In the Media

Happiness is all in the Percentages
by Truth Fisher

I recall the poignant remark made during my law school graduation ceremony, “Choose your employer wisely. The decision will determine 90 percent of your happiness or misery!” As if the pressure of entering the uncertain world of practicing law was not enough, the cautionary words of the graduation speaker echoed in my ears as I began the process of searching for the ideal firm.

After graduating from the University of San Diego with a joint JD/MBA, I interviewed with the law firm Gordon & Rees. It was looking for more experienced attorneys, but I believed my background would be a good match nonetheless. I remember the managing partner extending me an offer right after telling me that he was hiring me based on what he believed was my ability to perform as a third- or fourth-year-level associate. The pressure was on once again as I thought about what percentage of happiness (or misery) a large firm with even larger expectations would bring. But I was excited about the heightened level of responsibility expected of me, and I accepted the offer with enthusiasm.

During law school, everyone hears the same old stories about life in large firms. The younger associates are tucked away in back offices hacking out research memoranda and answering endless amounts of discovery requests, never to see the light of day. Of course, the fabled tales would not be complete without the added element of some poor associate trying to meet some unattainable minimum billable-hours requirement. As a new associate, though, my experience has been quite different. At 26, I’m the firm’s youngest associate, and from Day One, I’ve been exposed to real responsibility.

During my first month on the job, I worked side-by-side with the lead partner in the firm’s labor and employment group on a variety of cases. The most memorable assignment was assisting in the representation of a shipping company affected by one of the biggest union lock-outs in the history of West Coast ports. I’ve also been assigned my own cases, conducted depositions and client interviews, successfully argued motions during court appearances and second-chaired arbitration, all in my first few months as an attorney.

All this responsibility, however, does not come without a price, such as the occasional all-nighter and frequently missed meals. But at the end of the day, it’s up to the individual associate to find that desired balance between work and pleasure. Fortunately, large law firms have a healthy stash of resources in the “fun department.” As a reward for all the hard work, larger law firms typically have annual picnics, weekend retreats, charity and sporting events, free club memberships and in-house parties for their associates to enjoy. There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved in other activities outside the actual practice of law. For instance, I am the San Diego editor of our firm’s statewide newsletter, In-Briefs. Our firm also has sponsored my attendance at such meeting, as the California Minority Counsel Program.

As a young associate working in a large law firm, much has been required of me. It’s been exactly one year since I’ve been in the practicing world of law, but it seems like an eternity ago with all that I have learned and been exposed to.

Nevertheless, I can truthfully say that I am more than 90 percent happy. And our graduation speaker was right on point. For the most part, happiness in your career-or the lack thereof does depend on what firm you choose.

Copyright 2003 San Diego County Bar Association. Reprinted with permission of the SDCBA.