Do you think they really need me?

Question

Here's the deal, I just got a new job at a big(ger) law firm. The place I used to work at, I was constantly busy, dealing with clients, answering phones, drafting letters/pleadings/etc. just always busy. I quit that job 1)because of pay and 2)overworked.I finally got a wonderful job with a big(ger) firm than where I worked (6 attorneys,8 paralegals,1 secretary,1 'go-fer' and 1 IT guy(he only comes in once a month).When I came in for the interview,they asked me back for a second interview and then hired me on the spot.I really enjoy working here, and I like everybody(and I think they all like me),however,some days I'm here and I have nothing to do.I try to find things to do(clean my work space, file things, help out with making copies, sending the mail out, etc.)but I usually end up sitting and websurfing within 3 hours.I feel like a lazy employee and believe me,I'm not. So,what do you guys think?Could they fire me?Its not my fault,& when I have work,I get it done quickly & correctly.

I ask for work when I'm not doing anything from my boss and co-workers...either they will give me a small task or tell me that they'll let me know when something comes in. Another thing, I know the company is pretty stable (the majority of my co-workers have worked here for over 10 years). Do you think that maybe I just need to get used to the fact that I'm no longer at a fast-paced firm and just need to slow down a bit? However, I don't know how to do that without feeling like I'm slacking off. And I honestly can't stand not having work, I'm bored, the day seems longer...today I have cleaned my desk about 6 times, re-arranged the files about 4 times and got rid of misc. trash we didn't need.

This firm has some high profile clients (the utility companies for my area). I just feel like I'm not getting enough work and I'm scared that if I ask for more, my co-workers (mostly women) will be catty with me. (men-it's a woman thing)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

I would keep a close relationship with your supervisor. Make sure that he/she is happy with you and your job performance. Occassionally ask him if he has anything that he needs you to do. If you do that, I think you'll be okay.

Answer 2

I think you have a couple of options. First, I would meet with my immediate supervisor whether that is weekly or monthyly. This would give my supervisor an idea of what I have accomplished and what tasks are outstanding. Second, you should really think about school, like a lot of people have mentioned here. If you do your job correctly and quickly, that's a sign that you have outgrown your position. Maybe it's time to return to school and maybe become a paralegal. In that case, I would look into the tuition reimbursement policy of your company, research a nearby college of your choice and see if paralegal studies are offered. Maybe you can go to school once or twice a week after work and during they day, do some homework at work during lunchtime. It would be great if the firm helped pay for your school because that will give you something to look forward to in the future and you wouldn't be hurting yourself financially. I would also see what salary ranges are offered for beginning paralegals because that would be a great incentive too.

To answer your first question, yes they do need you. If they didn't, they wouldn't have hired you. It's normal for law firms to go through slow phases when big cases settle out of court and there's not much you can do to stay busy. Worst comes to worst, they can lay you off for not having enough work (which happened to me). Good luck, feel free to email me.

Answer 3

why not ask your women co-workers if there is anything you can do for them first so they don't think you only want to help their superiors? Also get creative. Ask if they might want to put together a newsletter of the firm's great verdicts, etc. to send out to clients, and offer to put it together. Or maybe you could create a database of client addresses and merge documents or, if you think you are up to the task, summarize the new cases that get published every week in your state's law weekly magazine. Or take a paralegal class and put yourself in a position to be promoted there.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, your lack of job assignments is a hint that perhaps you may be asked to leave the firm or your position may be phased out. Most valuable paralegals have more than enough work on their plate so there is really no down time. May we suggest that you start looking for another law firm, i.e., sending out resumes and contacting headhunters/employment/staffing agencies in the meantime.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Well, it's a possiblity, but just stay friendly with the boss and make sure that he/she is taken care of, that's really all you can do. Also be sure to ask people if they need things done that you can hlep out with, that's always helpful. Be careful with that, though, cause people will generally give you the stuff to do that they don't want to do, like stapling a million papers together or alphabetizing a bunch of mindless stuff. It sounds like you're doing a great job and putting the rest of us slugs to shame. lol Keep up the great work and good luck!

Answer 6

Sounds like you are pretty high strung.

I would go to the boss and ask for more responsibility. Just tell them you want more of a challenge in your day and are willing to do whatever it takes.

On the other side of things there are people that can't see work right in front of their faces. They believe they have done everything they can do but they are missing things. For example if my people are just sitting around I can always find plenty for them to do. Seldom does a busy office run out of work.

I don't think you are the type to overlook things though. Maybe they are just breaking you in slowly. Also, if they are extremely successful they are less likely to push on people.

Like I said, ask for more responsibilities to be added to your workload.

Answer 7

I'd speak to the person who hired me and tell her/him that I wasn't receiving enough work to keep me busy. Find out what their expectations of you are. Do they have business coming in soon that'll keep you busy? I'd express my concerns to them.

Then, I'd use the time to further my education. Having a lot of free time and getting paid for it while studying is a great set-up for a student.

If that's not what you want to do, there are always your own interests to pursue.