Top Law Schools

Hi,

I wanted to see what you all thought before I contacted my firm. I would like to take a summer law class that is offered one night per week (6-8pm). I have a S.A. position in a town that is about 1-2 hours away from the school. I don't mind doing the drive, but would it be inappropriate to ask my employer if I can come in to work early that day and leave around 3pm? I don't want to act entitled to the firm b/c I am very happy to have the position, but it would be nice to get a few pass/fail credit hours out of the way this summer. I would still plan on working 40+ hours or however long they need me and getting all of my work done.

What do you think?

I wouldn't.

Don't. Part of the biglaw compact is that you will be available 24/7, regardless of other commitments. They might not need you to do this during the summer, but telling them you're sorry but you will have to be out of the office just for a class is not going to look good when people are giving up their child's formative years to stay at the office and bill.

I agree. It would indicate you aren't as committed to the hard work at the firm. Also, it would signal: I don't want to stay late.

Benefit not worth the risk. Also, a large part of my SA position was getting to know as many people at the firm as possible. You will be missing out on face time. Your class may also fall during a cool/important social event. You probably don't know what the firm culture is like, or how this would be viewed (which is why you are here, I bet) so better to be safe than sorry.

I assume you're asking because you're COA-secure after graduation. Go for it.

Why would anyone do this.

This is a horrible idea.

You look extremely bad leaving a firm at 3pm.

Wow. NO!

You gotta be kidding me. My school is also offering a class once a week from 6-8pm that's not only in the same city as my SA but on the same street. I never in a million years would think of actually taking that class.