1. Sometimes the tough requirements are the nature of the practice area. if so, you could request to move to a less stressful practice area (say from M&A to corproate advisory / labour employment / IP); it is very hard to set boundaries when everyone is working really hard;

2. sometimes the tough requirements are because the team / partner is an arse. If everyone is not working as hard and you are being unfairly singled out - find another team or another law firm; every team in every t1 is nto as bad as people say.

3. sometimes the tough treatment is because you are unable to cope; if so, maybe think of alternative career options?

be very objective with yourself. not every one has to be the country's leading M&A lawyer and you may enjoy being a different kind of lawyer or may enjoy doing something else. your legal education should have given you skills you can use in hundreds of jobs.

and take a deep breath - your success usually depends on finding what works for you and not what works for

1. Your partner has a budget and will need to do whatever he can in that budget.

2. If someone else agrees to do more - your partner would prefer to replace you for such person - nothing personal but reason being point 1 above.

3. You may discuss with your partner and convince him/ her. You need to ready to accept a reduced package because that allows you to relax a bit but not burn the partners budget. Accept it and don't crib about it.

4. Only time I've seen exceptions - when you're absolutely exceptional in your work where your partner doesn't want to lose you because you're that damn good. This may be the case in your mind but talk to ppl around and pick up traits everywhere - this is not just legal but also client management, communication, etc.

Hello to LI Readers,

This post is on behalf of associates in a tier 1 practice. This post is for senior members of the profession - those who are in the law firms.

Everyone knows what goes around in the firm and how much pressure and gross injustice is there in the firm. Some of the posts (hopefully by senior members) are very helpful in giving tips and tricks on navigating the career in law firms. I have been grateful to read those.

I wanted to reach out and ask an significant aspect which is often overlooked - the first steps in drawing boundaries or standing up for yourself is the most difficult. There is fear and anxiety around it. You may say if this is the case - then this is not the profession for you. But I am sure there are juniors who are stuck and hard working and sincere yet unable to take this first step.

What can be some helpful advice on navigating this aspect of the profession especially since any sort of boundary is heavily looked down upon and also getting to terms on the consequences that may follow.

Also, I noticed a very critical problem - most of the juniors get a solid advice that if your health is facing an issue then quit or change. But the afterward point is missing. The problem is - it is same everywhere. Setting the ground to zero and doing it over doesn't help. So any of the seniors who have navigated this please could you shed the light on such stories. What are the options genuinely available?

PS:- I would hope whoever responds to is serious and would want that there can be an honest discussion on this aspect. Just being truthful and genuinely getting some advice would actually help some of younger members of the profession. So, please if possible be truthful if you cannot just read what others have to say. Thank you.