June 2023 Check In

June 1 — time to check on my billable hour requirement.

This is the last month of my associate year.

How we got here, I’m not sure.

But, I’m in good shape.

I’m ahead of schedule* to hit my 1900 base** requirement.

Meaning: I only need to bill 100 hours this month.

But, I do have several days out of the office for a conference and to recognize Juneteenth.

So, I only have 18 billing days this month.

100 / 18 = 5.6 hours a day.

That’s a pretty big relief after some intense months earlier this year.

Now, before someone asks: If I have more than 5.6 hours of work that day, I will do whatever it takes.

But, if I reach a stopping point, or have a slow day, and I hit that 5.6, I can take my foot off the gas.

Maybe I’ll take a break, or catch up on non-billable tasks, or (most likely) use the rest of the day to connect with Summer Associates and network (internally and externally).

Either way, I can confidently work this month, knowing I’ve done what the firm asks of me and slowing down where able.

Two notes:

*My firm gives billable equivalent time for DEI efforts, mentoring, various leadership committees, recruiting, etc. With my work there, I’ve already met and exceeded 1900 hours this year. But, I don’t like to rely on those hours to meet my base, so I’ll chug along this month to hit 1900. That said, I do count my pro bono hours and hours spent on firm matters in my base.

**My firm also requires 150 “firm investment” hours. If you bill everything you do for the firm, the community, and your bar associations, hitting that is pretty easy and most associates meet or exceed it.

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