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Working for a personal injury law firm can be a rewarding career choice for those interested in the legal field, especially as demand for these services grows.
The number of people employed in the personal injury lawyer and attorney industry in the US increased by an average of 3.4% over the five years between 2018-2023. However, it’s important to understand the unique demands and environment of this industry before joining a personal injury practice.
As employment opportunities rise, so does competition – being realistic about expectations will position job seekers for success. As you weigh your options, keep the following five considerations in mind about the day-to-day realities of personal injury firms.
1. Expect Long and Irregular Hours
A UK study by the Trades Union Congress found that attorneys at personal injury firms work an average of 16 hours extra per week unpaid. The nature of these practices necessitates irregular hours based on filing deadlines, court appearances, investigations, and client meetings. Be prepared for frequent evenings and weekend work, especially as trial dates approach. The attorney workload also rises and falls based on intake numbers and active caseloads.
2. Specialize in Stress Management
In 2021, a survey revealed that personal injury lawyers suffer from exceptionally high rates of anxiety and stress disorders, with 39% of lawyers reporting that they feel uncomfortable taking time off. Heavy caseloads, contentious litigation, complex laws, and aggressive opponents contribute immense pressure. Honing time management and stress-reduction practices is essential for physical and mental health.
3. Prepare for Rigorous Travel
Personal injury attorneys often need to travel to meet clients, appear in court, take depositions, and investigate claims. Cases may be spread out across multiple jurisdictions, necessitating frequent overnight trips or long commutes. Make sure you have the flexibility and stamina for frequent travel.
4. Uphold High Ethical Standards
Attorney Mark Perenich, a personal injury lawyer in the Tampa Bay area, states that the AV rating is the pinnacle of professional excellence among attorneys. The AV rating is the highest level of the rating system – only lawyers who reach the highest level of professional excellence by their peers receive this award. In order to be AV-rated, an attorney must have high ethical standards. Personal injury law necessitates impeccable integrity.
5. Gain Comfort with Financial Unpredictability
The compensation structure in most personal injury firms connects directly to won case settlements and awards. A few slow months or losses can therefore impact your paycheck. Developing healthy financial planning habits and maintaining an emergency fund helps bridge the gap during leaner periods.
6. Embrace Team Collaboration
Unlike corporate law or other legal practices, personal injury law firms rely on extensive team collaboration between partners, attorneys, paralegals, investigators and administrators. A collegial, team-focused mindset is essential for firms to operate smoothly and effectively represent client interests. Be ready to work closely with colleagues and support staff to litigate cases.
Personal injury firm environments differ substantially from other law offices. While the work provides unique rewards, prospective employees should realistically assess the demands and specialty expertise involved. Carefully evaluating your temperament, skills, and lifestyle fit will allow finding the right personal injury practice for a sustainable, successful career. With realistic expectations about heavy workloads, financial ups and downs, steep learning curves and close team collaboration, personal injury law can prove a fulfilling long-term choice for those passionate about plaintiff advocacy.