Paralegal Work at Midsize Firm Forum

A forum for applicants and admitted students to ask law students and graduates about law school and the practice of law.
Post Reply
User avatar
Ialdabaoth

Bronze
Posts: 240
Joined: Sat Jan 01, 2011 5:26 pm

Paralegal Work at Midsize Firm

Post by Ialdabaoth » Thu Jul 26, 2012 10:42 pm

Does anyone have any knowledge of or experience with paralegal work at midsize firms in NYC? I have an interview with a firm of about 150 attorneys, and I've also already interviewed with a small firm of about 25 attorneys. I'm trying to determine if there would be a significant difference in quality of life between the two. In the interview with the smaller firm they mentioned that overtime was "limited" and that generally there were only long nights before a filing/court date. When I spoke with the HR person at the larger firm, she mentioned that some overtime was expected, but I'm not sure if it would be more like a huge firm or more like a smaller place.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

Joeshan520

Bronze
Posts: 193
Joined: Fri Dec 26, 2008 8:05 pm

Re: Paralegal Work at Midsize Firm

Post by Joeshan520 » Sun Aug 05, 2012 4:48 pm

This is usually contingent on the case and your boss irrespective of the size of the firm. However, typically smaller firms (less than 25) have smaller cases and less time is needed in office than is in bigger firms. Usually the bigger the firm the more capital they have to take on bigger caseloads which creates more need for work at the lowest levels. It also depends on the legal assistant/attorney that directs you. Some are difficult people in general and demand late hours irrespective of the urgency of the project, others are more laid back with respect to deadlines and space out the work as appropriate. Again this is all contingent on caseload and the temperment of your superiors. I've had weeks being at a v10 that were 35 hours and some that were 70+ hours. It's all relative IMHO.

User avatar
Ialdabaoth

Bronze
Posts: 240
Joined: Sat Jan 01, 2011 5:26 pm

Re: Paralegal Work at Midsize Firm

Post by Ialdabaoth » Sun Aug 05, 2012 11:41 pm

Joeshan520 wrote:This is usually contingent on the case and your boss irrespective of the size of the firm. However, typically smaller firms (less than 25) have smaller cases and less time is needed in office than is in bigger firms. Usually the bigger the firm the more capital they have to take on bigger caseloads which creates more need for work at the lowest levels. It also depends on the legal assistant/attorney that directs you. Some are difficult people in general and demand late hours irrespective of the urgency of the project, others are more laid back with respect to deadlines and space out the work as appropriate. Again this is all contingent on caseload and the temperment of your superiors. I've had weeks being at a v10 that were 35 hours and some that were 70+ hours. It's all relative IMHO.
Thanks so much for your input!

Post Reply

Return to “Ask a Law Student / Graduate”