Whats it like to be a competent but not ambitious, non-partner lawyer?
A few things you need to understand about law firms. One is that there are four types of workers in any business, regardless of how many people are in them. FINDERS, BINDERS, GRINDERS, and MINDERS. Finders bring the business in the door. They make the most money in any business. Someone always has to do this or there’s no one coming in the door. This is what makes Partner in a Law Firm. Binders make the clients happy with their choice. They play golf with them, remember their birthdays, and never let them sit on “hold”. A firm can do without this, but the better this is done, the easier the Finders job becomes. Minders keep up with what has to be done right now, so that dates aren’t missed. This is often done by a good paralegal, and keeps everyone out of trouble with the Bar Association. Grinders actually DO the work. Someone has to do this, whether it’s a Clerk, Paralegal, or a competent but not ambitious lawyer. They don’t make much, because they need the other three more than the o
