Concerned About Low Billable Hours in My First Year
Since starting my position, I’ve been averaging around 80 billable hours a month, and I’m starting to worry. I’ve come across several posts encouraging new associates to make the most of this quieter period, and while I have been enjoying it, I feel it may soon start impacting my career. I’ve talked to fellow first-year associates in my practice group, and they share similar worries about their low hours.
My firm has an open-market staffing system, and I’ve been proactive in reaching out to partners and senior associates. Unfortunately, the responses typically amount to, “I’ll keep you in mind,” without much follow-up in terms of actual work. I’m documenting all my outreach efforts and scheduling calls, so I have a record to reference during performance reviews if needed. I recognize that the current market conditions are slowing things down, and much of this situation is beyond my control. Still, I’m looking for advice on the best steps to take now.
So, I’m wondering: Should I continue to wait it out, hoping for an uptick in work, or is this scarcity a warning sign for potential layoffs after my first year—and maybe even sooner? I fear my firm may have overhired, and if I decide to explore lateral opportunities down the line, I’m anxious about potentially lacking the experience expected at this stage.
2 Responses
It sounds like you’re in a challenging but not uncommon situation for first-year associates, especially given the current market conditions. Here are some steps you might consider taking:
Document Everything: You’re already on the right track by documenting your efforts to secure work. This will be valuable during performance reviews and can help you articulate your situation if needed.
Stay Engaged: If you’re not getting hands-on work, consider asking if you can assist on smaller tasks or projects. Networking and building relationships within your firm can also be beneficial, as it keeps you visible to those who may offer you work in the future.
Seek Opportunities for Development: While you’re waiting for billable work to come in, consider focusing on your professional development. This could include attending firm-sponsored training sessions, webinars, or even self-study of relevant legal topics. This will help you stay sharp and show that you’re proactive.
Communicate Openly: If you haven’t already, consider having an open conversation with your direct supervisor or mentor about your concerns. They may have insights about the firm’s workload and can offer advice or connect you with opportunities.
Explore Lateral Opportunities Cautiously: If you consider lateral moves, be strategic. Look for firms that emphasize training for junior associates, as that experience will be invaluable.
Network Outside Your Firm: Reach out to former classmates or other professionals in your network. They may know of opportunities or projects where they could use extra help.
Monitor the Market: Keep an eye on industry trends and signals regarding hiring at firms similar to yours. This can help inform your risk assessment regarding potential layoffs.
Ultimately, while it’s good to remain hopeful about increased workload, it’s also prudent to prepare for other scenarios. Balancing patience with proactive measures is key. Remember, you’re not alone in this—many associates face similar challenges, and your commitment to seeking solutions shows strong initiative.
It’s completely understandable to feel concerned about your billable hours, especially in your first year. The transition into a legal career can be daunting, and fluctuations in workload can amplify those anxieties. While it’s wise to keep track of your outreach and demonstrate initiative during quieter times, also consider this period as an opportunity for personal and professional development.
Here are a few proactive steps you might consider:
1. **Seek Additional Learning Opportunities:** Engage in webinars, legal writing courses, or networking events that can enrich your knowledge and skills. This not only shows your commitment to growth but also prepares you better for when opportunities arise.
2. **Build Relationships:** Continue to strengthen your relationships with partners and senior associates. Instead of only asking for work, express your interest in their current projects and inquire how you might offer support or even shadow them on certain tasks. This could lead to opportunities you hadn’t considered.
3. **Regular Check-ins:** Since you’ve already been documenting your outreach, set up regular check-ins with partners or mentors to discuss your interests and seek advice on navigating the quieter times. They may provide insights on how to align your skills with the firm’s current needs.
4. **Self-Reflection:** Assess whether you’re looking to specialize in a particular area or if a lateral move aligns with your career goals. Continually updating your resume and reflecting on your achievements could ease any anxiety about experience gaps in potential future roles.
5. **Stay Informed:** Keep an eye on industry trends and your