132: What's BigLaw Really Like? (w/ Sadie Jones)

Welcome to the Law School Toolbox Podcast. Today, we're talking about what it's actually like to work in BigLaw, with ex-BigLaw recruiter, Sadie Jones. It's generally accepted that in BigLaw, you're expected to bill a ton of hours and work long nights in exchange for a hefty paycheck, but is that all there is to it? Learn more of the nuanced ins-and-outs of life working in a large law firm.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The BigLaw hierarchy, and your chances of making partner
• The type of work and the type of client you can expect to encounter
• The BigLaw hiring process
• Typical work assignments for junior associates
• How many hours are you really expected to bill/work?
• Bonuses: Show me the money!
• What does partnership really require?
• Expectations for business development
• Some common pitfalls of BigLaw life

Resources:

• Podcast Episode 105: OCI Basics with an ex-BigLaw Recruiter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-105-oci-basics-ex-biglaw-recruiter/)
• Podcast Episode 130: How to Make Difficult Decisions in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-130-how-to-make-difficult-decisions-in-law-school/)
• Podcast Episode 131: Thinking Ahead About the Future (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-131-thinking-ahead-about-the-future/)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Episode-132-Whats-It-Like-to-Work-in-BigLaw-with-Sadie-Jones.pdf)

If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/).

Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee