Working in a Law Firm
A law firm is a partnership, limited liability partnership or professional corporation organized for the practice of law. In addition to lawyers, a law firm may have support staff and other professionals such as paralegals, clerks and administrative assistants. Chagrin Falls Business Lawyer may also provide legal services to the public. It can be a sole practitioner, or it can be part of a large multi-national corporation.
Many different types of business practices can be found in a law firm, including personal injury, tax, divorce and estate planning, corporate and real estate work, intellectual property, bankruptcy and more. The types of work performed can vary by law firm, depending on the specialties of its attorneys and support staff.
Most people are familiar with the concept of a law firm, thanks to popular movies and television shows that portray relationships and conflicts that occur in high-powered settings. However, the reality of working in a law firm is often very different from what is seen on screen.
Lawyers in firms must bill for their time and are expected to meet specific minimum requirements, so they often have very demanding schedules and work long hours. As a result, working in a law firm can be challenging for some people who prefer a more balanced lifestyle.
Larger law firms often have separate departments for transactional and litigation work. The transactional department advises clients and handles the necessary legal applications and filings, while the litigation department represents clients in court cases. Attorneys with specialized skills can work in either area, although most attorneys prefer to concentrate on their preferred type of work.
Like any other business, large law firms sometimes undergo mergers, divisions and reorganizations. These changes can have a dramatic impact on the work environment and performance of the firm, as attorneys may be asked to change practice areas, merge with other firms or be terminated. This can create a stressful atmosphere for associates and others who must adjust their schedules, work assignments and billing procedures.
In-house lawyer positions offer a number of benefits that can be attractive to some lawyers, including less stress and a more flexible working environment. However, in-house lawyers are not guaranteed to be paid as much as their counterparts at larger law firms, and they cannot receive bonuses based on their number of billable hours.
At Minyard Morris, we have the resources to handle all aspects of your business divorce, including complex issues for professional practices and high net worth individuals. Our team has years of experience handling divorces for businesses, including those with a complicated ownership structure, and can assist you in developing the best strategy to protect your interests and your business. Our unique combination of family law and business practice gives us a singular focus that allows our clients to achieve the most effective and efficient results in their cases. Contact our Orange County divorce lawyers today to learn more about the legal protections you have as a business owner in a divorce.