Changing Associates World

CollegeJournal again has posted an excellent article on the changing interaction between associates and the large law firms that hire associates for big bucks and long hours. Once again the story focuses on increasing dissatisfaction and attrition: The rate of associate attrition were seeing today at big firms is the highest level weve ever seen, says Paula A. Patton, chief executive of the NALP Foundation, a nonprofit group in Overland Park, Kan., that examines law-firm hiring trends and practices. Although the demands on new associates have skyrocketed, the possibility of becoming a partner is decreasing both in likelihood and attractiveness . (Partners also work long hours.) The Wall St. Journal has had other stories in this vein, as have other publications. I wonder if the work life of new associates is going to become a little more sane. Regardless, it behooves you to know what your professional options are before you spend tens of thousands of dollars and three years obtaining a law degree.