Will You Get Ahead by Working More?

It’s a new year! If you are a junior lawyer, should you show your commitment by working the longest hours? I read this CNBC article on “showing up to work early and staying late won’t get you ahead” and what instead will. Does the advice apply to lawyers?

The article argues working long hours to get ahead is “an outdated take, especially now that we’ve ushered in this new era of setting boundaries and prioritizing your mental health.” I would say law isn’t exactly known for prioritizing mental health and applauding those who set boundaries.

However, I do agree with what the chief career advisor at ResumeBuilder, Stacie Haller, says: “I think people are savvy these days enough to know that just because you sit in the office eight hours a day doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a productive employee.”

The better way to get ahead according to the article? “Establish relationships, find a mentor, get to know a team,” Haller says. “Observe the successful people, see how they work and operate, and ask for advice.” Yes, I agree you shouldn’t focus on “getting there early and staying late just to make believe you’re a hard worker. That is not going to cut it.” Instead, “build[] work relationships that can help … years down the line.” Again, yes. In-house lawyers work across multiple departments, so they should develop ties in many areas, people they can go to with questions, get answers, and to get support or feedback.

Her conclusion is spot on: adhere to the culture, be on time/not late, and don’t give excuses. “If everybody’s there 8:30 to 6, be there 8:30 to 6. But if you’re showing up at 7 just to make some point to nobody but yourself, that’s a little crazy.”