Mamas, don't let yore babies . . .

[tufchic]

yes i understand perfectly what you mean. i've worked for lawyers all tolled 17 years over the span of my career either as litigation assistant-paralegal or as a bookkeeper.

i can say the abuse of the bigger firms to their young associates is too much to be believed. they also horribly burn out their staff too. i recall many a time soaking my wrists from the swelling from having had to type for so long without a break. it got so bad, i finally had to go on disability and change careers.

if you would like a break from the grind with some time for a life, let me suggest that you go with a smaller firm. they may pay less but it is well worth having a life in exchange.

you might also want to try either being a public defender or JR DA. there is also federal public work. i hear those folks go home at 5 p.m. again, the pay is less. you can also try your own practice. you have less life with a private practice but you control your own destiny. many women also have done "part-time" associate work to be home with their kids. "part-time" means that you go home in time to pick up children if you have them and you are required to work less billable hours. i don't see why a man couldn't work "part-time."

also having been around lawyers 17 years plus, i can say that not all of them are pigs so it's ok if some of you want to do that. just be aware of what you are getting into esp. when working for one of the bigger firms. try to avoid them wherever possible. the money is not worth the toll it is on your personal life.