...it's not dark yet, but it's gettin' there...
Oh yeah, the money Arthur, the money.
Guest blogger Drobbski, at Clareified:
There are basically three types of partners: the successful, the hungry, and the failing. Although their motivations differ, they are all mean in one way, shape, or form.P.S. Shelly, I know you're the exception.
The successful partner has a book of busines that is way too large to manage, so she is stretched so thin she doesn't have time for family or work.
So she is mean.
The hungry partner doesn't yet have his book of business, and strives to get it. He is more concerned with self-promotion and client development then billable work. He needs associates willing to put in the non-billable time that does the associate no good. He can't get the support he needs.
So he is mean.
The failing partner does not have enough business and efforts to find more fail. He is hoping to hold on a while longer working on other partners' matters, and he is bitter about it. So he is mean.
See? I told you.
Partners are mean.
It's a rule.
Sure, but was it ever thus?
Successful lawyers are so because they devote a lot of themselves to their practice. They do not work 9 to 5, rather, they work when they need to complete what is before them and provide confidence and good service to their clients. Sometimes 15 or more hours a day. That'll get you lean and mean.
They build a trust in their clients that if getting the desired result means missing a trip to Europe, or a night with your family, or a long planned visit to your folks, you still will take the time to finish the job, and prevail. Your family and other life will suffer. That'll get you mean, too.
Your reputation follows you everywhere, and the best advertising in the world is a client who has found a lawyer he or she can actually trust. Soon, you'll represent all of their friends and associates. Then you'll be so busy you'll have even less time for your family and friends. That'll get you mean, too.
Lastly, here's a little test for you, Annie. I'll bet you have a "dream car", one that you are going to buy with your starting bonus, or as soon as you are settled in your practice and have your residence set up and can afford a new car.
Take a drive one night after 7:30 P.M. to any large private office building where lawyers work. Look around at the cars. Then tell me how many old chevys or cheap Japanese imports you find versus Porsches, Jags, Caddies, MBZ's, etc. The car you drive is just a symbol, but a pretty reliable one, don't you think?
I rest my case.
Posted by: shelly on Feb. 11, 2006I think that I told you before you launched on this endeavor, that I knew very few happy practicing attorneys. That's what comes of robbing widows and orphans, or bandying with those who engage in tedious arguments of insidious intent.
The upside is all of the opportunities in business for those with a JD.
Posted by: Casca on Feb. 11, 2006Annika's going to be an ice queen in the near future? OH NOES!!!!
Posted by: reagan80 on Feb. 11, 2006Annika:
Yet another reason to get the hell out of the law profession before it's too late.
Posted by: Mark on Feb. 12, 2006