Discovering Higher and Degree Apprenticeships with UWE Bristol, get free advice >>

Working at Big Firms...a death sentence?

Hi

About to graduate with a 1st and got an offer at Norton Rose. They are supposedly one of the biggest firms in the world: https://younsel.com/firms/us/ny/new-york/norton-rose-fulbright-WEwIUyPQ

I just wanted to know if anyone here had any experience with working at such law firms like the above? Do they really work you to death? Will I be able to have a family or watch a movie?

Reply 1

flavoured chilli

Think carefully. As a trainee solicitor, you might indeed be worked to death.

Norton has an average of 11h per day.
Source: https://www.legalcheek.com/2022/11/revealed-law-firms-average-start-work-and-finish-times-2023/

This does not mean it will be the same once you qualify. Personally, I would tae the offer from Norton, qualify, spend with them one year or two, and then move onto a firm that has a good work/life balance and a good salary. Some city firms offer that.