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[quote=Anonymous]As a former biglaw litigating dad, who also knows many biglaw litigating moms, I have read most of the replies on the thread and have a strange reaction.

On the one hand, a lot of the responses paint a really bleak picture -- as though it's impossible to thrive in biglaw while being an attentive parent.  This does not comport with my experience.

On the other hand, it's also not an easy balance to strike.  And, while it can work for some people at some firms, it definitely doesn't work for everyone.

I think the only practical advice I can give OP is:

1. I think you need to work on your billing efficiency.  It's not easy and takes awhile to get the hang of it (especially as a first-year), but you have room for improvement.  If you're working long days and not taking vacations, 1800 really shouldn't be that huge of a struggle.  700 hours of non-billable work is a lot.  Too much.  My guess is you are saying yes to too much non-billable tasks, or else you are spending too much time on those tasks.  I think 300-400 is a more reasonable range for non-billable work for a junior.  Note, senior attorneys and partners have more, not less, non-billable commitments.  As a junior, your focus should be billing billing billing.

So -- the point is, you have to work smarter and more efficiently.

2. That said, your situation may not be as dire as you fear.  You are not likely to be fired as a first year for billing 1800.  If you are truly doing "good work" as you say, I would say your job is not in jeopardy at all at 1800.   In particular, there is usually a grace period and some leniency given to first-year associates.  It won't get you a bonus, and in the long term it's not going to put you on partnership track if you keep logging 1800s, but at those hours you are in a "safe" grey area.  Too profitable to be fired, not profitable enough to be promoted.  (Of course, that changes if the firm or practice group goes through a dry spell -- you'd be the first one fired in that case.)

So, the point is, don't panic.  You still got this. (If you want it).

3. Think strategically about your career options and exit plans.  This part involves some introspection.  What do you want in life? Look around you, are there any partners or senior attorneys whose career you want?  Is there anyone who can be a mentor or coach for you?  If you look around and you see miserable people living a life you don't want, then think about how you should step off of the path that leads to where they are.  What do you want to do, if you could do anything?  Do you really want to work for the govt, or is that just something you're trying because you think it's a golden ticket?  That grass is greener attitude is what got you in this mess to begin with.  Start aiming your ship towards something you actually want to do.

So, the point is -- You are probably better off if you can stick it out at the firm for a couple years.  But, you should start thinking about building the life you want to lead.

Good luck![/quote]

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