My wife was a rockstar in law school. Graduated top of her class. Absolutely crushed two clerkships. She started a job in big law recently and has been working just insane, non-stop hours. 70-80 a week. Working minimum 4-5 hours each weekend, up until 11-1am 4/5 weeknights. It’s really killing her. I come from a different career path (consulting) where we do have crazy hours, but if it gets to that level (especially as a junior associate) I can talk to someone to readjust workload, even just temporarily. Couple questions for you all since it a lot of my career advice doesn’t seem to translate to your profession:
Does it get any better? When a new round of associates come in, do the raw hours reduce (tradeoff is more responsibility)
Is it safe to talk about how she is struggling with the workload to anyone who is senior? She is worried that it’ll negatively impact her career and show people she’s not “cut out” for this.
How can I support her better (I know this is unique to her and I do things like extra chores etc.) but is there anything you as a big law associate really found helpful from your husband/wife/partner?
Are these types of hours what all well-paying legal careers are like? I’ve been studying for the LSAT but selfishly her experience has given me pause.
Any other general advice or encouragement would be helpful. Thanks all in advance.