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After months of begging, kissing asses, and prostituting myself, I finally got a job at a law firm. The only caveat is that there'll be an unpaid probationary period lasting a few months. Once that period ends, they'll decided whether to offer me a full time job. I really need the money and I'm really eager to succeed. Is there anything specific that I should and shouldn't do?

Please, helpful advice only

An unpaid probationary period sounds really shitty. How do they expect you to eat? Maybe you could negotiate a small salary or advance against future earnings, or commission only depending on type of practice?

Actually, it sounds a bit illegal. I'm by no means a labor/employment lawyer, but I'm pretty sure if it's a firm and you are doing work for them, you have to be paid.

Try to nail down exactly when this trial period ends. It's in the company's interest to extend that period of free labor as long as they can; your interest is the exact opposite. Work hard, get along with everyone, and demonstrate an eagerness to learn and assist with anything that is needed. Best of luck!

Not a labor attorney either but I've heard unpaid probationary periods are illegal. Might want to look into that.

Although, I mean, if you really want the job what else can you do right?

Also, tagging since interested

It may be illegal depending on the state and the type of work you do for them.

This is not what you asked for, but you may want to consider whether this is a firm you would even want to work for. A more decent place would have offer you a salary, even if a modest one.

As to what you do want, work hard, make good impressions, get the offer. But while you do that, apply to other places that are decent enough to pay you.

Maybe they are classifying this as some sort of internship or volunteer program? Not sure. They won't even pay you minimum wage during this "period?"

Almost certainly illegal. The relevant DOL regs are strict. Unpaid internships must primarily for the benefit of the intern, not the employer. To the extent an employer benefits from an intern's work, generally speaking, the intern must be compensated. This is a somewhat thorny issue b/c these regs were ignored for a long time. But recently, as you may have noticed with the class action suits, courts are beginning the law in this area more seriously.

In this case, they'll probably be billing out your time, and my opinion is that this is straight illegal, particularly depending on what state you are in. That being, should you accept and hope they hire you? I dunno, probably. You can always sue for unpaid wages at the end .

Also, if this turns into a real job they are unlikely to offer a fair salary. After passing the bar, you deserve to be paid for your work. I'd tell these guys to pay you or shove it