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Because your partner has gone through so many tough situations professionally, they/ them is most likely desensitised by now and will do anything/ everything to get a deal done. They are used to working with senior colleagues, so they will expect same level of work and commitment from you. Whereas you will not be able to deliver as need to slowly get used to the work environment and grasp context of various new matters. Your partner is in Season 10, you’re in Season 1. If you try to cram it like an exam, you’ll HATE the TV series. Also, burnout.
Solution: try to find a buffer. On any matter, work with SA so they can protect you from partners expectations. Or if there is no one and it’s just you and the partner on the matter, record all your calls/ write down questions, and then ask some other colleague on different matter, your basic legal doubts. Dont ask the partner questions no matter how much they say they are approachable. If you have to ask questions, ask them strategic questions, which show that you understand the matter, and you are predicting next steps in the matter.
You’re young, you have hobbies. You want a life outside work - you absolutely deserve it. Then why are these senior lawyers so against it/ or why do they seem to work 14 hours even on Sat/ Sun? Commitment to work? Sure, but also….
Both of you are at different stages. You’ve just moved to a new city. You’re finally earning money and not having to ask your parents permission to go out or get pocket money. You are excited about new beginnings and you want to try out the cafés serving tiramisu or visit the upscale sushi place. You want to live your life and you should.
For your law firm partner, they/ them have already done that, and by the time you hit your mid 30s, even though you have all the money in the world, you have lost the excitement to go out and do stuff. As an ambitious, hard working person, what do they do then? They stay in and focus on the work. Because that keeps them busy, gives them a sense of progress in life and gets them appreciation from colleagues.
Point is - Don’t give up on your hobbies. They make life worth living. If you work 24 x 7, Work will suck up your time. So try to join local gym or community and meet new people who aren’t lawyers and who don’t live in such distorted realities.