Via New York Lawyer comes an article from a Texas BigLaw partner (ok, maybe it's not "BigLaw", but it's a large law firm--I actually have no idea which firms are "BigLaw" and which aren't--and, frankly, I could care less) about face time and technological advancements: Face Time in the WiFi Age.
Take this one with a grain of salt, y'all. You've got to consider the source--a big law firm.
And, I bet you can already tell which way the wind blows on this one. Yep. You got it. Technology means you should always be available, but face time sure as hell ain't dead. Not even close.
So, the moral of the story, according to BigLaw: don't skimp on the face time and you'd better check your Crackberry often and frequently. And, never turn the damn thing off.
From the article:
It is imperative that new associates be present in the office during normal business hours so they can meet other lawyers, obtain work and start forming relationships. If an associate is not sitting in her office when a partner comes by to give an assignment, the partner will move on to the next associate. This will not only adversely affect the amount of work the associate receives, but when she becomes eligible to make partner, she will not have made the connections necessary to support her application...
(E)ven lawyers in small firms think after-hours face time is beneficial, and there is a rationale for this...In essence, partners must know that associates are hard workers who are accessible days, nights and weekends if necessary. This may sound ominous to new associates, but it does not mean they should come in on weekends or stay late at night just to surf the Internet and push paper. Associates should be smart about how they use their after-hours face time in the office. A good rule of thumb is to take cues from the partner with whom the associate works. An associate should strive to get to the office five minutes before the partner arrives and leave shortly after the partner leaves at night. If an associate is working on a project with a particular partner and is aware that the partner will be in the office over the weekend, the associate should be sure to show up at the office as well and offer assistance. At the least, when something the associate is working on is time-sensitive, he should always offer to stay late or help on weekends to get it finished. The partner may not need the assistance, but at least the partner knows the associate is dedicated and willing to work hard...
(V)irtual face time should never be used as a consistent substitute for after-hours office face time, especially if the partner will be in the office working on the same project and might need assistance. Being physically present in the office allows the partner to give feedback to the associate about the project and any special instructions. This is frustrating to do through e-mails and multiple telephone calls if an associate is working remotely. In essence, being physically present in the office allows an associate to better serve the partner with whom he works...
At a minimum, the associate's BlackBerry should be checked a few times a day, and she should respond as necessary. Simply disappearing is never an option, unless it is a honeymoon or funeral. If unexpected and time-sensitive work arrives, the associate should attempt to make himself available to work, if at all possible. Obviously, the ability to work will depend on the associate's location, but showing a willingness to work — even on vacation — will create a lasting impression.
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