Lawyer Salary

Originally Posted by Unregistered

FML
Another 1 am knock off time plus cannot claim taxi fare.
$2000 is really a terrible salary.
And am now really scared I cannot get retained.
What should be my next step?

FML

I am perpetually stressed.

I slept 4 hour.

Now am on my way to office for another 20 hour day.

Have to take taxi and can’t claim again because of boss-issues.

My advise to juniors is don’t go into practice. it is not worth your time and health and relationship with family.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Same. No connections no results no work.
But my situation is worse/ better ( depending on how you see)

I get scolded by partner on daily basis.
I will count it a blessing to leave the firm once get called.

Once you leave already, what’s next?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Once you leave already, what’s next?

There is no “what’s next?”

Get out of the miserable place first before I break down. It is my breaking point now.

I graduated from Asia Top Law School. I am sure I am
in demand anywhere.

You can choose to move on to inhouse role, normal corporate ladder or government service. There are tons of legal counsel roles. I also left after TC. Enjoying myself now. Dont worry about pay wise. Actually a lot of inhouse roles are paying on par or even higher than law firms. No need to worry.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

You can choose to move on to inhouse role, normal corporate ladder or government service. There are tons of legal counsel roles. I also left after TC. Enjoying myself now. Dont worry about pay wise. Actually a lot of inhouse roles are paying on par or even higher than law firms. No need to worry.

I agree with the above. Small - Mid firms will low-ball you and big firm will squeeze you. The pay is really similar or even higher and you DO NOT HAVE TO OT OR TILL SO LATE.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

There is no “what’s next?”

Get out of the miserable place first before I break down. It is my breaking point now.

I graduated from Asia Top Law School. I am sure I am
in demand anywhere.

Not doubting your abilities as you’re from NUS. But I am just think if leave your current firm, and you go into another firm, what makes you so sure this kind of treatment won’t be repeated in another law firm? Cos I switched firms a couple of times and it’s the same everywhere.

How. I’ve been doing legal practice for a couple of years now. I don’t have a girlfriend, no time to find one. Approaching 32 with no prospects of marriage or family.

At first I was deeply passionate about my work. These days I just do it for the sake of doing.

I don’t know what else to do. Many hours spent in office, eating junk food has caused my health to falter. Gout at 32 and a pot belly from 30.

Fml. Seriously

Originally Posted by Unregistered

You can choose to move on to inhouse role, normal corporate ladder or government service. There are tons of legal counsel roles. I also left after TC. Enjoying myself now. Dont worry about pay wise. Actually a lot of inhouse roles are paying on par or even higher than law firms. No need to worry.

Totally agree. I moved in-house upon called. Life is now so much better.
I get to only answer to one boss and not multiple client-bosses plus own law firm boss.
I get paid much more too with 3-6 months bonuses based on company's overall performance (and not my department).

As a matter of fact, I am seeing more and more lawyers moving in-house by their first year or immediately after called. Some even didn't complete their TC.
It used to be after 4pqe but situation is so bad in practice now that people are avoiding practice altogether.

It is that bad huh? Law firms are just good in squeezing the last blood of lawyers.

To those who says I am trolling, perhaps you should open your own eyes and get more exposure outside practice.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

How. I’ve been doing legal practice for a couple of years now. I don’t have a girlfriend, no time to find one. Approaching 32 with no prospects of marriage or family.

At first I was deeply passionate about my work. These days I just do it for the sake of doing.

I don’t know what else to do. Many hours spent in office, eating junk food has caused my health to falter. Gout at 32 and a pot belly from 30.

Fml. Seriously

Serious you are not trolling right? Ok why didn't you work even harder?

My parents tell me that being lawyer (and doctor) is the only way to make lots of money.

I'm sure that whatever stage you are at now, you should have enough money to spend to make yourself happy.

Have you thought about the day when you no longer work for your boss? You boss will just get another younger and cheaper person to do the work.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Totally agree. I moved in-house upon called. Life is now so much better.
I get to only answer to one boss and not multiple client-bosses plus own law firm boss.
I get paid much more too with 3-6 months bonuses based on company's overall performance (and not my department).

As a matter of fact, I am seeing more and more lawyers moving in-house by their first year or immediately after called. Some even didn't complete their TC.
It used to be after 4pqe but situation is so bad in practice now that people are avoiding practice altogether.

It is that bad huh? Law firms are just good in squeezing the last blood of lawyers.

To those who says I am trolling, perhaps you should open your own eyes and get more exposure outside practice.

Agree. Left practice at PQE 3 (med sized firm, same firm i trained in) and was offered an in-house role with an approx 35% pay rise. 25% upon joining and the remainder after 6 months of having "proved my worth". Expected the first pay rise but not the second, so it was a nice surprise.

Do not regret my decision, even as i watch my peers get senior assoc/junior partner roles. It's just not worth it anymore.