I'm definitely changing my mind about this co-op. First of all, I've been busy all week. It's been fun, even when the particular assignments are not very interesting (such as shephardizing all the cases in a law review article so the author can decide if developments merit an update ... it's about statutory construction --- ick!). Although I've had enough interesting assignments, that it's all good. I also like high pressure stuff -- "I need to file this brief in an hour and I need to add a case that says _____!!!"

One thing in particular I'm seeing as a benefit, and that makes me happy that I am working in a firm right now, on co-op, before starting at Future Firm: I'm learning how to function in a "billable time" world. I didn't do so well at the start of the week. I found myself juggling things (including personal), and then unable to realistically state how long I spent on a project. I (of course) underestimated my time spent, rather than over-estimated, but I felt crappy about my very low totals at the end of a day (like, 3.9, even though I felt like I was busy ALL DAY).

Today I am practically using a stop-watch. I have a little notepad in front of me, and for everything I'm working on, I'm keeping track of the time as I go. I'm not checking e-mail or CNN until I am DONE with something, or at least wrote down an "end time." And today, I already have 2.5 hours of billable time, after 3 hours of being at work, and I didn't even try to start up right away.

It's nice to think that I can work out the kinks now, and feel more comfortable walking into my permanent place of employment come September.

Labels: co-op

posted by Zuska @ 11:49 AM

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