Lawyer Salary

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

Are his initials TSW? Think I know who you mean.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

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

Also any news on retention stats for big mids/mids like Rodyk, SLB, TSMP, RHT, TRC would be very helpful

Originally Posted by Unregistered

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

Probably because it's better to hire in a post-pandemic world

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Assuming you're a girl:
1. Look good. If you're not naturally pretty, fix it by brushing up on your makeup skills and investing in a good wardrobe. The aim is to look professional and attractive but not slutty.

2. Have a photo of yourself included in your CV when applying for a job. Have it professionally taken after completing step 1.

3. During training, prove your worth and work like a dog. Most partners are old school and would be very happy to see a trainee voluntarily put in long hours and go the extra mile. (But don't be over eager about it in a teacher's pet kind of way).

4. If applicable to your partner/the firm, show that you can drink and hold conversations. Give your partner confidence that he/she will not be embarrassed to bring you along to client drinks or networking sessions. (This coupled with step 1 will give you an edge over many other female SG law grads, who are very good at studying but are often not seen as "worldly" enough.)

5. Be respectful and friendly to everyone - not just the partners and associates but also the secretaries, tea ladies etc.

6. Get retained and profit.

7. As an associate, keep in contact with your peers/seniors in other firms as well as recruiters. You will then be aware of opportunities as they come by so you can eventually plan your next move.

Some of the points probably don't apply if you already know you're not getting retained but you get the gist...

Agree with (1), (3), (5) to (7)
For (2), include a photo in your CV if you are pretty. If you are ugly, don't. I understand a photo is asked for in many apps but if not, then don't volunteer it. You have to get through the HR people first (for big firms) who don't know jacksh*t about substantive legal experience.

For (4), so long as you are hot as a girl, partners will bring you along to client meetings, even as a silent flowerpot.
Its true that most SG girls are seen as not "worldly" enough esp if they are the typical studious but sheltered princess-type from top JCs, probably goes to church every Sunday type.
But being able to hold your own in networking and social settings with clients or in industry events, etc. is a skill lacking in both guys and girls, that has to be trained. Of course, if you are attractive, it is much easier for either gender.

(2) applies only to pretty guys? what about good looking guys?

oops pretty girls*

Where the hell has the discussion gone lol.

How's everyone doing job-wise? Any details to share?

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!

Let’s go back to the serious topic. Would anyone like to share their opinion on this?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Where the hell has the discussion gone lol.

How's everyone doing job-wise? Any details to share?

My workflow remains consistent. But most of my friends elsewhere got a lot less work to do. No one has gotten retrenched yet. For those whose firms typically announce pay increments mid-year, the expectation now is that there won't be any.

Some friends of friends have gotten pay cuts, but this is not news because their firms' pay-cuts have been discussed in the earlier posts from some weeks ago.

Ya work has dropped here. Also tio pay cut. Dunno if the job vacancies for assocs posted online all real or not sia. Feel abit basterd trying to jump ship during this time but I gotta look out for myself first. Cannot let my skills slip away doing nothing.