wants dealt with immediately. I did not have to work nights or weekends anywhere near the frequency I did in private practice, but I did when the job called for it...and it does occasionally call for it. I knew plenty of star performers in my time. None of them were EASILY getting their work done in less than 40 hours per week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A relative of mine does this. Works longer hours than most at SEC and hard to schedule vacations. But better than a firm.

Lol. If this is true, your relative is very much an outlier. 9-5 is normal, rarely more than that.

They have to do depositions, work with trial counsel during the trial & prep, settlements. It’s not a 9-5 bullsh*t job. Less than trial counsel but more than other SEC positions.

This is FALSE. Staff attorneys don’t “have to work with trial counsel.” Once the investigation is over, trial counsel takes over ALL aspects of litigation. Obviously, the staff attorney, purely out of professional courtesy, will answer basic questions about the case file, but other than that, being on the litigating team is purely VOLUNTARY. That’s why trial counsel get paid more.

Unless you’re a sucker (doing same work for less money), very few staff attorneys are actively involved in litigation.

The investigation phase is totally flexible and the timing is 100 pct within the staff attorney’s control. Easy peasy, no stress. If a staff atty is working more than 8 hrs/day, they’re doing something very wrong.

That’s not at all what my relative describes. How can it be entirely within the investigating attorney’s control when they have to schedule interviews & depos? I also understand there is pressure to move investigations along.
Less stress than trial counsel but more stress than other jobs.

No offense, but your relative is having a very bizarre experience. He’s doing something very wrong.

Again are you an SEC investigations attorney? I’ve discussed this a lot with them and it seems like a pretty normal expectation for government investigations. I’m confused at how you think an attorney who does stuff like document requests, depos, interviews w targets and witnesses,
settlements, and Commission staff recommendations (all on a timeline set by bosses who want to have good case metrics) is a purely 9-5 job. No doubt it’s much much better than Biglaw litigation, but it’s a job with demands.

Ask your “relative” how long an average investigation takes and whether there are any formal deadlines (beyond the 5-year statute of limitations, which itself is often extended via agreement). Based on that, let me know whether you genuinely think staff attorneys are working weekends and nights.

No doubt some attorneys impose deadlines on THEMSELVES — either bc they’re gunners or bc they screwed up by letting something fall through the cracks and now need to play catch-up. But a smart, organized professional who has any semblance of common sense can EASILY get their work done in less than 40 hours per a week AND also be considered a strong performer. Anyone who tells you otherwise is misrepresenting the normal situation.

As a former Enforcement attorney, I can confidently state that you are ill-informed. At any given moment, an attorney is almost certainly juggling multiple matters at various stages; some in their initial stages of investigation, some requiring substantial amounts of data collection and analysis, etc., plus they may have others being actively litigated. On top of that, there are also the pressing, high-profile matters that come in every now and then--the type that agency leadership wants dealt with immediately. I did not have to work nights or weekends anywhere near the frequency I did in private practice, but I did when the job called for it...and it does occasionally call for it. I knew plenty of star performers in my time. None of them were EASILY getting their work done in less than 40 hours per week.

Exactly. Even non-FINREG attorney-advisors have to work long hours occasionally. Indeed, all senior-level (gs-14 and higher) federal employees are likely to have to work late or work a weekend here and there. Very rare, but not unheard of. And SES definitely does. Being a federal attorney is a great gig, I love it, and it is definitely not very high stress. But sometimes doing what you've got to do to get things done is just....life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A relative of mine does this. Works longer hours than most at SEC and hard to schedule vacations. But better than a firm.

Lol. If this is true, your relative is very much an outlier. 9-5 is normal, rarely more than that.

They have to do depositions, work with trial counsel during the trial & prep, settlements. It’s not a 9-5 bullsh*t job. Less than trial counsel but more than other SEC positions.

This is FALSE. Staff attorneys don’t “have to work with trial counsel.” Once the investigation is over, trial counsel takes over ALL aspects of litigation. Obviously, the staff attorney, purely out of professional courtesy, will answer basic questions about the case file, but other than that, being on the litigating team is purely VOLUNTARY. That’s why trial counsel get paid more.

Unless you’re a sucker (doing same work for less money), very few staff attorneys are actively involved in litigation.

The investigation phase is totally flexible and the timing is 100 pct within the staff attorney’s control. Easy peasy, no stress. If a staff atty is working more than 8 hrs/day, they’re doing something very wrong.

That’s not at all what my relative describes. How can it be entirely within the investigating attorney’s control when they have to schedule interviews & depos? I also understand there is pressure to move investigations along.
Less stress than trial counsel but more stress than other jobs.

No offense, but your relative is having a very bizarre experience. He’s doing something very wrong.

Again are you an SEC investigations attorney? I’ve discussed this a lot with them and it seems like a pretty normal expectation for government investigations. I’m confused at how you think an attorney who does stuff like document requests, depos, interviews w targets and witnesses,
settlements, and Commission staff recommendations (all on a timeline set by bosses who want to have good case metrics) is a purely 9-5 job. No doubt it’s much much better than Biglaw litigation, but it’s a job with demands.

Ask your “relative” how long an average investigation takes and whether there are any formal deadlines (beyond the 5-year statute of limitations, which itself is often extended via agreement). Based on that, let me know whether you genuinely think staff attorneys are working weekends and nights.

No doubt some attorneys impose deadlines on THEMSELVES — either bc they’re gunners or bc they screwed up by letting something fall through the cracks and now need to play catch-up. But a smart, organized professional who has any semblance of common sense can EASILY get their work done in less than 40 hours per a week AND also be considered a strong performer. Anyone who tells you otherwise is misrepresenting the normal situation.

As a former Enforcement attorney, I can confidently state that you are ill-informed. At any given moment, an attorney is almost certainly juggling multiple matters at various stages; some in their initial stages of investigation, some requiring substantial amounts of data collection and analysis, etc., plus they may have others being actively litigated. On top of that, there are also the pressing, high-profile matters that come in every now and then--the type that agency leadership wants dealt with immediately. I did not have to work nights or weekends anywhere near the frequency I did in private practice, but I did when the job called for it...and it does occasionally call for it. I knew plenty of star performers in my time. None of them were EASILY getting their work done in less than 40 hours per week.

Experience could be outdated 20 plus years old. Worked late and every weekend. Promted twice in five years then to Biglaw and partner a couple of years later. You find all types -- some who do not do 30 hours a week of work and others trying to build a name.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A relative of mine does this. Works longer hours than most at SEC and hard to schedule vacations. But better than a firm.

Lol. If this is true, your relative is very much an outlier. 9-5 is normal, rarely more than that.

They have to do depositions, work with trial counsel during the trial & prep, settlements. It’s not a 9-5 bullsh*t job. Less than trial counsel but more than other SEC positions.

This is FALSE. Staff attorneys don’t “have to work with trial counsel.” Once the investigation is over, trial counsel takes over ALL aspects of litigation. Obviously, the staff attorney, purely out of professional courtesy, will answer basic questions about the case file, but other than that, being on the litigating team is purely VOLUNTARY. That’s why trial counsel get paid more.

Unless you’re a sucker (doing same work for less money), very few staff attorneys are actively involved in litigation.

The investigation phase is totally flexible and the timing is 100 pct within the staff attorney’s control. Easy peasy, no stress. If a staff atty is working more than 8 hrs/day, they’re doing something very wrong.

That’s not at all what my relative describes. How can it be entirely within the investigating attorney’s control when they have to schedule interviews & depos? I also understand there is pressure to move investigations along.
Less stress than trial counsel but more stress than other jobs.

No offense, but your relative is having a very bizarre experience. He’s doing something very wrong.

Again are you an SEC investigations attorney? I’ve discussed this a lot with them and it seems like a pretty normal expectation for government investigations. I’m confused at how you think an attorney who does stuff like document requests, depos, interviews w targets and witnesses,
settlements, and Commission staff recommendations (all on a timeline set by bosses who want to have good case metrics) is a purely 9-5 job. No doubt it’s much much better than Biglaw litigation, but it’s a job with demands.

Ask your “relative” how long an average investigation takes and whether there are any formal deadlines (beyond the 5-year statute of limitations, which itself is often extended via agreement). Based on that, let me know whether you genuinely think staff attorneys are working weekends and nights.

No doubt some attorneys impose deadlines on THEMSELVES — either bc they’re gunners or bc they screwed up by letting something fall through the cracks and now need to play catch-up. But a smart, organized professional who has any semblance of common sense can EASILY get their work done in less than 40 hours per a week AND also be considered a strong performer. Anyone who tells you otherwise is misrepresenting the normal situation.

As a former Enforcement attorney, I can confidently state that you are ill-informed. At any given moment, an attorney is almost certainly juggling multiple matters at various stages; some in their initial stages of investigation, some requiring substantial amounts of data collection and analysis, etc., plus they may have others being actively litigated. On top of that, there are also the pressing, high-profile matters that come in every now and then--the type that agency leadership wants dealt with immediately. I did not have to work nights or weekends anywhere near the frequency I did in private practice, but I did when the job called for it...and it does occasionally call for it. I knew plenty of star performers in my time. None of them were EASILY getting their work done in less than 40 hours per week.

Exactly. Even non-FINREG attorney-advisors have to work long hours occasionally. Indeed, all senior-level (gs-14 and higher) federal employees are likely to have to work late or work a weekend here and there. Very rare, but not unheard of. And SES definitely does. Being a federal attorney is a great gig, I love it, and it is definitely not very high stress. But sometimes doing what you've got to do to get things done is just....life.

Ok, so instead of speaking in trite abstract generalities, break it down for me. Give me some concrete examples of why an enforcement staff attorney would EVER HAVE TO work nights or weekends (more than once every 10 years).

TROs and litigation don’t count. Those are the responsibilities of the TRIAL lawyers, so if you choose to bust your butt on those, that’s a voluntary choice you made. It’s neither required nor expected.

Oh, btw, the agreement with the union specifically says that more than 40 hours/week aren’t required. So anyone who works more is CHOOSING to do so (probably bc they didn’t really “work” during core hours and this need to catch up).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A relative of mine does this. Works longer hours than most at SEC and hard to schedule vacations. But better than a firm.

Lol. If this is true, your relative is very much an outlier. 9-5 is normal, rarely more than that.

They have to do depositions, work with trial counsel during the trial & prep, settlements. It’s not a 9-5 bullsh*t job. Less than trial counsel but more than other SEC positions.

This is FALSE. Staff attorneys don’t “have to work with trial counsel.” Once the investigation is over, trial counsel takes over ALL aspects of litigation. Obviously, the staff attorney, purely out of professional courtesy, will answer basic questions about the case file, but other than that, being on the litigating team is purely VOLUNTARY. That’s why trial counsel get paid more.

Unless you’re a sucker (doing same work for less money), very few staff attorneys are actively involved in litigation.

The investigation phase is totally flexible and the timing is 100 pct within the staff attorney’s control. Easy peasy, no stress. If a staff atty is working more than 8 hrs/day, they’re doing something very wrong.

That’s not at all what my relative describes. How can it be entirely within the investigating attorney’s control when they have to schedule interviews & depos? I also understand there is pressure to move investigations along.
Less stress than trial counsel but more stress than other jobs.

No offense, but your relative is having a very bizarre experience. He’s doing something very wrong.

Again are you an SEC investigations attorney? I’ve discussed this a lot with them and it seems like a pretty normal expectation for government investigations. I’m confused at how you think an attorney who does stuff like document requests, depos, interviews w targets and witnesses,
settlements, and Commission staff recommendations (all on a timeline set by bosses who want to have good case metrics) is a purely 9-5 job. No doubt it’s much much better than Biglaw litigation, but it’s a job with demands.

Ask your “relative” how long an average investigation takes and whether there are any formal deadlines (beyond the 5-year statute of limitations, which itself is often extended via agreement). Based on that, let me know whether you genuinely think staff attorneys are working weekends and nights.

No doubt some attorneys impose deadlines on THEMSELVES — either bc they’re gunners or bc they screwed up by letting something fall through the cracks and now need to play catch-up. But a smart, organized professional who has any semblance of common sense can EASILY get their work done in less than 40 hours per a week AND also be considered a strong performer. Anyone who tells you otherwise is misrepresenting the normal situation.

As a former Enforcement attorney, I can confidently state that you are ill-informed. At any given moment, an attorney is almost certainly juggling multiple matters at various stages; some in their initial stages of investigation, some requiring substantial amounts of data collection and analysis, etc., plus they may have others being actively litigated. On top of that, there are also the pressing, high-profile matters that come in every now and then--the type that agency leadership wants dealt with immediately. I did not have to work nights or weekends anywhere near the frequency I did in private practice, but I did when the job called for it...and it does occasionally call for it. I knew plenty of star performers in my time. None of them were EASILY getting their work done in less than 40 hours per week.

Experience could be outdated 20 plus years old. Worked late and every weekend. Promted twice in five years then to Biglaw and partner a couple of years later. You find all types -- some who do not do 30 hours a week of work and others trying to build a name.

Interesting. Given the “plethora” of promotion opportunities in the Enf Division. Not.