Hours are not there Forum

[Anonymous User]

3rd year associate at an AM law 50 firm in a niche practice. East coast.

My hours have been on a slow decline since fall and it’s looking Iike I won’t even make it to 100 hours this month.

Wondering if I should be worried or just ride this out? Is there anything I should be doing? I’ve emailed all the partners in our group (some multiple times), but they just don’t have the work. I know other associates are slow as well, though to differing degrees. Ppl are optimistic that this is just an unfortunate lull, but I don’t know if I’m buying it.

I generally operate on the worrying side of things and am concerned both that I’m being shunned and that I’ll be held back a year (we also have a billing req, which blows, but I think I’ve come to grips with that one).

FWIW, I’ve always received great feedback and reviews, and hit my hours in both of the prior years. I really like the firm and the group — good ppl, and a very reasonable culture. I’m reasonably happy.

[Anonymous User]

Honestly, I've been where you are, and not to scare you, but I was moved into a different group right before the pandemic hit, and then laid off a few months after.

My best advice is to keep up appearances in terms of actively trying to get work, but start looking for another position ASAP.

[Anonymous User]

3rd year associate at an AM law 50 firm in a niche practice. East coast.

My hours have been on a slow decline since fall and it’s looking Iike I won’t even make it to 100 hours this month.

Wondering if I should be worried or just ride this out? Is there anything I should be doing? I’ve emailed all the partners in our group (some multiple times), but they just don’t have the work. I know other associates are slow as well, though to differing degrees. Ppl are optimistic that this is just an unfortunate lull, but I don’t know if I’m buying it.

I generally operate on the worrying side of things and am concerned both that I’m being shunned and that I’ll be held back a year (we also have a billing req, which blows, but I think I’ve come to grips with that one).

FWIW, I’ve always received great feedback and reviews, and hit my hours in both of the prior years. I really like the firm and the group — good ppl, and a very reasonable culture. I’m reasonably happy.

Generally I would say that a few 100 hours months should not be a problem, especially not during a pandemic, in a niche practice, and if other associates are slow as well. Are you keeping yourself busy with pro bono and BD?

If by "great reviews" you mean 4/4 points (or whatever the equivalent of "excellent" on your evaluation scale is) I would worry even less. If you had more like 3/4 points (or the equivalent of "good") I would not attach great importance to those reviews, this would be quite average at my firm at least.

[hdr]

I second the suggestion to start looking, especially since you're at a good year to lateral. You'll probably be fine, but better not to risk it.