Lawyer - Another Category of Knowledge Worker Who's a "Dime a Dozen"

"For us lawyers, we're a dime a dozen because our only real skill is reading. Hence the shit hours and working conditions. But also the lack of self respect. The number of people who boasts about working like a dog as if it's some badge of honor." -  Fishbowl Big Law, October 2024

Like content-creators, pre-AI techies, graphic arts designers, film producers, management consultants and marketing experts, lawyers are a "dime a dozen." That's exactly why, as that posting on professional anonymous network Fishbowl outs, they can be exploited and ignored when it comes to discretionary bonuses. 

This doesn't only apply to prestigious large law firms paying mega bucks. Lawyers in all kinds and sizes of law firms tend to have it rough. That ranges from the nature of the tasks to the pushback from opposing counsel. Lawyers I have coached who have left that line of work tend to attribute the exit to "how other lawyers treat you."

The exception is the star brandname who brings in the business and adds in other significant ways to revenue. But that protected status can go poof if they are monetizing less. They can be forced out. Currently lawyering, just like other white collar career paths, offers no employment security.

Overall, knowledge workers are losing value in the labor market. All their education and jumping through hoops are no longer a platform for entitlement to a good job and a good standard of living. Lawyers plow in three years of law school plus the ordeal of passing the bar. They might not be licensed if there is something negative in their background. 

Right now the bottom jobs in the legal sector are already fading. A recent example is document review, which is the usual task for junior lawyers and contract ones needing work. As Abovethelaw reports, Relativity aiR Review has proved out to be accurate and fast. Needed are only some humans in the loop to quality-check. 

Knowing you are a "dime a dozen" or, worse, explicitly being told that is soul-wrenching. That had been among the drivers for my career change, after decades of operating a communications boutique. I made the radical shift to intuitive coaching/tarot reading. 

I share this regret with many others: Not pulling the plug sooner. Very human is the magical thinking that things have to get better. 

Obviously, one takeaway is: Calculate the risk of investing in preparing to be a knowledge worker. Gen Z, which is struggling to land entry-level jobs, might be the last generation in America to opt for formal four-year degrees and advanced graduate/professional ones. On LinkedIn some have posted the banner "Desperateforwork."

Life is hard. Business is even more difficult these days. Get answers – and relief. Jane Genova is a results-driven intuitive coach, tarot reader and content-creator related to careers. Complimentary consultation (please text/phone 203-468-8579 or email janegenova374@gmail.com)