Billable Hour

When I talk about the #billablehour (tw) and don’t call for its demise or describe how it makes me miserable, people come for me.

I know some of y’all have had horrible experiences living in the billable hour world.

I’m here to say: it doesn’t have to be that way.

I’m also here to say: getting rid of it isn’t the panacea people think.

My dad was in house until I was 15 or so. He worked more than almost every other adult in my life, including some doctors.

I’ve chosen a job. It has a billable hour requirement. I make it work. I harness it in a way that helps me find some autonomy and sustainability.

I work hard. I am paid well. And there are trade offs associated with my choice of job and that’s what it is: my choice.

#biglaw is all I’ve ever known. I aim to make it sustainable because I like it here. I’m generally fulfilled and happy and lead a great life.

I’m not the big law stereotype. Most of us aren’t. I’m grateful to be at a firm with many of them and to have connected with many others here and in real life.

You don’t have to be miserable working within the billable hour model.

It isn’t for everyone, full stop. But it also isn’t miserable for many of us.

#lawyerwellbeing #work #sustainability