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: Magic Cookie

Work continues

Not much to say there. I'm on a deal, but given that I have a whopping two weeks of experience, I'm doing stuff that's a notch above secretarial work. Not that I'm complaining -- I'm happy to do whatever I can.

I read these two books, Jagged Rocks of Wisdom: Professional Advice for the New Attorney by Morten Lund, and The Young Lawyer's Jungle Book: A Survival Guide by Thane Messinger.* Actually, I didn't get all the way through the Jungle Book, but Jagged Rocks is basically a very condensed version. They're both books on how to succeed in a large law firm. They purport to be applicable to all sorts of legal situations, but then they go on to discuss partners and secretaries and perks and huge deals/cases, so not really relevant for other settings. I liked them both -- the Jagged Rocks book is a quick, concise read, while the Jungle Book covers everything you could possibly think of (which is why I haven't finished it yet, but it's still on my shelf and I will continue to flip through it on occasion).

Anyway, both books boil down to: make yourself useful. You're a junior associate and you don't know anything. So, whatever little you can do, do it well and make sure that you're being as useful as possible to the people you're working with.

It's not rocket science, but it's a good reminder. Another good reminder: my first paycheck. Can't really complain about putting in lots of hours when I'm getting paid nearly twice as much as I was in my last real job. I was there until 10 p.m. one night this week, have put in some hours over the weekend and at night, and will be in tomorrow on a nominal firm holiday. Not a big deal, and I'm enjoying the work so far. (I have a high tolerance for proofreading and detail-checking, one reason I think I'm well-suited for corporate work.)

I am constantly busy, a big change from my relaxed school schedule. I'm tired. But these days, reading Above the Law is just as frightening as watching the national debt ticker increase, and I am very grateful to have this job.

* Disclaimer - I got these for free after reviewing The Slacker's Guide to Law School, by the same publisher.

Full post as published by Magic Cookie on February 15, 2009 (boomark / email).