Just finished my first year in litigation. It was brutal. I cried in my office. I dealt with difficult partners. I just billed 14.6 hours on the Saturday before Christmas (with another full week to follow).
I certainly don't plan on being here long, especially not long enough to even be considered for partner. But I do think it's important to keep perspective. I used to dream of being here. I’m a first-generation high school graduate and didn’t even know what Big Law was when I landed my summer associate job—I just knew it was a big deal.
We’re lucky. We have “email jobs.” As annoying as it is to roll my eyes at opposing counsel’s emails or complain about a bullshit motion due on Christmas Eve, it beats the alternative. Every year, my dad talks about how sad he is that he missed most of my birthdays because he was working construction. He’s old now, and he never gives me shit for how much I work—because he understands, and giving me the opportunities to end up here is exactly why he worked so hard.
This job often sucks, and it’s absurd that our lives revolve around wealthy individuals and companies, but it’s still a privilege. If you’re lucky enough to have people who supported you getting here, thank them this holiday season, whether it be your spouse, chosen family, or birth family.
Happy holidays and happy bonus season to you all. 💕