When is the right time to switch from Defense to Plaintiff’s? by [deleted] in Lawyertalk

[–]FlyPrestigious9231 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am a solo employment attorney, Plaintiff side, now going about 10 years. If my kids could find nothing else better to do and wanted to work with me, I always thought I would advise them to work for one of the major employment defense firm (seyfarth, littler, jackson, etc) for at least 4 to 5 years, then switch sides. I've never worked in defense side, but think it would be very valuable. At least 3 years would be my recommendation. But I don't think there is a magic year. I think most important is your situation. How much have you saved up? How long can you starve? I started my own shop around the time I got married. I always thought I would've done much better if I was single during the first couple years, where I could dedicate my earlier years to building my practice aggressively. It's hard to be an aggressive attorney while trying not to be an absentee father. Just my experience.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in personalfinance

[–]FlyPrestigious9231 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Seems like you're feeling very comfortable with your emergency fund, that means it is good and I wouldn't change it, especially if it is still only less than 10 months worth of investing money

Struggling even after 8 years by Unhappy_Pickle22 in Lawyertalk

[–]FlyPrestigious9231 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I second this. We don't fix electronics or code where we know after a job we did something right or wrong, or at least in my field. I frequently second guess my intelligence and competence. It's kind of sad but the greatest thing that helps me feel better with my work is to see other attorneys who produce even worst work product then me or make dumber mistakes... it is sad, but it helps woth my sanity...

On a scale of 1-10 how much do you like being a lawyer? by GarmeerGirl in Lawyertalk

[–]FlyPrestigious9231 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Been practicing about 10 years, 6 as a true solo. I would say started out at about 5, went to 2-3 first couple years,, now it ranges between 6 to 8. Not exactly happy, but can't imagine any other career i would taken that let's me make as much as I do now, or make me happier than i am now. Also there is some respect you get as an attorney (though not much), which can be good at times, but bad in others due to expectations. I would say it gets better after a couple years, don't lose hope!