Day in My Life as a CORPORATE LAWYER in London - 14 Hour Day
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- Опубліковано 25 сер 2021
- It's (FINALLY!) here: a 7am-10pm day in my life as a corporate lawyer working from the OFFICE in Canary Wharf (London). I am now almost halfway through my training contract at Clifford Chance, currently working in the M&A (mergers and acquisitions) team. In this video, I share my morning routine, the kind of work I do during the day and a sneak-peak of an upcoming office tour video that I'm making with a couple of other trainees 😃
If you've ever wondered what it's really like to be a trainee lawyer at a top corporate law firm, this hopefully gives you an insight into the hours, the work lawyers actually do and the perks of working for a firm that really cares for its people!
So yeh - enjoy, and please do let me know what you think in the comments 🤗
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About Me
I'm a trainee lawyer, part-time UA-camr, son, brother, startup founder, boyfriend, black coffee drinker and plant dad. I graduated from Cambridge University (where I studied French and Spanish), topped my law school class and now work for a corporate law firm in London as a trainee solicitor (which takes up a lot of my time)!
Around that, I'm a big fan of discovering new ways of thinking, of balancing work with life, and of performing to the very best of my ability. Ohh, and being happy. And I try to share all that on this UA-cam channel 😀
Fun fact: I believe we massively overplay the role of “natural talent” 😮 AND… I also believe that TOGETHER, WE ARE ALL CAPABLE OF POSITIVITY, PRODUCTIVITY AND SUCCESS.
📸 Instagram - / liam.porritt
🌍 My little kingdom - liamporritt.com
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Disclaimer:
Information, views and opinions depicted in this video are my own. Information visible on screens or in documents does not relate to my work as a lawyer for clients.
I worked super long hours like that for 3 years (in an industry job though) and let me tell you, even if "the grind" seems to be somewhat addicting and satisfying in the beginning, it sucks the life out of you sooner or later. You get sucked into this tunnel where at one point you don't feel like a human anymore, just a machine. Now that I stopped, I feel like I have woken up from a long, bad dream. I still think it's fun to push hard on a project for a couple of days in a row, but I would never work in a job that requires that regularly from me anymore. I don't think this lifestyle is sustainable and I don't think the way big corporations suck the life out of us should be promoted.
Spot on.
@@joefljfl I think it all depends on how much effort you have to pay to achieve the lawyer title and complete the practice, but I feel like the time and energy to spend on something you know is not for you in the first place is a waste of energy and your life.
Worked in M&A for large English firm too and your totally right.
amen
*or permitted. It should be illegal.
I work in fraud law and I have fallen out of love with my job, I love seeing your enthusiasm I wish I enjoyed doing my day to day tasks! I get quite disheartened when I get comments about my work but you have changed my attitude as it really is part of the learning experience!
Fraud law is basically impossible to enforce
I’m sure it can’t be that bad. Maybe is wasn’t for you.
Work in white collar crime law - one day you'll be glad you worked for The Big Man !
Bro thinks he’s Harvey spectre
I’m feeling this now in commercial property. Looking into moving to another area if not out of the profession
Gotta confess, I read "mergers and acquisitions" and "corporate lawyer" and almost went narcoleptic right there. no offense, I'm just more of a right brain type. but watching you talk about it is like watching a 7 year old kid explain his favorite toys. Your enthusiasm is infectious! (Sorry I probably shouldn't be using that word these days.) So fun to watch people who are passionate about what they do. And this was an interesting glimpse behind the scenes.
Thank you Julie - this really really made me smile :)
@@liam.porritt cheers, man (toasting you with a forkful of salmon)
Narcoleptic enough to click it and watch the whole thing :D
@@aliA-jz5ms it’s called a figure of speech
@@liam.porritt 1:05 always drink water in a sitting position it's better according to science
The practice presentation with the department seemed really cool and useful. More companies need to start doing that
This is perfect. I’ve just started gaining legal experience in a high street firm and it’s definitely full on. Your video has reminded me that I’m not alone in struggling and learning from mistakes. It’s definitely a process of trial and error and self improvement. Wishing you the best of luck in your new job. Congrats !
Hi Liam, I'm several months late catching this video, but thank you very much for putting this together. It's great that you have your own office at work. I have unfortunately only ever worked in open plan offices, and personally, I hate that. I need my own space with the door closed to properly focus on what I'm doing. It's also great that you have a fairly short commute to work, because it means that even if you work late, you'll still be home in about 15 minutes.
That office looks sensational, complete with a cafe in the same building from which you can pre-order your meals to be delivered to your desk!
I quitted corporate lawyer world a few months ago after working for about 7 years. It is an interesting job and intellectually stimulating but i think it is just not for everyone. Glad to see that you seem to really enjoy your job
I'd burnout in a career like that
I'm not sure why i ended up clicking onto this, but as a doctor in London, it's really fun to watch someone's completely different kind of work day! Also when you said you clocked off really early, I wasn't expecting you to say 5.30 haha
Wow, Liam, I admire you for being such a hard-working guy! You seem to really enjoy your job and are therefore a vast inspiration! Keep up the excellent content! Anyone who needs to hear this: It's okay not to work 14 hours a day for a glamourous company. Your job and your working hours do not define you, and you're all AWESOME!
I used to work as a paralegal for a big corporate law firm in London.
There I learned I'd rather work 14 hour days on my own project than some less than stellar shadowy corporation.
Each to their own though nothing wrong with triumphant hard work but realise there's millions of others on the planet who put just as much work in for themselves and that solely benefits them rather than an organisation who will only take advantage of you.
It's cool that you share the office life as it really is and do not try to make things look better than they are. It's great to see that the long day didn't exhaust you. Never seen anyone beaming with energy like that after 8 pm in the office 😊
He’s so eager and excited. It’s cute. Give it time. It doesn’t last.
That's when you know you didn't choose the right path. My uncle is one of the biggest lawyers in the city and he goes to work pumped every morning since the day he started that job.
@@sahanaashvin1573 This is overly simplistic. Is your relative in corporate, transactional work? Then perhaps he’s motivated primarily by earning power. Which, great. To each their own. If he’s not in corporate transactions, then we are talking about an entirely different thing. If you have a shred of idealism, there is a finite shelf life to being motivated by corporate transactions. In my experience, at least.
It’s inspiring how much you love your job and the work you are doing! Great video!
thank you for this! it's easy to feel defeated following rejections from firms or from the daunting task of sending out loads of applications, but this has reignited the reasons why i care so much and have felt so excited about getting into corporate law and becoming a solicitor, so yep, thank you for the motivation!!
Its amazing how you make this life seem good, spending all day at the office. Im very happy that you are happy with this!
As someone who gave up the stressful corporate city life for a peaceful life in the country, this video has made me realise I definitely would rather die than go back to the corporate rat race! But I am glad this chap enjoys his job, and I recommend to keep doing it if you enjoy it!
Such an interesting insight into law life in London and so so appreciative of all the nice shots you got during your frantic day to make the video interesting and aesthetically pleasing 😊!
The Devil wears Prada.... or a barrister's Cape
As a Corporate Senior Legal Secretary, I can vouch for you! Closing a corporate deal is both exhausting and exhilarating. I've many 24 stints - awaiting the clients to finally sign off. My heart goes out to you! This brings back so many busy days and late nights. Would have loved to have worked with you! 🙂
Its great to see how you balance work and daily life so well. I aspire to have that kind of balance when I start working as a Lawyer too! Keep up the good work 👏
Well done Liam! Your positivity is very uplifting.
I've been working for corporate law firms in Italy for several years. I used to work on papers for days, with short breaks and I had to go all around Italy (my countries) for hearings, sometimes sleeping in hotels. I finally decided to start my own firm and to work by myself. I'm 41 and work as long as I want for the clients I actually want to work for (especially IT companies). Some days I only work 4-5 hours and go out for playing tennis or art courses. Other days I work 9-10 hours, but it's pretty rare. Going by myself was the best choice of my life, just need guts to do it
very empowering
As trainee solicitor your life is my dream life but I think it take 10 years to reach your level
@@obaidmughal8013 yes I guess it takes about 8-10 years but it also depends on the degree of wealth you wanna reach.
Nice to see a big law vlog! I feel like not many people in this industry are open to sharing their work lifes, which is understandable. But it just makes this video a lot more valuable. Thank you :)
You inspire me to fall in love with my career all over again. I work in a hospital and with the pandemic a lot of us have been feeling extreme burnout. This is so refreshing to watch. 💖
God bless you and God bless anyone reading this! Hope you have an awesome day! Seek him while you can! Jesus is the way and the only way and he is returning soon! Whenever you think you aren't loved... Remember the ultimate sacrifice was for love! ENDING YOUR LIFE IS NEVER THE ANSWER!
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 KJV
The wages of sin is death (hell) but Jesus paid our debt on the cross, for our salvation! We must turn to God and away from our sinful ways, Confess Jesus is Lord and believe with our hearts that he was risen from the dead by God, and we must be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit and live by His word and Commandments! Trust that God will help with the rest!
Seek God today before it's too late! Today could be your last day on earth!
Have a blessed day!
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Take care 🍀
This is super informative and helpful! As corporate lawyers who've been working for a few years, this is 100% the kind of content we would have loved to see while we were still in law school/doing our training contracts.
Great to see you being in such high spirits working 14 hours a day. I am heading into corporate work myself in Hongkong and have been somewhat nervous about the workload.
Love your videos! It’s so nice having you take the time to explain things. :)
You are sooooo inspirational Liam- your content really motivates me thanksss!!
Loved watching this. I find it so interesting seeing what other people do, particularly when it’s so different from what I do! And you can see how much you love your job, which is so motivating 🙌
Hi Liam, having watched your videos for quite a few years now it’s really cool to see you working in your office, having watched you study so hard for so long! Very well done. Loved the video as always
There are very FEW people I can listen to all day. You are one of those people I can listen to all day. I thoroughly enjoyed this "lesson." I will likely use it in my English first-year composition course to help students understand the importance of career choice. There is so much enthusiasm in your attitude towards your work. It sounds like the happiest relationship you have ever been in. New subscriber.
I always love your full day work or study vlogs!!
as an attorney recruiter, it’s lovey to see an associate so enthused about helping out with recruiting!
Very cool video sir! Really appreciate the time and effort put in. Even through your chaotic day your breakdowns were excellent and insight!👏🏾👏🏾
Really nice video up there, Liam. I'm a corporate lawyer in Brazil and it's very nice to see passionate people around the world in similar jobs! haha. Congrats for the video!
I had low expectations but was really surprised you come across really well and the passion you have is clear to see.. thanks for making this vlog
I'm glad I stumbled across this video! I'm currently studying to be a corporate lawyer and this really gave me perspective. Thank you!!
This was so well put together. Great video
It is interesting to watch and I love the way you articulate and express your thoughts. Very good work on camera.
But honestly, starting day at 6.30 and leaving office at 21.30 does not sound fun. I guess I'm just happy doing what I'm doing.
Yeah, i often work long hours. Lunch breaks are now a long distant memory, but leaving the office at 930pm...sheesh. No thanks.
As an MBA student also studying for the LSAT (U.S.), I’m even more inspired by your enthusiasm to join corporate law in M&A😄
This just motivated me to continue my GMAT studies. I’m thinking of doing my Masters next year to get into IB , M&A or Private Equity.
Your day looked really interesting and productive.
I used to think 14 hrs a day was horrible.
Having been working 15 hrs a day in the last 3 months, 6 days a week in Kenya.
I hope I’ll be as excited as you to go to work when I get back into the corporate world.
Thats madness.
Can’t wait to watch this I would love to go into corporate and tax law so these videos are super helpful
Really interesting to see what kind of things you do in your work. Also loved the camera shots, Canary Wharf is lovely.
I'm an international corporate lawyer in Dubai and the grind does get to you after a while. It's great to see others in this profession working hard and staying motivated. I've struggled to find balance recently because of the long hours but need to try and see if I can get back into it. Thank you for the videos!
Hlo where are you from and how can be a corporate secretary in Dubai (I mean which all exam I should opt in uae)
12:10 I LOVE that! Briefing current events and practicing presentation skills. 👌🏽
the cinematography of this video is incredible
Very sensible video with no bravado in it - good stuff, hope you’re enjoying it.
Thank you Liam for the insight. Please keep the content coming.
Awesome vlog as always! Very surreal seeing Greenwich in the background of your intro as a local to the area
Your channel is perfect !!! Love the study tips !
Awesome video as always, its really helpful being able to have an insight into my dream career!
An absolutely amazing video! Keep at it Liam 🙌🏿
I know nothing about Corp law but I found your explanation really easy to understand. Thank you very much for sharing.
In the morning, if my face is a little puffy, I'll put on an ice pack while doing my stomach crunches. I can do a thousand now. After I remove the ice pack, I use a deep pore cleanser lotion. In the shower, I use a water activated gel cleanser. Then a honey almond body scrub. And on the face, an exfoliating gel scrub. Then apply an herb mint facial mask, which I leave on for 10 minutes while I prepare the rest of my routine. I always use an aftershave lotion with little or no alcohol, because alcohol dries your face out and makes you look older. Then moisturizer, then an anti-aging eye balm followed by a final moisturizing protective lotion.
Ahh this is so amazing to watch! I'm going into my third year studying law at University and this is extremely inspirational to me
Working 14 hours a day is inspirational?
@@aceface970 for the money, perks, benefits, pension schemes, 401(k), career opportunities, and personal development, you're goddamn right it's inspirational.
Hell fucking ya it's worth it.
@@bothi00 Eh not really. I’ve been there and done that. Wasting your 20s sat in an office 10 hours a day for money that loses value via inflation isn’t as great as you think. Yeah the money’s good but the stress, pressure and time you’re spending reviewing contracts just ain’t worth it. It’s like having to read the terms and conditions 1063938 times a day every day
@@SpitfireMLG well ya obviously inflation will affect your earning if you dont hedge the wealth with tangible assets (namely property)
@@bothi00 I got out of corporate law at 23-24. Don't do it for the money. There is no amount of money that can compensate a lack of life experiences or personal development. Your twenties are there for you to grow, be adventurous and find out what person you want to be. Personal development is not sitting at a desk for 9 hours a day breaking your back for corporate firms; at least not for me. You come back more than a few days when the sun is already down after a long day of boredom. You are tired and spent; it's already night, no energy to do anything. Sometimes you just want to fall into bed. Then rinse, repeat. At 30 you may ask where all the time and experiences went. Mon conseil: ecoutez aux avertissements des personnes qui a choisi cette carrière. C'est votre chemin et c'est à vous à décider.
This is great! Would love to see more of these kind of videos focused on giving tips on corporate law and drafting or even a Skillshare class would be super useful. Do you recommend any useful books/websites ? What section of the FT would you recommend reading?
It’s so inspiring the way you love your job, I hope I can be the same in a few years !
look everyone, the worker has fallen in love with the system that exploits them!
As an intern lawyer from Turkey I can say that your law firm is so cool.
These kinds of videos should be shown to schoolkids. People need an insight into the reality of what a job entails before signing up for expensive colleges, internships and general use of their time. I know im never going to go into corporate law after watching this video but im sure there are many others who will want to. That's why your videos are so important.
Ok free dinner delivered to your desk is tempting me 😅
Really interesting and very useful for anyone who wants to know what life is like in corporate work.
Thoroughly enjoyed this video. More day in the life vids please!
I loved it ❤️, thanks for creating
This video gives me so much motivation to work hard!!!
Extremely insightful mate!
Let's get to the question everyone has in mind. How are you able to stay so lean with the long hours, take out food and sedentary office work!!!!??!!! Nice day in the life video btw, I am sure bankers and consultants are jealous of the fact you have your own office space :D
he probably eats around his maintenance calorie level
If u look at what he ate he probably barely scratched 1000 calories. I'd have thought wasting away and having no energy would be more of a concern
happy to see you're not burnt out
Good morning Liam from China. Expat teacher here but your video really put a positive spin on my day . filled me with lots of energy and imgoing to subscribe now !
Great vlog and quality. Very informative. Interesting to hear the tasks are similar although we work in different fields (Insurance and Medical Law, Sydney, Australia). The perks such as dinner past usual work hours provided by your employer are great and the amenities look beautiful. Keep doing what you love, although starting at 8.00am and finishing at 5.00pm should be the goal - work will never finish and weekends are not enough to enjoy non-work life.
Hi i'm in Sydney Australia and looking to get into something similar, if you wouldn't mind sharing how are the daily and weekly hours ?
Thank you very much for posting.
Great Video. Thank you for posting.
I am a primary school teacher and have never worked in an office, I'm now at home as parent carer for my disabled daughter, I've found this video so interesting! I'll never use the information but still fascinating 😊 thanks for upload
I love how honest you are!! Respect 🥸🥸👍
I work in Law as well, and I actually hate it when my supervisor doesn't completely rip apart something I've drafted. Like you said, it's all part of the learning experience. Your videos are awesome, I hope you're able to keep it up!
Yes, im not in law but instead mortuary science and sometimes my supervisor will just go "oh its good" and im like but in what ways? can i improve? Am i trying to hard?
This is such a great way to reframe it!
@Bernard Fitzsimons how so?
@Bernard Fitzsimons as are you. good day sir
@@melliethemortician that seems very weird.
I really really like video’s like this so thanks a lot and please keep making some more video’s like this one!
Ooh nice office and also nice views toooo Wow! Canary wolf is very pricey. Wasn’t expecting to see that in the vlog. Make sure you chill out and do things you enjoy too than getting hustling with work and heading toward a burnt out. Keep the blogs up and keep hustling. 😀
This is awesome, brilliant stuff mate
Thank you, Mr. Liam. God bless you.
Canary Wharf looks BEAUTIFUL at night. Might need to add to my places to go when in London in November 🤞🏻. Thank you for keeping me company whilst I drudge through my WFH day today.
Thanks for posting man, cheers! ^^
I'm so so glad I came across your channel. I am from India and work for big law here. Can't believe the law firm culture globally is so identical.
You da best Liam! Keep up the good content!
Your honestly living my dream! Your very inspirational!!!
Wow, thank you! Keep working and trying to do things that move you towards your goals :)
i can’t believe i’m actually early for once! 🎉 your videos make me have a productive day 💕
You seem so enthusiastic! You must love your job. :) Great video!
Liam please make more of these fantastic videos 💫
Very interesting and positive. It is good to see more people back in the physical office again.
Online courts might enhance integrity of the evidence gathering and reading though...
One of my favourite videos of yours! Makes me not feel so bad about working such long hours on my business every day. I am based at the other end of the wharf, near Morgan Stanley :)
Really appreciate your efforts brother
This is my first video of yours Liam and I want to thank you for an accurate portrayal of what it is like working in corporate. There are days that you can end work early, on time or a little later than planned. Liam chose to have dinner at the office and stay behind until 9.30 pm. Others who are parents may opt to leave early so that they can get home on time for dinner with the family but they continue the work at home after their kids have gone to bed. That's part and parcel of some industries. You do what you have to do to make it work and balance all your different responsibilities.
Well said. Salaam.
Hi! I’m a college junior from the states considering a career in law. Thank you for this informative video!
Cool video! I really enjoyed seeing what your day is like. Your office is COOL. Never seen a water dispenser like that lol. And the meal perks 🤌🏽
As an M&A financial advisor, can totally understand the workload. Those SPAs aren't easy to draft. Thanks for the video.
After 10 years (and counting) in the corporate world, I can confirm that the provision of free dinner is not actually a perk. Having said that, I love the enthusiasm you have for role and you're quite right to learn from others and take in as much as you can.
Why isn't it a perk haha
@@njhd9923 Designing an office to keep people there for unnecessarily long periods of time is a tactic and not a perk. I worked in an office that had free food and drink, sleeps pods, vouchers for evening activities etc. I had colleagues who practically lived there Mon-Fri thinking they were getting loads of free stuff. In reality, they allowed their time to be taken from them on the cheap. Many are still there and it's the lifestyle. They eat shed loads but don't know how to live outside those four walls.
@@Jon-hb6gx Yh ur right. People think it’s a perk getting a free £10 dinner when in reality they give up around 4 hours per day for that “perk”
I work at home still in The US as a sales manager and sales training consultant for one of the biggest online retailers or car and truck parts. I do miss being in office as the interactions with people are way better and once you leave work the day is over for good BUT I do not miss the driving too and from, not being able to get a walk in or a workout at a more reasonable time then 6am, and the eating cleaner is way easier. I spent between $20-$100 a week just in food alone sometimes working in office. I can say I do work between 10-12 hours a day now but it seems wayyyy more manageable to do at home knowing once I start at 7am and end at 5 or 6 that I can walk right out of my office and see my family and eat dinner or prepare dinner before I even get off work etc. it really balances out. It was great to see this video and know my day could be worse or better
I wish you well Liam. I did corporate and M&A work for almost 40 years before retiring a couple years ago. I never stopped enjoying it.
thank you for sharing this, i’ve been having cold feet now that i got into the law school I wanted, and wasn’t sure that i still could do this but seeeing your enthusiasm helps a lot !
@@chenzen5547 I wish you luck. I'm sure you'll find it a fulfilling career.
What an inspiration, you are working so hard, a corporate warrior indeed.
Hi my name is Manan and it's a brilliant video , so well put. I actually work in transactional Law - Mergers & Acquisitions & Private Equity and Venture Capital Investments , and I'm actually surprised at the kind of work cabin that you have - most partners in Indian firms don't have such big cabins. Transactional documents, agreements and Due Diligence are some of the key tasks Associates in Indian firms perform and yes managing emails is a hassle here too. Great video 👍🏻
I have been following your vlog for sometimes since you were working from home. I can tell that you are sooooo happy and passionate to work in the office… by the way, you re my influencer in term of organizing work and daily task. Keep up the good work..cheers
Thank you, Liam, for the positive energy! Really appreciate your channel! Also just discovered that you also published books, so inspiring, as I am on my journey of book publishing too! By the way, have you ever tried running through Greenwich tunnel to go to work? That will be a lot of fun and exercise! Hope to bump into you when I am running aha!
So glad to meet other lawyer UA-camrs. We are a rare bunch hehe 🥳
You sound like such a sweet person! Not at all in law or business but this was fun to watch! :)