This morning I was sent an article on the average arrival times and leaving times for trainees and junior lawyers at the 60 leading UK-based corporate law firms. The results were quite shocking. Here are the results of the top 10 worst offending law firms. To see the full article click here.
Law firm:
Kirkland & Ellis: Average arrival time: 9.34am – Average leave time 10.02pm
Weil Gotshal: Average arrival time 9.09am – Average leave time 9.09pm
Freshfield: Average arrival time 9.19am – Average leave time 8.56pm
Clifford Chance: Average arrival time: 9.01am – Average leave time 8.45pm
Jones Day: Average arrival time 9.07am – Average leave time 8.45pm
Allen & Overy: Average arrival time 9.10am – Average leave time 8.43pm
Ropes and Gray: Average arrival time: 8.55am – Average leave time 8.42pm
Latham & Watkins: Average arrival time 9.32am – Average leave time 8.38pm
White & Case: Average arrival time 9.12am – Average leave time 8.33pm
Linklaters: Average arrival time 9.14am – Average leave time 8.23pm
The article then went on to identify average daily hours worked with the highest being 12.28 at Kirkland and Ellis. Obviously this is based on trainees and junior lawyers, but from my experience Associate and Partner level lawyers struggle with the same long, gruelling hours.
Now, no one enters a legal career on the assumption of an easy life, in fact it’s usually the thrill of winning big cases and achieving major deals that’s the attraction. Obviously a hefty salary helps too!
But does every lawyer have to sacrifice any sort of life out of work to build a successful career in law? The answer is no. It may often appear to be the only route for success, work yourself to destruction, spend no time with your family or friends but hey you’re a partner in a firm so what does it matter. Well we believe it matters a lot and can offer another route for success.
If you have put in all the hours under the sun and now feel it’s time to step off that treadmill without compromising your salary or career, becoming a consultant with Cognitive Law could be your answer. We believe in true flexibility. Our consultants come with a loyal client following and work when they want and with whom they want.
Our industry leading fee share model is designed to reward you incrementally on how well you perform. Earn up to 70% on all received fees. With our backend support we can provide you all the help you need to help you find your feet and build your legal career as a consultant.
For more information on joining the Cognitive team contact us on 0333 400 4499 or email Lucy.Tarrant@Cognitivelaw.co.uk
Be Career Happy. Be Cognitive