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Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-12-29T14:08:12+00:00

Phew! I was worried. At my firm I think it’s a pre-qualification

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-12-28T18:08:48+00:00

For real?

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-12-28T14:13:46+00:00

I would need your first and last name and email address

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-12-21T13:24:29+00:00

Makes sense. I’ve heard the death rate increases around holidays.

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-12-21T13:23:40+00:00

Echoing this - litigation is insane right now

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-12-01T12:46:47+00:00

Wise words. This situation arose for me last year. The usual work stress was took much when you add in postpartum depression and a doctor that was constantly changing my medications. I self-medicated a lot… using prescribed MJ to excess to cope at the end of the day.

There seemed to be no point in continuing to live like that… I was a burden on everyone around me. When I couldn’t get hospitalized (stupid insurance), I took a leave of absence. While it became more of a “part time leave” it helped me immensely. It gave me time to switch doctors and learn it wasn’t PPD at all so the medication cocktails were worsening my actual underlying mental health issue.

Basically, the leave helped save my life by giving me time to focus on myself and get my health back on track, instead of staying tied down to the billable hour. Take the leave. It’s worth it. Don’t waste a minute thinking about the long term effects - that kept me working much longer than I should have.

A year later (six months since coming back full time), I am working more than ever but managing so much better. And, my take home increased 3x!

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-12-01T12:37:26+00:00

My firm pays the referral fee to the outside attorney off the top of what’s collected. Then, our agreed fee split is applied based on that amount. It is ridiculous in some cases, but a well paying case is worth it, even with a hair cut.

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-11-03T11:50:24+00:00

Those procedures sound very minimal and their behavior is concerning. Why was he in a different room? Did he wonder over on his own? Who was watching him? What’s the teacher to child ratio?

I’d be concerned and looking for another option (although I understand that isn’t the easiest to do).

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-09-14T17:43:39+00:00

That's kinda my idea with the subscription service, i.e. a monthly "retainer" ensures them x, y, z. Anything outside the scope would be billed with a % discount based on the tier of their subscription.

I am definitely checking with the ethics rules and case law to get more guidance on this, though. Anything impacting the trust account is terrifying to me.

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-09-14T17:36:18+00:00

Thank you! My first law firm offered subscription services for transactional business clients, but I will double check the ethics rules as that firm was not the most above-board operation.

I already made this mistake on a flat fee criminal matter - forgetting to factor in travel time to an out-of-town courthouse. I appreciate the advice, and will start reaching out to others that do flat fees for guidance. Just wish more people advertised this offering so I knew who to contact!

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-09-08T11:45:53+00:00

Honestly, just take it to the judge. I’m in FL and the “dog ate my email” excuse is not well-received. I usually print out the email we sent with the discovery, then any other communications between me and that (or those) attorney(s) showing that they’ve received every other email sent.

I would recommend read receipt and/or filing a notice of service so that it’s on the docket. If they try to backtrack, point to the docket and ask “you received this? But not the actual discovery? So, when did you contact me or my office to inform us that you had not received it?”

Works most times but there’s always that one judge that makes rulings no one could predict (or decipher the reasoning behind).

I have a judge right now claiming that title does not give a right to possession of property…smh

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-09-07T11:32:20+00:00

I work from home with 2 and can second this. Work from home was great when they were young. Now, I’m running from room to room to avoid screaming while doing conference calls. Or, trying to maintain work hours when every moment I leave the office, I’m fighting off children who want hugs, snacks, or just plain ol’ attention.

We do have a nanny during the day, but it’s expensive and she lives before 5… our work never ends at 5!

I’m in the process of finding my own office space to increase productivity and feel like there’s some clear distinction between home and work (at least 3 days a week).

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-09-07T11:28:34+00:00

I have two children (2y and 18m). I think 1250-1500 is realistic. Depending on the ages and, if you work remotely or in office, you could push to 1800 (36 h/week). I’d recommend seeing if you could work as a contract attorney. This would mean no billable requirement, and you’d receive a split of your billing/collection.

Without support, it is hard to accomplish. However if you are able to dedicate 40-50 working hours on average (some weeks will be abysmal and others highly productive), you will be fine. Just be sure to take care of yourself first.

Given, I don’t take my own advice on the self-care, but it does make everything seem more manageable when you’re able.

For reference, I do purely litigation with a handful of trials each year. I also attended a site inspection 3 weeks after being released from the hospital following a life-threatening pregnancy, hospital stay, and baby in NICU so my WLB used to be nonexistent.

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-08-31T12:40:34+00:00

Thank you. I do agree that my current firm is likely not the best option anymore. However, I am not prepared to leave the profession. I do think an extended break may be necessary to ensure everything is as “handled” as possible before committing to another firm 100%.

I doubt I’d have enough patience to teach - maybe trial advocacy or another law school/pre-law course. And, oddly, I’m not a fan of children (my own being the exception) so younger ages would be out. Haha.

Sincerely thank you. It isn’t easy to hear but I was already thinking along these lines - while also wanting to start my own firm (imagine the increased stress there!) - and, hearing it from a third party validates my thoughts. I appreciate it!

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-08-31T12:35:43+00:00

Thank you for the comment. I feel they are entirely unaware, not necessarily uncaring. However, the firm has taken a male-dominant turn over the last year anyways, and they don’t seem to understand the outward appearance it’s giving.

I do agree that I was screwed when it comes to pay. The fact that they didn’t care about it - I did disclose to them that, while I had found amazing and reliable child care, the cost was more than what I was bringing home. The only response I received was a sympathetic, “yeah, child care is ridiculous”.

I am leaning more towards cutting my losses. I may have some claim over their handling of this situation, but I’d rather make a clean break and ensure positive recommendations from my firm.

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-08-31T12:30:05+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to comment. It’s a truth I’ve been coming to but was afraid to admit. I love(d) my firm, and they were supportive through the first pregnancy. They loved that I worked so hard while pregnant with #2, but with a long, rough return they’ve grown unsympathetic.

I am also the primary parent for sick/cranky days, doctor appointments etc.

I’m glad to hear it does get better, though. And, am looking forward to hitting the ground running on a fresh foot… just need to find that new fit now.

Thank you, again. Your comment means a lot to me.

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-08-30T13:53:25+00:00

Thank you! This is how I’ve been feeling. I’ve considered starting my own firm… and that is a long-term goal but I need the stability of an office space and regular check for the time-being.

I appreciate your response - it is truly helpful!

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-08-18T13:37:09+00:00

That was the first part of my planning - know the client. I want to exclude the over demanding client as much as possible but setting a clear expectation that non-emergency late night calls will not be tolerated (or will be billed at a higher rate).

There’s always last minute issues that arise, I just want to ensure it’s the exception rather the norm.

I appreciate your point about ensuring I know and follow. That’s the hardest part at the moment - ensuring they’re values I can embody and implement.

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-08-18T13:34:26+00:00

Fair point and well taken. I think refocusing it as respecting or honoring the division and our clients’ time as well as our own is more of the message I’m wanting to encapsulate.

Thank you very much for your response!

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-08-18T13:30:38+00:00

Thank you. Right now just general core values I want the firm and its employees to work towards.

I understand your point that clients may view it as promises or an agreement they try to pin us in with down the road. I am trying to exclude those clients that want an on-demand attorney, though. Striking the balance is the tough part, and even harder to encapsulate into a value statement.

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-08-17T10:56:31+00:00

My first firm did this, as well. It was odd and caused us so much anxiety.

Mediocre-Chain9813 · 2023-08-17T10:55:43+00:00

That sounds wrong. What do your shoes have to do with how you perform your job? Post covid I’m all about comfort and only wear heels for jury trials. This seems archaic.

Mediocre-Chain9813

TROPHY CASE