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February 12, 2003
Lawyer Larvae
This evening, I went to my first big law firm reception. The Sauce and I hit up the shindig about an hour in -- fashionably late. We missed the sushi, but still got some decent grub before the end.
Tonight's firm -- Sucker, Punchem, & Run LLP* --has offices all over the world with a total of over 800 attorneys. They're expanding in the next year. My father is a sole practitioner. When he was in a firm, there were two partners and an associate. I don't know what to make of these firm-zillas. It seems inevitable that I will end up working for one. My concern is not the hours or working for evil clients. I'm just curious what in God's name it takes to distinguish oneself in a sea that big. Or how one maintains a personality. On the flipside, how does the firm maintain any kind of "personality" or character that might distinguish it from other comparable beasts.
The reception went something like this.
After getting a drink and some food, I forced myself to barge in on a conversation with an attorney and pretend I was learning something, since SP&R is a firm that I will likely apply to next year.
First, I met Tate*. He's the sort of guy that has a last name for a first name. Early forties. Tweed coat. He's in Corporate. He talked about how busy he was before the economy tanked in early 2001 (I nodded). Now, despite still working hard, he has time to work on his golf game and spend time with his wife and kids. SP&R has weathered the storm, though, with record-breaking fiscal year after record-breaking fiscal year. Tate doesn't go near a courtroom. Ever. He's not a litigator and would feel out of place there. Litigation only happens when things go poorly on the Corporate side. Tate really didn't want to talk to us. We wanted a polite out, but couldn't find one. Somehow, Sauce had avoided this conversation from the outset. Tate and I envied him.
Then Biff* showed up. Biff is a law student who has signed up to work for SP&R next year after he graduates. Biff, my friend Olaph,* and I did some small talk, while Tate bolted. How did you choose this firm? Did you want to do litigation or corporate? How are we supposed to know that at this early stage? Olaph started antagonizing Biff about his choice to take the big bucks after working a government job for a year or two before coming to law school. I politely backed away. My drink was empty and the night was young.
With a new V&T to quench my thirst and some food from the recently-refilled buffet in my hand, I met Jane.* Jane graduated from here a few years ago, works hard, and likes her job. Jane was cool. She answered our questions honestly and sparred with us when we made jokes about the whole scene ("You must be tired of talking to people like us..." we quipped. She looked at her watch and rolled her eyes). We talked about paying off loans, buying Armani, and working 16-hour days. I knew the ice was far beyond broken when we were discussing things to do in DC -- what did she think we should be sure not to miss -- and the subject of monuments came up. Olaph commented that the Washington Monument was the biggest phallic symbol he has ever seen. She was cool. Didn't bat an eye.
Another drink, some more cheese, crackers and smoked salmon (It's lox, not sushi. That they put out chopsticks doesn't change a damn thing). We chatted with the bartender for a bit.
On the way out, I talked to Rodrigo*, a recruiter from one of the west coast offices. I lamented not getting to speak with the attorney who was in from LA about that office, but Rodrigo and I spent a few minutes discussing my interests in intellectual property and litigation, talking about the firm's various offices on the wast coast, getting international assignments as a young associate (hi Pat), and what opportunities await me at Sucker, Punchem, & Run. Rodrigo was pretty chill and had all the right answers. Any recruiter that doesn't have all the right answers in that situation should be fired. But I was still impressed.
I snagged 4 tins of mints emblazoned with "SuckerPunchem" and headed home.
Tomorrow night, there are two receptions. I'm going to see what Ben, Dover, & Grabbem PC has to offer me.
Posted by buddha at February 12, 2003 10:22 PM
Comments
Jubu, you're writing is getting better and better. The bit about the lox/sushi had me raoring with laughter.
Posted by: Anonymous at February 13, 2003 03:00 AM
You flatter me.
Apparently, there really was sushi at the beginning of the evening. But I got smoked salmon with a nice dijon mustard and some capers, not tekka maki.
I swear I saw a girl eating the lox with chopsticks though.
Posted by: buddha at February 13, 2003 03:15 AM
I mind as well own up to this. I was on the other side of the room desperately trying to get away from the general area of Tate (sorry Buddha, my spider sense tingled and I got a general Bad vibe from his frown), and through the masses at the Cheese trays, I spied a glimpse of the orange hue of possible salmon slabs and jumped conclusions.
dammit, don't blame me for being a dreamer. it's pretty sad that I dream about sushi and I get smoked salmon. I think it's a metaphor for law school.
btw, you gave away a little bit too much about the firm's True Identity...
Posted by: saucesee at February 13, 2003 10:40 AM
I don't know you, so I don't know if I'm crashing the party or what. But, I have to say I dig the site. I'll be a 1L next year and it is very interesting to see how I might expect to spend my days. It's been fun. Good luck to you.
Posted by: afeliz79 at February 13, 2003 12:09 PM
afeliz79, welcome to the party. I'm glad you're enjoying it. Read and comment any time.
Have you decided what shcool you'll be attending next fall?
Posted by: buddha at February 13, 2003 03:36 PM
Not yet. I am going to Ohio to check out this school that has offered me a full scholarship. I have to decide if it's worth leaving Texas for.
Posted by: afeliz79 at February 13, 2003 05:35 PM
A full ride is a lot to consider. I was pretty cavalier about taking on debt to go to law school when I made my decision, but the reality of student loans is not a pleasant one.
When making the decision, keep in mind the differences in what opportunities the schools will provide and what you want to do with your career. If you have no ambitions of working for a place like Sucker, Punchem & Run, the freedom of graduating without debt or with minimal debt is a huge benefit. On the other hand, if you want to go corporate, whichever school has a better rep may be the way to go. The school will help you get the job. And once you're there, they'll help make up for what you spent on school by paying you a big fat salary (for which you give them all your waking hours -- no small price).
I don't know your other considerations -- personal connection to Texas, family, significant other, irrational distaste for Ohio, etc. -- so these are just a few things to keep in mind.
Best of luck. ;-)
Posted by: buddha at February 13, 2003 06:03 PM
don't forget differences in clerkship potential too. you might have a better shot with a state judge by going to a law school in said state, but if you're aiming for the Federal system, it's all about rep (think a classic Clerk feeder school like Yale).
though a local school may be more useful particularly if you want to go into politics in that area...
Posted by: saucesee at February 14, 2003 03:45 PM
So how did BD&G compare to SP&R?
Posted by: Anonymous at February 16, 2003 01:56 PM
didn't make it to BD&G. I got caught up in other work that had to be done.
Posted by: buddha at February 16, 2003 05:53 PM