Associate Only Working at Firm to Put Herself Through Life

2nd year litigation associate Anna Johnson didn't think her life would turn out this way. When she entered law school her plan was to study criminal and family law in order to assist victims of domestic violence. However, as her debt mounted Johnson realized that she would have to accept a firm job to make ends meet.

"I never though I'd let myself be exploited at a large, 500 lawyer firm but I simply needed the money," admitted Johnson. "My plan, though, was only to work there for as long as I was in debt. At least that's what I told myself."

According to the litigation association, despite an aversion to everything the firm stood for her six figure salary became too attractive to give up.

"Man, the money is so damn good that it sucks you in," remarked Johnson. "I make more in a day/night of lawyering than I could in a week at a normal job. Even if you hate the work you get used to that salary and the luxurious lifestyle it affords."

Johnson and others like her report that in addition to incredibly generous base pay, associates get higher tips, or bonuses, the more work product they put out. Such compensation only makes it more difficult to escape a life that many are ashamed to partake in.

"Honestly, I don't even tell my parents what I do," said a forlorn Johnson, wiping away a tear and adjusting her pantsuit. "I'm embarrassed so that I tell them I work for legal aid."

Exacerbating the regrettable situation is that because they pay such high rates, clients expect young associates to do whatever they ask, no matter how degrading.

"Clients often see me as no more than a piece of meat meant only to do their bidding," stated an angry Johnson. "Because of their ridiculous deadlines I've had to miss friends' weddings and my dad's 60th birthday party. It's all so demeaning."

An unfortunate side effect of law firm life, avers the litigation associate, is that now more than ever she has a negative view of men.

"After two years on the job it's hard not to feel animosity towards the opposite gender," claimed Johnson. "Almost every day I have old male partners who ogle me and clients who refer to me as 'sweetie' and 'honey.' I thought this was the 21st century."

Sylvia Fields, a professor of psychology at Duke University and author of the book "Legal Whore" believes that exposure to law firm life can be profoundly damaging for young women.

"This type of work, while well-paying, takes a tremendous toll on these girls," remarked Fields. "They are never the same even if they can eventually escape the life."

Fields' comment begs the question of how long associates like Johnson can sustain themselves in the legal industry.

"Eventually I am going to get too old for this," said Johnson. "I don't think my mind or body can continue to handle the toll of working long hours in an unhealthy environment. Hopefully I will find the strength to break free. Until then, I need to finish all this doc review by tomorrow. God save me."