One Line of White-Collar Work in Which You Will Probably Look Older Than You Are

 There is the current platitude - which is usually true - that the 60-year-old looks more like late 40s. 

The exception could be those who make it to partner in those elite law firms such as Paul Weiss, Cravath, Skadden, Simpson and Kirkland & Ellis. And what seems to be almost a sci-fi kind of saga of rapid aging is getting attention.

On Reddit Big Law, 13 hours ago was posted this query, along with an observation:

"Is There Premature Aging of Law Firm Leadership/Partners?

"The early aging seems to kick in during the early 60s, when other kinds of white-collar workers aren't showing the wear and tear much yet. Of course, they tend to leave their younger self photo on the law firm website."

So far, there have been:

41,000 page views

37 comments

69 likes

41 shares.

Overall the responses confirmed the assumption that working in Big Law as a career does trigger the early onset of the ravages of aging. Most date it back to the 50s, a decade before the 60s. Or even the 40s. Here is one comment:

"I am often shocked to learn of people’s age in big law in general. A senior I worked with looks to be in his 40s (beer belly, greying hair, forehead wrinkles), I was floored to learn recently that he was only just touching mid 30s."

Some attribute it to the high volume of work per se, deadlines and the sleep deficit those entail, demanding clients, actions of opposing counsel and, of course, the lack of buffers that WLB can bring. 

Another source of premature aging provided in comments is the alcohol consumption. Lots of that is related to the mandatory entertainment of clients and prospects. 

Before I went to Harvard Law School in my 40s - a planned career change from communications - those from legal families warned me that I could have a relapse in my sobriety. I was first-generation law. That line of work, my network told me, involves lots of events in which alcohol  flows freely. I had been in a 12-step program for several years. No, I didn't drink but the horrific demands of law school motivated me to exit during 1L and bounce back to communications. One comment reads:

"I saw rapid aging in law school"

Incidentally I had enjoyed and had plenty of WLB during my earlier Ph.D. program.  

The aging phenomenon in elite law firms is so standard that the profession is already changing. Several responses essentially go this way:

"The profession is shifting. You’re not going to see many partners in their 60s anymore. The job is too demanding to keep a book up that justifies comp when you are that age. There will always be exceptions but most will tap out in their 50s having made their cash."

However, there are always those who are willing to trade off holding on to the benefits of relative youth in exchange for engrossing work, influence, power and millions in compensation. 

The irony is that had they gone to work on Wall Street, right after the BA/BS, they might have become a billionaire, not just a millionaire. Add on the MBA, which only requires two years, not three as with law school, and you could become a titled leader in financial firms such as Marc Rowan at Apollo.

Recently, Paul Weiss hired 182 first-year associates. It will be interesting to track what percentage of them remain in Big Law. Given the extreme demands of that legal niche there are even predictions that Big Law as we have known it might no longer exist.

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