Biggest Challenges Faced By A Partner At Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Josh, a litigation partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, identifies the biggest challenge as "balancing the demands of work with interests outside of work," a difficulty amplified by the inflexible nature of court schedules which dictate "my schedule is dictated...by the courts." This makes even simple personal planning, like family vacations, incredibly difficult to manage alongside the demands of a high-powered litigation career.
Work-Life Balance, Time Management, Stress Management, Overcoming Challenges, Workplace Challenges
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Josh Rodine
Partner
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
University of California, Santa Barbara (1996)
University of Maryland, College Park (MA, Philosophy 1999); University of Illinois College of Law (JD, 2002)
Philosophy
Law
Legal
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Balancing work and personal life is a major challenge, even more so in litigation due to unpredictable court schedules and deadlines.
2. Court schedules and deadlines significantly impact work-life balance, making personal planning difficult.
3. Finding enjoyment outside of work is crucial, but time constraints make it challenging to pursue personal interests fully.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
This is probably true for most people, regardless of their industry, unless they are self-employed. It's about balancing work demands with interests outside of work.
For an attorney, particularly a litigator, there are additional challenges. So much of my schedule is outside of my control.
My schedule is dictated by statutory issues and the courts. When a court sets a deadline, I have very little flexibility.
This is challenging for planning things like family vacations. My trial schedule is often set a year or more in advance.
It can be difficult to find the balance between client needs, court-imposed timing demands, and doing what you want to do. I'd like to think we aren't "working to live."
You find real enjoyment in pursuits outside of work, and it can be difficult to find the time to truly engage in them.