Why Hard-Working Attorneys Should Stay at Their Firms

 

Getting Substantial Hours: A Clear Sign of Value

One of the most telling indicators that an attorney is valued by their firm is the amount of work they are given. Law firms, particularly large ones, carefully allocate hours to attorneys who are not just capable but also seen as critical to the firm’s ongoing success. If an attorney is consistently getting high billable hours, it's a clear sign they are trusted by both partners and clients.

Not all attorneys within a firm receive substantial hours. Often, the workload is unevenly distributed, and those who are receiving more work are viewed as reliable and integral to the firm's operations. This trust, developed over time, means that the attorney is seen as someone who can deliver quality results on time, manage client relationships well, and ultimately contribute to the firm's revenue stream.


Moreover, high hours are an indication that an attorney’s work is in demand, both from partners who assign the work and from clients who appreciate the quality of legal services being provided. For an attorney to willingly step away from this level of trust and respect would be a significant risk—one that might not yield the same opportunities at a new firm.
 

Partnership Potential: High Hours Signal Profitability

Billable hours are a key metric law firms use to determine which attorneys are on the path to partnership. The more hours an attorney bills, the more profitable they are to the firm. Law firms operate on a simple but powerful formula: the more billable work an attorney takes on, the more revenue the firm generates. When an attorney consistently racks up high billable hours, it sends a message to the firm's leadership that the attorney is not only capable but also highly profitable.

This profitability is one of the most important factors firms consider when evaluating attorneys for partnership. A high-billing attorney demonstrates to the firm that they can manage heavy workloads, bring in revenue, and contribute meaningfully to the firm’s bottom line. As a result, attorneys who are consistently billing high hours are much more likely to be considered for partnership because they represent a return on investment for the firm.

The key takeaway here is that if an attorney is getting lots of hours, they are being groomed for success within their firm. Walking away from that dynamic could mean starting from scratch at a new firm where their path to partnership may be less certain or delayed.
 

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See Related Articles:

• Billable Hours and Law Firm Economics: What Every Attorney Needs to Understand to Get Ahead
• Why Do Attorneys in Large Law Firms Work So Hard and Bill So Many Hours?
• Why Law Firm Lawyers Must Work Weekends and Holidays

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The Perceived Quality of Work: More Hours Reflect High Trust

If an attorney is consistently getting more hours than their peers, it’s also a strong indicator that their work is considered to be of high quality. In law firms, work is often assigned to those who have proven themselves. Partners want to assign important, billable tasks to attorneys they trust, and clients will often request that certain attorneys handle their cases based on previous successful outcomes.

When an attorney is assigned substantial hours, it’s not just a matter of them being available—it’s a sign that the firm believes in their ability to get the job done right. This level of trust is earned through a combination of legal acumen, reliability, and the ability to manage client relationships effectively. It speaks volumes about the attorney’s reputation within the firm.

Perceived quality also plays a role in an attorney’s career trajectory. Partners are likely to view attorneys with high hours as those who consistently deliver, making them the first in line for promotions and additional responsibilities. High-quality work leads to more trust, more work, and ultimately more recognition within the firm.
 

Employment Security: A Cushion Against Volatility

Another significant advantage of staying at a firm where an attorney is consistently receiving a high volume of work is the employment security it offers. Law firms are businesses, and like any business, they will invest more in employees who contribute significantly to the bottom line. An attorney who is receiving substantial hours has demonstrated their value, making them less vulnerable to layoffs or restructuring.
This security is something that can be difficult to replicate at a new firm. When an attorney moves to a new firm, they enter an environment where their value has not yet been proven. They may face stiff competition for work, or the firm may have different internal structures that make it more challenging to receive the same volume of work they were accustomed to at their previous firm. This uncertainty can lead to a reduction in hours, less job satisfaction, and, in some cases, even job insecurity.

Staying at a firm where an attorney is consistently working at capacity provides a level of stability that is hard to find elsewhere. The established relationships, the proven track record, and the trust from partners and clients all contribute to an environment where the attorney’s employment is more secure than it might be at a new firm.
 

The Grass Isn’t Always Greener: Risks of Moving to a New Firm

Despite the allure of new opportunities, moving to a new firm can come with considerable risks. Some attorneys might be tempted by promises of higher compensation, more prestigious clients, or better work-life balance. However, transitioning to a new firm often means leaving behind the very elements that made an attorney successful at their current firm.
 

• Rebuilding Relationships: When moving to a new firm, an attorney must start from scratch in terms of building relationships with partners, clients, and colleagues. This can take time and effort, and in the meantime, the attorney may not receive the same volume of work they are used to.
• Uncertainty About Workload: There is no guarantee that a new firm will offer the same level of hours. Even if a firm promises a heavy workload, the dynamics within the firm may change, leaving the attorney with fewer hours than expected.
• Delayed Partnership Opportunities: Moving to a new firm can reset an attorney’s partnership track. Even if a new firm promises fast-tracked promotion, the reality is that partnership decisions are based on a variety of factors, and an attorney may find themselves having to prove their worth all over again.

Given these risks, attorneys who are performing well at their current firm should think carefully before making a move. Staying at a firm where they are already valued, receiving substantial hours, and on track for partnership offers far more security than jumping into the unknown.
 

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See Related Articles:

• Top 10 Ways Attorneys Can Move to a Better Law Firm and Get a Better Attorney Job : A Complete Guide
• 6 Things You Should Consider Before Making a Lateral Move to a New Law Firm
• This Is the Key to Success When Making a Lateral Move

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Conclusion

Attorneys who are billing substantial hours, doing high-quality work, and close to partnership should seriously consider staying at their current firm. The fact that they are getting so much work is a clear sign that they are valued, trusted, and profitable to the firm—attributes that will only help them progress further in their careers. Moving to a new firm can reset the clock on partnership, bring uncertainty about workload, and require rebuilding relationships from scratch. For attorneys who are already successful, staying put offers stability, security, and a clearer path to partnership, making it the smarter long-term choice.

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About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.