Lawyer Salary

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Honest question here, I know that pretty/handsome people generally have it easier in life, but is there a trend of retaining only the prettier recruits as opposed to the smarter but uglier ones? Like is it an open secret that attractive trainees will be retained regardless of work quality?

there's this guy who got hired by a MC firm from a Big4 because he speaks well and is pretty good looking

by all accounts, his performance at his ex-firm was mediocre at best

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I agree that this kind of hiring practice is uncommon, but pockets of this do exist

From years of personal observation at one of the bigger firms, I would say that such practice is indeed uncommon due to larger scrutiny. However, I believe there will be one or two black sheep lurking around and those are the minorities that are contributing to the belief that “looks will help you thrive.”

Most importantly, a cheerful and a hardworking disposition will get you far.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I largely agree. Most big 4 teams I've seen are quite slow to drop trainees unless that person is really jialat.

Apart from things not really within the trainee's control (i.e. sufficient team billings to retain), reasons include:
- general incompetence, no common sense, carelessness (never check work against primary documents, assume this assume that without proper basis, etc)
- attitude (lazy, intentionally / recklessly slipshod work, entitled / stuck-up)
- bad 'fit' with the team (don't underestimate this)

Being a star performer in school but doesn't mean one is immune from the above.

Personally surprised by the number of Oxbridge people who fit into this category. Probably too arrogant about their apparent academic ability.

Hello.

What are some of the practice areas that are less affected during trying times such as COVID19, a recession or a dotcom boom?

Whilst all practice areas would more or less be affected, I would like to hear some opinions on which areas would be more susceptible and which areas would be more stable (more immune to market changes).

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Hello.

What are some of the practice areas that are less affected during trying times such as COVID19, a recession or a dotcom boom?

Whilst all practice areas would more or less be affected, I would like to hear some opinions on which areas would be more susceptible and which areas would be more stable (more immune to market changes).

Thanks!

think conveyancing might be the most affected leh

Originally Posted by Unregistered

think conveyancing might be the most affected leh

And then personal injury will be most stable.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

there's this guy who got hired by a MC firm from a Big4 because he speaks well and is pretty good looking

by all accounts, his performance at his ex-firm was mediocre at best

Hi good looking MC Lawyer here. Dont be salty please.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

there's this guy who got hired by a MC firm from a Big4 because he speaks well and is pretty good looking

by all accounts, his performance at his ex-firm was mediocre at best

This is kind of a stupid statement... You have no idea why he got hired, least of all whether it was because of his looks.

And even if it's true that his performance was mediocre, you think the MC firm would know any of that? You think before hiring the person they will call up his partner and ask for an evaluation? All they see is his CV and how he can perform in the interview.

You are very insecure, and I hope you will try to improve in this regard.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

there's this guy who got hired by a MC firm from a Big4 because he speaks well and is pretty good looking

by all accounts, his performance at his ex-firm was mediocre at best

Being well-spoken is an underrated quality, especially if that is coupled with the requisite client-management skills.

I am also mediocre at best in terms of law, but i've managed to do well for myself because i am effectively bilingual, well-spoken in both languages and can handle difficult clients (it is still a pain, don't get me wrong).

It is erroneous to think that soft skills are any less valuable. It is a very Singaporean frame of mind.

Can someone confirm if Drew only retained half of its trainees and TSMP dropped all corporate trainees?