After spending nearly 3 decades as: In House Counsel, in a Law Firm, as a Litigating advocate... my reminiscences for the current students and freshers is:
- Any place can be toxic, it all depends on the people. Sure, some law forms are known toxic. But so are some Corporates too- ICICI, GE, etc., were slave masters and work-life balance was unheard of.
- It's a tough call at your age to balance work and Life. I have cursed (looks like nothing has happened to the opposite party though !!!) a million times, when sales folks send something on a friday night (or worse on saturday/sunday) and expect that you respond immediately.
- I know lots of people, who continue to get brow beaten in In-house/Law firms, as the pay cheque is important. We should respect their decision and let them choose when and how to lead their lives.
- Litigation is exhilarating only if the month end bills are not a bother, but the challenges in lit are not to be taken lightly. Clients are notoriously tough when it come to paying fees, the less said about the court system- the better. Counsels sometimes have to wait for a whole day as the list may not move at all owing to some big matter taking up the whole day. Imagine doing nothing for a whole day, when you have to be ready to argue at a few minutes notice.
So all in all, no place is kind or welcoming... it all depends on what you bring to the table. You will need to make choices- and at times the results can be disappointing, but that is life.
- Any place can be toxic, it all depends on the people. Sure, some law forms are known toxic. But so are some Corporates too- ICICI, GE, etc., were slave masters and work-life balance was unheard of.
- It's a tough call at your age to balance work and Life. I have cursed (looks like nothing has happened to the opposite party though !!!) a million times, when sales folks send something on a friday night (or worse on saturday/sunday) and expect that you respond immediately.
- I know lots of people, who continue to get brow beaten in In-house/Law firms, as the pay cheque is important. We should respect their decision and let them choose when and how to lead their lives.
- Litigation is exhilarating only if the month end bills are not a bother, but the challenges in lit are not to be taken lightly. Clients are notoriously tough when it come to paying fees, the less said about the court system- the better. Counsels sometimes have to wait for a whole day as the list may not move at all owing to some big matter taking up the whole day. Imagine doing nothing for a whole day, when you have to be ready to argue at a few minutes notice.
So all in all, no place is kind or welcoming... it all depends on what you bring to the table. You will need to make choices- and at times the results can be disappointing, but that is life.
All the best folks.
From Oldie.