Comments on: The truth about junior lawyers’ crazy hours

By: Anonymous

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 19:51:10 +0000

What is the role of the SRA in all the exploitation of employees? Not within their remit? just looking to catch an exhausted trainee or associate sneeze the wrong way to hammer them? Should “integrity “ in the profession not include law firms acting within the confine of Employment Law, maximum working hours and what not?

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By: Errol

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 23:30:20 +0000

9.30 am to 5.30 pm are decent hours.

If the profession does not fix the problem.

Be warned

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By: Flo

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 07:01:24 +0000

In reply to Magic Circle Associate.

I fully agree. I was in the city 15 years ago and now work inhouse and it’s sad to see that nothing has really changed. In house legal can also be incredibly demanding for a lot less money, but depending on where you work you can make a great work life balance.
People need to go into city law with their eyes wide open. It’ll provide excellent training and reward but often at a huge personal cost.

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By: David

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:07:56 +0000

Recent medical research confirms that those hours represent a significant additional risk of dementia in later years. Let’s hope they don’t consider having families and maintain themselves as the sole individual at risk. They can always ask to be buried with their money. #TotalHealthMatrix

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By: Magic Circle Associate

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 13:55:38 +0000

I mean this with all due respect, but in no way does this podcast episode reflect the horrors of these firms, especially when expected to work exceptional hours (even by the standards of those firms). Casting doubt on the 20 hours days for six days straight experience was irresponsible – from personal experience, it is not only possible, but expected when something is urgent. During those moments, you just feel like you aren’t even human and, you’re right, there is no control. You’re on autopilot with the anxiety and/or adrenaline keeping you going. It has nothing to do with personality. Also, whilst it may be possible, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t take a big toll on the person going through it during that time and afterwards. The working culture at the top firms is toxic. There’s no two ways about it. That is why a lot of people use those firms as a stepping stone and/or exit early. Those who don’t are drinking the Kool-Aid to justify their choices, and then those same people will be the ones influencing young college and university students that the lifestyle is great. The money is good, don’t get me wrong, but it isn’t anywhere near what it should be for what we’re expected to do and the impact it has on us (even healthwise). Not by a mile. I really wish people were more honest. And, if nothing else I’ve said makes people realise how bad it is, I will just say that the suicides in our profession should speak volumes to anyone truly wanting to listen. As for me, I’m here for now, but not for long.

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