Day in the Life of an Associate Attorney: Jefferson City, MO
Day in the Life of an Associate Attorney
By Rob Hess
Associate Attorney:
2002-present
On a typical week day, I arrive at work and read the morning news for developments that may affect our clients, and exchange follow-up emails with clients and other attorneys. I proof my time entries from the day before, and check my calendar for filing deadlines and other high priority items for the day.
I then start work in earnest – making phone calls, drafting pleadings and correspondence, researching, and preparing for hearings. As a litigation associate, I primarily work on cases pending before federal and state courts and administrative tribunals. The projects are diverse, ranging from the defense of individual health care providers before professional licensing boards to constitutional litigation that will affect an entire industry. I am teamed with a Partner who supervises the effort and develops our trial strategy. The attorneys, legal assistants, and other firm personnel work together to execute that trial strategy. My specific tasks vary depending on the stage of the litigation. On any given day, in one or more cases, I may prepare discovery requests, coordinate a document review, draft a brief, or prepare a memorandum to advise a client of its options.
My day's responsibilities are not, however, limited to litigation. Working in a state capitol provides unique opportunities to observe and participate in the state legislative and administrative processes. Our clients often seek advice about the likely effects of proposed legislation and administrative rulemakings. During the day, I am likely to pick up a rush research project for a client with a particular concern or to assist another Husch Blackwell Sanders attorney with a matter pending before a state agency.
I must balance these rush projects with my normal workload. I must be well-organized to ensure that all of my assignments are completed on time. On a "normal" week day, I arrive around 8:00 am and leave by 6:00 pm or so. Before a trial or to meet a deadline, I will arrive early, stay late (occasionally very late), and work over the weekend. The work is intellectually challenging. Complex and sometimes competing principles of law must be analyzed and then accurately, thoroughly, and clearly explained to other attorneys, the client, or a court. It is a rigorous and rewarding job for a person who likes the challenge of confronting and solving difficult problems.
I spend time each day in non-work related conversations with my co-workers. The Jefferson City office has a relatively small number of attorneys. The atmosphere is familiar and cooperative. Associates work directly with senior Partners and have regular interactions with firm clients. On most days, I probably meet with Partners two or three times to discuss case strategy, receive new assignments, and prepare for upcoming hearings. For a few subject areas, I am a primary client contact, and I will field calls and questions from these clients directly.
At the end of the day, I complete my time entries showing how I have spent my time and head home.