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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]A few comments from a biglaw partner:

- There are associates who understand the game, and there are associates who don't.  Those who complain, lament, etc typically don't understand the game, and are unlikely to make partner. 
- There is no reason an associate should be less than 95% efficiency for a 50 hour week (barring lack of work). The people listing things like bathroom as a cut into their hours.... are exactly the people mentioned in my first bullet as not being able to play the game. Associates don't have bills to review, pitches to participate in, etc. CLEs? You do PLI on your computer while you're working on something else billable. You want to do a lot of pro bono? That's on you (no other industry pays people for doing charity work not consistent with the company's mission!).  I agree associates should be doing articles, but that is probably once a quarter and perfectly designed for a quiet Sunday afternoon (or a lull in billable work). I promise you no one ever made partner on a 37/50 hour efficiency as an associate (though a few years after you make partner, your efficiency definitely goes way down)  
- Very sad about OP's grandparent. But can we ask an honest question..... why did OP take 3 full days off work for a grandparent funeral? Doesn't that seem weird in biglaw? While 3 days of bereavement seems extremely short on paper, for practical purposes it seems weird you wouldn't have a LOT of downtime. 
- I think OP's evaluator was sending a strong message that they think OP isn't valuable. Read between the lines and be looking for a backup plan.

The above sounds super harsh, which is really funny because I'm actually an incredibly balanced normal partner. I was part time for years, I don't typically work weekends, and work almost entirely from home. The beauty of biglaw is that the work arrangement is exceptionally transparent: You need to bill enough to be financially worthwhile to the firm. And if you do so, you won't be fired and you will be paid a LOT of money. Those who succeed aren't necessarily the ones putting in the longest days - they're typically the ones who figure out the system in the most efficient manner. They definitely aren't the ones complaining about their bereavement leave not counting towards bonus requirements.

It's funny timing because I actually spent the last 2 days completely flat on my back from a kidney infection. I was entirely incapacitated and sleeping nonstop - couldn't even send a text, so I sure as shit wasn't working. Reality is that I understand that means I have to make up some time this weekend. I'm not thrilled about it, but I make literally 10 times what all my girlfriends make in non legal jobs. I think I can suck up 5 hours on Sunday night....[/quote]

Bullshit. 95% efficiency is not possible if you're billing ethically and legally. [/quote]

It absolutely is if you cut out the bullshit stuff filling your day. [/quote]

No, it's not. You can't bill for taking a piss. You can't bill for drinking coffee. You can't bill for time entry. You can't bill for reading conflict checks. You can't bill for taking time to read legal and business news. You can't bill for recruiting. It goes on and on. [/quote]

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