What a Partner and Attorney at a Small Law Firm Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Legal Industry
John, a partner at a small law firm, reveals that the reality of legal work involves "more drudgery" than portrayed in popular media, requiring long hours and potentially impacting work-life balance, especially in the initial years. The path to a sustainable career, however, involves learning to "pick your spots" and prioritize well-being to avoid burnout, a lesson learned from working "80 hours a week" early in their career.
Work-Life Balance, Long Hours, Industry Realities, Hard Truths, Career Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
John Fricks
Partner/attorney
Small Law Firm
Cal Poly
Boston University law degree (J.D.)
Computer Science
Law
Legal
Video Highlights
1. The reality of legal work often involves more "drudgery" than depicted in popular media.
2. Balancing work and life is challenging, especially in the initial years, requiring a conscious effort to avoid burnout.
3. Sustaining a long-term career in law necessitates pacing oneself and strategically choosing when to exert maximum effort; it's not a sprint, but a marathon
Transcript
Have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before entering the industry?
When I was in high school and college, I didn't know many lawyers. I didn't know anyone.
But that said, I can't say it's been a big surprise. I guess maybe there's a little more drudgery than you'd expect. If you saw shows like *Perry Mason*, *LA Law*, or *Boston Legal*, that's the glamorized version. I knew it wouldn't be like that.
The hours are long, and you can spend hours and hours on weekends. But you'll be fine if you find that work-life balance. That wasn't a surprise.
I was working 75 to 80 hours a week during my first four or five years. Then I started slowing down a little, which probably took me off the partnership track at the big firm. But I also knew I was burning myself out.
I don't work 80 hours now, even when I'm in trial. I don't have that stamina. I've been doing this for 34 years as a lawyer, which is a long time. You can't sprint at 100% all the time.
You have to pick your spots. I think that's something you have to realize. You have to work hard to learn in the beginning and then achieve that work-life balance. You won't necessarily have a work-life balance in your first year on the job, so that's something you need to learn.
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