How to Set Boundaries in BigLaw Without Killing Your Career

Description

In this Q&A video, Harrison Barnes discusses the challenge of managing work-life balance in the legal profession, emphasizing that while long hours and high expectations are inevitable, setting personal boundaries is key. He shares advice from a successful partner he knew, who noted that no one will tell you to stop working, as it benefits the firm financially. Barnes stresses that the only way to set limits is to independently prioritize personal activities, like swimming or family time, and stick to those commitments. He suggests that if you're performing well, firms typically respect personal boundaries, but it's ultimately up to the individual to assert them.

Question:
I understand that long hours and high expectations come with the territory, but is there a specific way to communicate limits that won’t be perceived as a lack of commitment?

Answer:
Yeah, so I remember when I was young, a partner I know, who eventually became pretty successful and did well for a time, said that no one’s ever going to tell you to stop working. You could be working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and no one will ever tell you to stop because it’s not in their best interest. Why would a partner want you not to bill a lot of hours to make more money for the firm or for their partnership? They might, but they don’t have much incentive to do so. So, the only way you can set limits is to set your own. You decide you want to go swimming every day at 8 a.m., or something along those lines, and you stick to it. Or you schedule time for your family and make it a priority. Usually, you can get away with it if you're doing really well. The only limits you can set are the ones you set independently, and no one will do it for you.