I echo Krystal's statements. When people ask me what I'm doing this summer, it is hard to explain. First, there are strict rules regarding what one can and cannot divulge to those outside of the firm. But, beyond that, it really is simple: whatever I'm told. While I've found that junior lawyers are able to express the type of work they would like to be involved in, at the end of the day, what one is assigned to is dictated by the needs of the firm. Generally, my anecdote that everyone can understand is, "Somebody's gotta represent the likes of BP." I'm actually not sure who is representing BP, so it is not a direct reference to my firm. However, there will be a generation of young lawyers who have to advocate on behalf of entities who engage in activities antithetical to their own personal value system and beliefs. I've asked a number of young lawyers if this bothers them; the general response is that everyone deserves representation and the "not-so-savory" aspects of working in a big firm can be balanced by engaging in meaningful pro bono work. Generally, I agree with this proposition. The extent to which one can find fulfillment in, or even merely tolerate, working in a firm is entirely personal. I've met those who have had an exit plan before they began their first day, and those who are open to the possibility, or aspire to be, a partner one day. All they have to do is survive the disorienting, and sometimes confidence-reducing aspects that typically define the first few years at a big firm, and they're all set.

As I sat in the SDNY Bankruptcy court on Tuesday listening to the CEO and President of Barclay's testify as they defend themselves against claims of fraud by Lehman Brothers, what I always knew about my future career trajectory was all the more solidified. While Barclay's is certainly entitled to a vigorous defense, and Lehman has a right to bring a legitimate cause of action, I am one of those individuals who "needs more". It is common knowledge that clients lie -- the frequent refrain, "I don't recall", at the hearing illustrated this to me -- but I don't know if I can easily accept this fact when so much is at stake. Much to my satisfaction, I am not alone in this feeling. For the most part, I would say that law firms are not comprised of young lawyers who, by coming to a firm, feel like they've finally arrived at their life's calling. Instead, many view their time at a firm as a layover between law school and what they really want to do, whatever that may be. In the mean time, you gain training from practitioners who are at the top of their game, and are able to knock down some principal on massive amounts of loans. This alone is enough to lure young lawyers in for a least a few years. And, the survival of a law firm is built on this model -- large rates of attrition over a few years, so that fresh, young (and cheaper) blood can be brought in to replenish the ranks. Obviously, though, there can be an argument made that no amount is worth compromising one's value system. Again, that is a personal decision that each individual is entitled to make.

All of this is not to suggest that I am not having a positive experience. To the contrary, I'm having a quite enjoyable summer -- minus the long hours and the backbreaking pressure to not have so much as a misspelled word in an email. If nothing else, I'm using this experience to learn: about the legal profession, about myself, and about what interests me.

-- JenniferGreen - 24 Jun 2010