I’m a litigator.
I'm a litigator.
I help clients address legal disputes both in and outside of court (or arbitration).
These are typically complex, but sometimes smaller or high volume, claims that usually stem from a breach of contract.
I love litigating, but it is not easy or for the faint of heart.
Someone recently asked me about the challenges I face as a corporate, #biglaw litigator.
After some thought, I have a (non-exhaustive) list:
⚖ I am based in Wisconsin, but have a nationwide practice (if you have questions about federal court, it is my home). Learning the ins and outs of local practice is fun and fascinating, but not often intuitive.
⚖ I am rarely researching straightforward things anymore. Sometimes, there's just no clear answer.
⚖ Learning to use my voice and have confidence in my opinions and recommendations took me a long time.
⚖ I have to deliver bad news sometimes. No one wins every issue every time. Managing client expectations and delivering hard messages is part of the job.
⚖ Public speaking--I love it and I enjoy it, but I still get nervous, even for small calls and routine hearings.
⚖ The law is one large, ongoing group project. I'm always waiting on someone and someone is always waiting on me. It took a long time to be okay with nagging, pestering, following up constantly. But, quality colleagues and teammates and clients make it worth it, every time.
⚖ Anyone who tells you that obtaining, reviewing, and/or producing electronic documents and other discovery is a breeze is lying to you. It is the biggest part of the work, especially for litigation associates. I love learning the tech, but it is tedious, cumbersome, and a lot of work. That said: I can play with and in the facts all day. No case is ever the same and I love that part.
⚖ When it rains it pours: the universe somehow knows how and when to align several substantive and key deadlines (briefs, productions, calls) on your calendar. There will be days and weeks and months when it is just nonstop.
These challenges, though and like most things, are problems to be solved and I enjoy working through them. When I post advice on this platform, it often comes from a place of struggle and having to figure out one of these (or many other) challenges.
For now: I cannot see myself doing anything else.
#lawyerwellbeing #professionalwomen #law #culture