tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36277073434617257122012-02-14T17:52:02.603-08:00Attorney. Grad from top-10 law school in Princeton Review's ranking for Most Hours Spent Studying. Followed alternate career path. Now working as a contract lawyer reviewing documents and other side gigs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comBlogger5291100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-34604752875512690992012-02-14T17:46:00.000-08:002012-02-14T17:52:02.681-08:00

I hope everyone is having a great Valentine's Day.Project is winding down. People are communicating concern about how many documents are left. One woman left yesterday and the other people at the tables near her are wondering if they did something wrong, since she didn't say goodbye.Asperger's guy is reading the paper and checking for jobs on craigslist.Funny how on every project someone always

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-91171330428176216842012-02-05T09:08:00.000-08:002012-02-05T09:27:50.670-08:00

Still working. Student loans are down to $60,000 from $158,000. I have paid $58,000 in the past 19 months. 15 months to go.Apex is embracing the idea that he has Aspergers. As I read about Aspergers at times I think "that's what I do!" Then I wonder if I do the behavior because of laziness, narcissism, ADD or Aspergers. Psychology is a tricky thing.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-29232123088231495332012-01-14T19:45:00.001-08:002012-01-14T19:52:02.685-08:00

Finished the long-running project immediately before Christmas. Started the new project upon returning back from holiday. Interview with a firm for doc review on Tuesday to start another project, if hired. Are things picking up? Certainly in cases between Apple and others and Google and the world. Those seem to be the two big clients, based on news reports. Otherwise, I think it's really a case

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-62742634932506911962011-12-16T14:29:00.000-08:002011-12-16T14:33:34.561-08:00

As this project winds down, reportedly, and the holidays are upon us I am once again faced with the conflict of accepting the next offer (which usually comes quickly) or taking some time off. Winter is a bad time for this decision. California Bar dues come up in February and taxes are in April. So I am loathe to turn down money. Apex's birthday gift makes the decision less pressure-filled, as he

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-26197526908210215572011-12-12T15:43:00.000-08:002011-12-12T15:47:04.599-08:00

Reportedly, this project will end right before Christmas.We are told there are many more projects with this agency as an enticement to stay on until the end rather than find something now. Not much starts up right before the new year, anyway.I did see the above post on craigslist. I found the request for an inexperienced attorney to handle a legal malpractice case rather funny.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-91996579462516317702011-12-01T10:50:00.000-08:002011-12-01T10:56:12.721-08:00

This month I turn 50. I have been telling myself I was 50 almost this whole year. I've felt 50, whatever that means.The build-up was worse than the actual day will be. Loss of youth, transitioning into golden years, more wrinkles, thinking about age-appropriate clothing and hair--most of the worries about those issues are done. "It is what it is," the Ukranian attorney would say.And just when I

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-16124907145929395472011-11-22T09:05:00.000-08:002011-11-22T09:12:00.655-08:00

It's been a while, my apologies for not posting more frequently.Not much is excitement work-wise, sex-wise, or much else-wise. The big news is I have once again hit 6 figures doing crappy little peon work as a click monkey. Second year in a row. So hard work, attention to detail and always saying yes to projects pays off.I am working, still. The project is down to maybe 8 attorneys (hard to tell

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-24542172034437218252011-10-08T20:31:00.000-07:002011-10-08T20:40:41.274-07:00

The project continues. Steady work and I am actually liking no overtime as my evenings and weekends are getting busier. I might have to cover for a sick faculty at the college, plus I am developing a new course, teaching two courses, taking an online training course, learning Japanese (finally) and trying to work in research, exercise, socializing, etc.Apex said this week that he has a good life,

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-57740013602084124912011-09-28T17:57:00.000-07:002011-09-28T18:08:55.945-07:00

It seems like many agencies will use "1-2 weeks" or "4-6 weeks" as the standard duration for a project. I have been on two "4-6 week" projects that lasted much longer. This one has passed six months. The other one was almost three years. While the uncertainty for the length of projects inhibits planning (other than planning on working or planning on looking for work) it now also seems to inhibit

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-82962301725372265432011-09-14T20:05:00.001-07:002011-09-14T20:10:03.380-07:00

My roommate and I are moving this weekend. Packing, arranging the truck, switching utilities, persuading the realtor to get things repaired before we move in that should have been done weeks ago (like the front door that sticks), picking up keys--all my jobs and it's taking time. My roommate was supposed to get people to help move. She has found one person. I can't wait until this Saturday is

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-25304040354122044062011-08-27T20:25:00.000-07:002011-08-27T20:29:01.360-07:00

Taking a short trip over Labor Day. Not to see Apex, who I am still noncommittal about seeing.Found a place my roommate and I both like, we are negotiating a later move-in date than the owner wants.The owner also lives overseas, so attorney ACL is suspicious that this might be a scam. I am feeling better, more energetic and positive. The thing is, the ability to turn my mood around is at my

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-50549334809575649772011-08-22T16:35:00.001-07:002011-08-22T16:59:56.935-07:00

I no longer have the interest or desire to see Apex. He has spent the past few months on a mini-sabbatical at his parents's place. A productive vacation for him. Before his birthday in July I was looking into possibly trips together. He seemed his usual excited yet noncommittal self about making any decisions. We never got together. And now--I don't care if we ever do. In fact, I have no desire

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-43777392884354702252011-08-15T12:34:00.000-07:002011-08-15T12:35:29.273-07:00

The fertile nonagenarian is...Zsa-Zsa Gabor! See Forbes here.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-60609618863102477992011-08-08T18:12:00.000-07:002011-08-08T18:16:56.132-07:00

Rates for English document review in the Bay Area seem to go from $33/hr-40/hr. Robert Half is offering both $33 and $35 (the 33 is the oral offer, the 35 is a tweet) for a privilege review, which seems extraordinarily low, even for San Jose.Hire Counsel was staffing people for a project and initially offered $35, then upped the rate to $40 when they didn't get a response.Even with Google hiring

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-29311010643622521612011-07-24T16:01:00.000-07:002011-07-24T16:04:49.240-07:00

Google has hired scads of document reviewers this summer. Contract attorneys are also being hired for more substantive work. There are lots of IP projects going on or about to start in the area.Yet rates still seem to be stuck at 35-40. The supply keeps getting replenished with new graduates, so much so that Google taking 30 or so attorneys off the market for a year has not moved the rate much.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-54235939752897380072011-06-27T13:19:00.001-07:002011-06-29T18:11:49.282-07:00

Will bring much, much more of the following:The next eHealthInsurance representative will be with you shortly.You are now chatting with 'Natasha'ACL: Hi Natasha. I would like to get accurate rate quotes from some insurance plans.Natasha: Welcome to eHealthInsurance's live chat service. How can I help you today?Natasha: Our website strives to give you the most accurate quotes possible. With this

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-66162992584947626362011-06-25T14:28:00.001-07:002011-06-25T14:36:52.658-07:00

My time off from writing has led to internal musings without resolution and solutions.So lucky/unlucky readers, you get more on Apex.I find I am losing ground. Much is related to Apex and our interactions, as well as my plateauing in work progress. In short, we were getting along well, talking at least once a day and helping each other with problems and solutions. He says in the last month I have

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-56165064413585721932011-06-25T01:04:00.000-07:002011-06-25T01:18:00.878-07:00

I was reading the complaint and online discussions about the McDermott malpractice case filed in California in June of this year. See this posting in aceds (now behind a wall) and this by Greg Buckles.In brief, McDermott was representing a PVC pipe mfg company (JM Mfg) on a qui tam case. Numerous states has served subpoenas on the company and McDermott hired a number of contract attorneys (100,

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-848014852678885272011-06-18T22:56:00.001-07:002011-06-18T22:56:22.956-07:00

I like being home and the routine-ness of knowing when I buy groceries, where, what teaching work I have to do, where I will do it, etc.I can curl up in these boundaries like a blanket.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-89910612893017382642011-06-18T00:37:00.000-07:002011-06-18T00:40:16.227-07:00

Took a few days off work. Went to a different part of California and sweated. And I realized that simply taking time off is not fun.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-86891303288641380332011-05-29T11:08:00.000-07:002011-05-29T11:19:02.431-07:00

At work there is a section that always brings food. Like the lionesses on the African plain, there are women that hunt, kill, and bring back cakes, ice cream, fruit, for the pride. The food is presented at the end of the table where the weaker, less capable lions, hyenas, and vultures walk by, eyeing the delectable morsels. Once the dominant lions eat and the way is clear for them, the hyenas,

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-5316301689897358032011-05-27T22:19:00.000-07:002011-05-27T22:25:26.479-07:00

Another week, another party and more food. Today was an ice cream sundae party for slacker attorney who hopes to hit 40 hours over 6 days.Wow. That's some bad-ass depression. I know what that's like, and I also know that even when a boss acts supportive and sympathetic, not coming in, coming late or leaving early will bite you.A year ago I was in Japan. Enjoyed that labor day weekend a helluva

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-75936523047528584662011-05-18T22:47:00.000-07:002011-05-18T22:59:47.846-07:00

The project I was on before the current one has restarted with a much smaller crew. There are certain types of cases that will drag on forever. Primarily, those with big name clients who can afford the attorney's fees.I think things are going well with Apex and then things change. I am too unwilling to clearly lay out what I want and enforce it. He is making moves to change yet freaks out.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-7740126971281506602011-05-14T23:08:00.000-07:002011-05-14T23:11:42.250-07:00

So I keep working. More hours.I'm on a greed treadmill. Is it greed if it's for a good purpose? The timeless question. Paying off loans is a good thing, and I am throwing all sorts of money at mine.But is it a good thing if I lose health, sleep, perspective, friends, and gain bad eye sight and a house full of cats?

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-29310811310341371012011-05-07T22:17:00.000-07:002011-05-07T22:24:42.512-07:00

13 days in a row? What a baby I was posting earlier how that was a big deal. There are people on this project longer than I who are plugging away. I did take last Sunday off and the Sat before that. Otherwise--just keep working.Apex has been calling because I am his support and motivation. Wow. I don't think about it much because I don't want to over-think it. He was full of positive things

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-54325788467932139052011-05-06T19:02:00.000-07:002011-05-14T23:14:39.936-07:00

we have a female atty who always wears gym clothes to work. she has a nice body (although she walks funny) but skin tight lycra with bared scapula is not appropriate. she also spends inordinate amount of time in the bathroom. for example, tonight she has spent 30 minutes. when the door opens i can see her at the sink washing her face and chest obsessively. so is she homeless, bulemic, or does she

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-82952346382648847412011-05-03T20:11:00.000-07:002011-05-03T20:35:48.169-07:00

Everything seems to be falling apart. And unlike in the past, when I was younger and would keep on top of things, it takes longer to fix it.My hair always feels dirty. Not a big thing compared to be shot in a compound, but a daily annoyance, especially when I feel the water coming from the shower and it feels oily and kind of coats my fingers. I wonder if it is the pipes or the city water. I look

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-12593950335341302792011-05-01T21:28:00.000-07:002011-05-01T21:31:17.685-07:00

I wonder what Fox news is reporting right now?In many ways, I am very impressed with Obama. The petty stuff with the birth certificate with Trump and he didn't let the news leak as a way to shut people up.And impressive work by the troops who executed and the security/military advisors who planned.Team America! Fuck yeah!

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-1821582278358801252011-04-27T16:09:00.000-07:002011-04-27T16:17:31.189-07:00

News at work: a reviewer died.The agency is offering a grief counselor. A partner (or hr person/business mgr) was asked if the firm was going to provide a counselor. The response? "They're just contractors. Let them find their own counselor."Personally I think a counselor is unnecessary and I can understand the business reason behind the statement.That being said, wow. Welcome to the divide.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-39725815116441566722011-04-15T22:59:00.000-07:002011-04-15T23:06:45.276-07:00

Things are going so well I am afraid to make much adjustment.I was talking to Apex last night. I mentioned thought it was odd, at first, that the temples in Japan all had commercial enterprises lining the roads to the entry and sometimes inside the grounds themselves. He wanted to talk about the economics of it and argue why it was the best thing. It took me a few minutes, and then I realized I

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-48900633540528017712011-04-14T10:12:00.000-07:002011-04-14T10:16:49.207-07:00

I heard this morning that 1/3 of the contract attorneys on a project at Wilmer Hale have left to start permanent positions. Slacker atty here got an interview too. The job market is picking up.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-85658566722258072792011-04-08T20:51:00.000-07:002011-04-08T20:53:48.990-07:00

All props to 2 people at work. One is the reviewer who takes off for extended periods during the day. She works quickly and, as far as I know, doesn't get paid for skipping out. The second is the midwestern cooking champion. She brought in a very tasty fig/anchovy tapenade type dish today with bread. Her cooking is becoming more sophisticated.Tomorrow will be the 13th day in a row of work. I am

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-11744924454458527712011-04-06T21:04:00.000-07:002011-04-06T21:23:24.552-07:00

There are so many excellent blogs, so many interesting blogs, so many blogs with a theme, and then there's mine.In the immortal words of the Ukranian, it is what it is.The new project is rather large. Some people I have worked with before, most of whom recognized me. There is the skinny guy with the leather trench coat and the sci-fi/fantasy books. He must be so proud of that coat. A lot of women

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-16956590907553735352011-04-06T15:02:00.000-07:002011-04-06T15:04:52.419-07:00

there are so many projects out there now, i get one or two calls a week abt a new project starting. there are not enough lawyers willing to travel to the peninsula, i guess.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-23288457262709229702011-04-04T21:16:00.000-07:002011-04-04T21:19:30.186-07:00

I bike to work now, between 11 and 12 miles each way. A great way to work in exercise when I am working so many hours AND I get to save money on gas!The firm is great. Today, the associate presented us with 2 birthday cakes, in honor of one of the project managers. A small thing. Something that most firms don't take advantage of. Contractors will happily work hard as part of the team if they are

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-40725659846085311142011-03-26T13:16:00.000-07:002011-03-26T13:20:19.224-07:00

and i am back on another. 60-70 hrs per week. missing the chance to see apex. since the weather doesn't cooperate anyway, as it is rainy here and snowy in the sierras, we are both working.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-28898056453175421712011-03-15T11:56:00.000-07:002011-03-15T12:02:42.787-07:00

This is the time of the project when I feel the least in control and the most anxious.We are reaching the end of documents we already have. There will be some more this week, and then an unknown number at the beginning of next week. There are projects out there that I can't realistically be considered for until this is dead and buried. Most agencies will tell you to contact them when the project

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-40777685192692569502011-03-13T20:26:00.000-07:002011-03-13T20:29:57.615-07:00

Japanese trifecta. I have been watching coverage too much.Luckily, friends and their families are safe, most are down near Tokyo.All sorts of cultural differences between Japanese response and those in Haiti and New Orleans.Part due to the economic strength of Japan. Part due to the importance of community and other over self in Japan.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-70554856534844721262011-03-04T15:55:00.000-08:002011-03-04T15:58:01.492-08:00

The market rate for document review projects is all over the place in the bay area. There have been postings for licensed JDs with science/engineering background for $40-$45/hr, Japanese for $60, "market" rate for licensed, $25 for unlicensed, and now $18 for JDs and paralegals in Palo Alto/Redwood City.Hire Counsel had 2 postings for what seemed to be the same project, one at "market rate" and

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-12517443254418488612011-02-28T18:37:00.001-08:002011-02-28T18:42:43.690-08:00

In preparation for the inevitable end of this project (at the very least, all parties will die or go bankrupt) I am in a training program to teach college online. Like everything in life, there are great lessons. I am learning about my dysfunctional communication patterns, how professorial and pompous I can sound, and how to ask productive questions that get people moving to the next level.I am

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-31257887286914718492011-02-17T08:42:00.001-08:002011-02-17T13:40:50.087-08:00

The cries of "Fraud!" and blaming law schools for the flood of applicants and lawyers is fun and inaccurate. There are doe-eyed humanities students out there who think they will right the world's wrongs and get laid if they go to law school. Some think it doesn't even matter what law school they go to. Some think they must go to law school because the job market is so bad and a PhD is so hard.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-12196770752986950582011-02-15T17:08:00.000-08:002011-02-15T17:10:14.528-08:00

The day ended early today when we received an email stating the tech person needed exclusive access to database. We are guessing whether this means documents are being added or removed. More work, or less work?Stinky thing--we were given 75 min notice, and I had just returned from the gym.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-58185532928034290512011-02-11T16:43:00.000-08:002011-02-11T16:48:01.867-08:00

Let's brainstorm!This year, in the winter, I turn 50.I would like to do something memorable for this birthday and am floating around a number of ideas. Cost would be under $500.My ideas so far:weekend in Napaweekend in Tahoe4-5 days in a house on the ocean in Mexicoworking on some pro-social project. (Habitat in Mexico? Arizona? Cleaning up the beach? helping baby turtles to the ocean?)Travel to

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-64552450941843353742011-02-07T15:02:00.000-08:002011-02-07T15:07:12.179-08:00

A lot to write and little time to do it. Still working on the case. Just when we think it's going to die, the damn things quivers on the floor and grabs our ankles with its clammy hand (stetching the metaphors now).Teaching a full class, they are not scared of me. I am trying to be the entertaining prof instead of the no-nonsense, don't give me your excuses prof. I think it's too late to go

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-28464078043327349762011-01-30T10:31:00.000-08:002011-01-30T10:32:36.168-08:00

Question: do women need a certain level of drama and chaos in their lives to be content?

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-6697664850456874422011-01-18T17:28:00.000-08:002011-01-20T08:38:42.338-08:00

Impressive law firm.3 attorneys, 3 support staff. Representing MGA against Mattel and Quinn Emanuel in the big Barbie v Bratz case.And Jennifer Keller got a client off of an attempted murder charge when the victim was shot in the back of the neck by showing the injury was a botched suicide attempt.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-28334098370991209292011-01-18T10:21:00.001-08:002011-01-18T10:22:15.140-08:00

Yogurt parfait with Pomegranate and mangoes in plain, nonfat yogurt, walnuts and Grape Nuts.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-73202311185991663322011-01-17T12:26:00.000-08:002011-01-17T22:06:36.198-08:00

And yet not screw up. I started to write this this am. I had a typical female meltdown yesterday after spending a great Sat with Apex. (Typical in the sense it was about the relationship, what it "is" and that I end up feeling asexual as he doesn't act passionately towards me). And then this morning I call and end up doubling down by being even more selfish than I was the previous day.So I am all

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-72832237356188675122011-01-14T13:53:00.000-08:002011-01-14T13:55:54.150-08:00

1. I am still on the same project. We keep getting more work sent our way.2. Day 23 without a smoke. No cravings.3. Positive and fun interactions with Apex since he left law school.And I don't even feel the usual midwestern dread of "when is the other shoe going to drop?"

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-10433510774539841162011-01-09T14:03:00.000-08:002011-01-09T14:25:19.758-08:00

I was going through photos on my computer and ran across one that Apex sent me while he was in nursing school. Black and white, a little blurry. No shirt. Muscle definition in delts. Wavy, dark hair. Full lips. Intense eyes staring straight into the camera and through the camera to me.When I saw it my body turned hot, then cold. A tingling and tightness moved across my back. I flushed.I am not

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-68360749112309353782011-01-04T17:59:00.001-08:002011-01-04T18:04:30.349-08:00

New protocol as we review produced docs for lit team.There were 5 beautiful hours when we knew what we were supposed to do. Then an answer to a question that seemed to turn some issues on their head.An excellent visit with Apex last weekend. He has happily left law school and his outlook on everything is very different. It appears that the deep belief he had that law school was not the right

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-14465494822680215732011-01-03T13:46:00.000-08:002011-01-03T13:55:10.573-08:00

A commenter on the techno crowd post expressed concern that they might be overlooked for projects because of their age and the perception that older is not better for doc review.yes and no.Yes, age and the connotations associated with age are a part of hiring. As the commenter stated, employers might think because one is over 40 they are not comfortable with technology. The employer might also

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-71839615149332702572010-12-28T18:47:00.000-08:002010-12-29T12:15:22.265-08:00

got a new phone for christmas! so i am typing this on my htc in the grocery store.still employed, some think it might go for another month, others think it will never end. received an email abt a new project starting jan 4, in sf, for $33/hr through evolve discovery.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-49532234222031383012010-12-22T15:36:00.000-08:002010-12-22T15:42:36.130-08:00

On my first year of doc review, my agency gave to me--unemployment!On the second year of doc review my law firm gave to me--2 christmas presents and a holiday party (with booze)!On the third year of doc review my law firm gave to me--3 lbs of turkey, potatoes, stuffing, pie and lots of wine!On the fourth year of doc review my law firm gave to me--the same thing the agencies have given every year-

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-61759728162047453312010-12-20T23:21:00.000-08:002010-12-20T23:26:08.800-08:00

The project still goes. Most were expecting it to end at Christmas, no word that the end is in sight from the firm.Apex took a leave of absence from law school--while it would be nice to have him in the same city, especially after last weekend, I think he agrees with everyone else that the practice of law would not be fulfilling. He returned to nursing the day after his last final.I am trying and

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-29865490543094257802010-12-16T22:42:00.001-08:002010-12-16T22:45:14.969-08:00

This afternoon we received an email from the managing atty thanking us for our hard work and that the X production was complete. This X production is what we had been working on for the past month.When the email popped up on Outlook I saw "thanks for all you hard work" and "production is complete."There was a moment of shock--that the project was over.Nope, just an elated associate sounding word

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-48654117818952105082010-12-14T09:52:00.000-08:002010-12-14T09:57:42.958-08:00

Plan ahead. An email was sent yesterday afternoon saying we could work up to 12 hours on Monday. At 9 pm last night another email was sent, to the few people remaining, thanking us for our work, saying we could keep working, and to please come in early the next day to get the already assigned documents out the door by noon. Oh, and then assigning 500+ more documents.most reviewers had already

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-59890079707370650422010-12-13T20:14:00.001-08:002010-12-13T20:14:54.145-08:00

They come a day at a time, and rarely with enough notice to do any planning.Oh well, it's $$

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-42630020840518337772010-12-10T11:24:00.000-08:002010-12-10T11:27:52.241-08:00

Is this purgatory? Are we Sisyphus?Well, if so, I'm happy with that.More sets, more docs, and the ability to work overtime this weekend.And since I have not heard anything about any other reviews going on, and others who have a better finger on the pulse of the market are still here (and haven't left for another project) I will happily sit on my ass in front of a computer for too much money/

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-69885902520516877322010-12-09T15:35:00.000-08:002010-12-09T15:37:31.435-08:00

Projects still goes, I am still on it.People are getting sick--too many in too small a space and I think the office mgr peeps have shut off the ventilation to our room, as the only way we get fresh air is if the fan is going.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-32719674408100399322010-12-07T15:20:00.000-08:002010-12-07T15:24:08.028-08:00

This will be my last document review project.I think I have emailed enough questions and complaints about the foreign language reviewers to the supervising attorney and gotten into discussions with the foreign language attorneys about their shitty coding and translating that the supervising attorney will not re-hire me for another project with the firm and will not give me a good reference for

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-10766370982802428712010-12-06T13:57:00.000-08:002010-12-06T13:59:14.720-08:00

My former brother-in-law's facebook photo shocked me. He looks like a drag queen pre-full-makeup. Plucked eye-brows, foundation, eye liner.Call me old-fashioned, but I am weirded out by it.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-86061669644584077812010-12-06T10:30:00.000-08:002010-12-06T10:32:48.367-08:00

On Friday an old friend died. He was the partner of my advisor in my Master's program.They were together for 25 years.Yet, when I told my parents that he died, because he was gay they assumed he died from AIDS.In a committed romantic relationship--but still must have been AIDS because of the gay thing.It was diabetes.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-9341557444114329392010-12-02T18:04:00.000-08:002010-12-02T18:09:54.777-08:00

The 3rd party processing the Healthy San Francisco moneys we are being paid for our health Reimbursement account is getting out of the business. No new money in the account after Dec 10, no charges after Dec 31, and no reimbursements can be submitted after Feb 28, 2011.The cause, according to this company, is the new IRS rules on OTCs and Rx that are deductible. That's a crock, unless they were

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-71381699977672267482010-11-28T15:04:00.000-08:002010-11-28T15:06:32.278-08:00

I am watching the original star wars trilogy--such a great way to spend a Sunday.And the masks Leia and Han wear on the space slug-- http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Roamer-6_breath_mask would be a great cpap mask.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-25729179212675009252010-11-24T21:08:00.000-08:002010-11-24T21:10:40.520-08:00

I see what you're trying to do, you cheater! (Or professor trying to catch a cheater).Cracks me up, after ranting about plagiarism in my speech class, to see "optimistic persuasive speech outline" as one of the key word search terms that brought someone to my blog.Lol.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-91099430870422294012010-11-24T11:28:00.000-08:002010-11-24T11:35:38.445-08:00

Another day, another opposite protocol. This is maddening when someone specifically asked the question and was told no on Monday, and then today we are told yes.Seriously fucked-up.Deadline of Sunday on a holiday weekend. We have been going over the same documents for the past 2 weeks and there are new ones to go over and QC before Monday.Learned helplessness, as any coding we do at 10 am has to

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-69096380062719764482010-11-23T09:58:00.000-08:002010-11-23T10:01:18.800-08:00

There are no rules.That being said, we want to withhold confidential info and we want to release confidential info.So sayeth the managing attorney. Seriously, my head hurts.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-5122556757245232232010-11-23T08:35:00.000-08:002010-11-23T08:44:43.353-08:00

The more people actually complain.Oh, the chairs are uncomfortable and the room is small and it is either too cold (like this am) or too warm. The agency has changed their benefits so the only way to get holiday pay is to work enough overtime to cover for any holidays or mandatory days off that might have happened in the previous "relevant period" that they use to calculate that you have worked

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-33670927169489035462010-11-19T18:40:00.000-08:002010-11-19T18:42:26.537-08:00

3 cases of plagiarism this week.3 new rule changes in coding this week.3 days of work next week.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-84343709480126942662010-11-17T20:00:00.000-08:002010-11-17T20:07:17.907-08:00

As the end of the semester draws near I feel as though the classes are falling apart."How can I reach these keedz?" as Cartman asked.Speech outlines copied and pasted from a website and then actually made worse by the student through editing.Persuasive speeches that say the goal is to teach.My first Amway/pyramid scheme persuasive speech.Students ignoring the expectations of the assignment.I have

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-90215392918963830532010-11-17T15:20:00.000-08:002010-11-17T15:36:42.227-08:00

Unlawful business practice? Both?bnet reports companies will do database searches for law firms to find clients for pharma personal injury cases. As the post reports, the "client hunter" promotes in a white paper:If you or your firm is trying to locate potential claimants for upcominglitigation, I urge you to give me a call. We’ll discuss the types of people thatyou want to locate, based on

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-1499280049916197022010-11-12T17:57:00.001-08:002010-11-12T17:58:53.098-08:00

Approved for 2 hours OT a day until we finish a particular bunch of docs!And my student loan debt is now less than 6 figures!

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-71764549170507697502010-11-10T10:32:00.000-08:002010-11-10T10:41:25.100-08:00

Email received from Apex this am:Yes, many of those NYTImes home 'what you get' articles motivated me toleave school (or never attend) and stay at work until the project died. thenbuy a little place, open a small psych practice inside and see 20pts/wk, teachlocally and just be happy.My draft response: "That sounds like a rewarding and productive life."Especially as I listen to the Ukranian

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-48928760477957207742010-11-08T13:02:00.000-08:002010-11-08T13:09:46.080-08:00

Those of us who are contract attorneys want to do a good job. We really want to code things correctly the first time through and not spam you with questions. Truly, most of us do.So here are some suggestions:If you have a coding or protocol change, provide clear instructions. Saying "Withhold" when there is both a "withhold for further review" and "not responsive" is not helpful.If you have a

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-11897751334817038252010-11-05T10:31:00.000-07:002010-11-05T10:32:16.219-07:00

Heard today that the project should last another 2 weeks, if not longer.Yeah!

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-69717971508423569862010-11-01T18:27:00.000-07:002010-11-01T18:44:42.306-07:00

I often get asked how to land gigs, lucrative or steady, in the Bay area.My suggestions:Keep a positive, professional relationship with the recruiters. Send them your email when you are available, send them emails wishing them happy holidays and long weekends. The more often they see your name the more likely they are to remember you.Take CLEs or classes or develop hobbies to add to your resume

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-72041032490731792692010-10-28T17:06:00.000-07:002010-10-28T17:11:54.681-07:00

We received word today that we are moving location. This is the 4th time for this project. Big questions, rumors swirling, complaints about the commute and the lack of Blue Barrell coffee within a 2 block radius.Contract attorneys do not take change well.We are not sure what to do about our protocol and decision logs--do we take them home over the weekend and bring to the new location? That seems

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-68597568853200182662010-10-26T16:35:00.000-07:002010-11-08T18:29:00.829-08:00

One of my goals this year become the only goal I believe I will achieve this year.The goal was to earn $100,000. My first year with a 6-figure salary was going to be 2010. (addendum--4/5 of my income comes from contract attorney work).I did it--10 weeks early! I did it--working as a contract lawyer and teaching part-time! Whee!!!And yet, like with many goals, once achieved the question is what

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-82168056342204652782010-10-14T12:46:00.000-07:002010-10-14T12:48:09.271-07:00

Well, Brown is a disorganized, rambling turd. Whitman is harsh and demanding, and I think that's what the state needs. It remains to be seen how she can build coalitions.Brown really fucked up the whole "whore" issue. Why didn't he just apologize and move on? Do his handlers (and Whitman's) not know how to do image restoration?

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-51636990763879332352010-09-29T21:11:00.000-07:002010-09-29T21:32:25.435-07:00

I receive emails from Whitman's campaign, as many do. Tonight there was one in my inbox about the Nicki Diaz allegations (Whitman is alleged to have known of Diaz's illegal status and still employed her). I, too, am suspect of the timing and the spokesperson, Gloria Allred (the Sheila Jackson Lee of attorneys). However the email from Whitman's campaign has two of the lamest attacks on

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-16126289814814444082010-09-27T11:49:00.000-07:002010-09-27T11:59:42.947-07:00

As I was scrolling through craigslist postings for volunteer opportunities I ran into this gem:Seek Constitutional/Descrimination lawsuit LAWYER Volunteer...We(our California Cultural Gamefowl sport group) Seeks a Constitutional/Humanright/civil rights /economic descrimination lawsuit lawyer Who can "Volunteer "or take our case in a" CONTINGENCY BASIS" representing Cultural gamefowl sports

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-31010931417026724162010-09-25T10:13:00.000-07:002010-09-25T10:16:38.934-07:00

Took a little vacation from posting.Apex started law school.The project continues, although we all sense it is in its death throes now. It would be a wonderful time to have a hiatus as the weather is gorgeous. I will work while I can, don't worry that I'll slack.I have heard Wall Street 2 sucks.And back to grading.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-61090195241844485372010-09-09T09:10:00.001-07:002010-11-29T08:59:55.185-08:00

A third dream about work last night. This time, a subset of reviewers were off to Oxford Mississippi to do a special review on the case. I was not included. Clearly I am worried about being fired or not included in a smaller set of people that may stay on. Yet I look forward to learning something new and, hopefully, not having to commute to the ciity everyday.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-44876354944502235992010-09-01T13:03:00.001-07:002010-09-01T13:06:06.795-07:00

My sister's ex-husband is trying to reach me by phone--??I have had my 3rd dream about the project; last night's dream involved other people putting together a special project--like a talent show--and I did nothing and was afraid I would look bad.And the latest lessons in 21st century law schools: Never commit anything to writing that can damage you. No emails of confessions, slander, impolitic

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-34849574401805574332010-08-27T10:32:00.000-07:002010-08-27T10:35:14.375-07:00

Thanks to Posse List (great resource) I just received in my inbox an opportunity to go to Fargo this fall: Fargo, North Dakota - seeking attorneys with 2 years or more litigation/document review experience Integreon seeks interested attorneys with 2 years or more litigation and document review experience as candidates for a client-dedicated document review team at our facility in Fargo, ND.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-10777079429211281012010-08-27T10:03:00.000-07:002010-08-27T10:26:46.841-07:00

A concerned father doing whatever it takes to help his son? The reason my rates at Anthem are going to increase?Or just a shyster?Former San Francisco MoFo partner Jon Dickstein and wife Barclay Lynn are alleged to have misappropriated $400,000, or as their attorney said, had "problems." They billed the SF school district, Anthem, and MoFo's insurance plan for special ed schooling for their son.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-51037442640492774112010-08-26T11:11:00.001-07:002010-08-26T11:19:58.358-07:00

I get juiced when I can fight battles. My diss advisor called me a "wolf-killer" and said I reminded him of Xena because of my tendency to battle the forces of evil.Great qualities, especially for an attorney. The problem is most of the "evil" I fight is more like a petty annoyance. If it is an evil I fight more like the British than the Americans in the Revolutionary War. I'm not sneaky

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-71288545937325391102010-08-24T18:14:00.001-07:002010-08-24T18:15:09.083-07:00

Two days of summer! Yesterday was nice, today is HOT. How hot will the room be for teaching? How quickly will the students start to snooze because of the heat?

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-49571168551338379352010-08-24T08:41:00.000-07:002010-08-24T08:42:42.792-07:00

Had another dream this am that the case settled. The dreams are so realistic that I don't get up, thinking I don't need to go into work.And more problems with the review software, so we all get paid to sit around and talk about SF history!

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-27586237335068959652010-08-23T16:19:00.000-07:002010-08-23T16:22:19.341-07:00

Working on the resume with---drum roll--someone from the career development office of my alma mater. I will have to revise my previous statements about those offices being a waste of time.This person pointed out details that I thought I had fixed or overlooked--like inconsistent periods, single dash vs en dash vs em dash, etc.It was exciting to see editorial comments on my resume. Rip it up and

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-41188898210724833452010-08-22T23:33:00.001-07:002010-08-22T23:39:42.253-07:00

Was a bad day, good day, bad day, good day, meh day.Hungover (bad day), went to farmer's market, library and bike ride (good day), Apex hung up on me when I asked if I could ask what his law school decision was (bad day), I reconnect with him, some light chat, dinner with Spanish law professor, and no further contact from Apex.I do sooo poorly with interpersonal conflict like what I have with

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-71189066357048440732010-08-22T00:03:00.000-07:002010-08-22T00:10:22.060-07:00

The dinner with the Japanese attorney and judge husband, plus Japanese neighbors, went very well. Food was great, company was wonderful, and the judge fell asleep from wine.And then, the judge asked if he could visit me at my office.My office, which happens to be a room full of other people all reading the same documents. Not a glamorous or even "real" attorney's office. Although I told the

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-78600649508517034702010-08-21T15:37:00.000-07:002010-08-21T15:53:23.765-07:00

"Spoiler alert!" announces EK as Russia gives the plot twist for True Blood. "Don't talk about it, North Carolina hasn't watched that season yet.""I want to hear. I don't like to be surprised" North Carolina responds.Other men at work are equally matter-of-fact about personality traits. Surfer dude deadpans that he has a small penis and wants to compensate with his car. India has a fascination

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-73007358367244762992010-08-20T13:15:00.000-07:002010-08-20T13:20:16.792-07:00

Medical event on campus.At about 9:05am this morning the Public Safety Desk received a report that therewas a medically distressed student located ... They found the student lying on the sidewalk. He was being assisted...The emergency medical personnel arrived and assessed the patient. The patient was stabilized and secured to a cervical spine board. He was subsequently transported off campus in

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-2828791505523108212010-08-19T16:22:00.000-07:002010-08-19T16:24:35.908-07:00

Kelly has a "unique opportunity for an UNLICENSED JD with document review experience to join an SF law firm team for an upcoming project. The pay is on the low side but this is an excellent opportunity to obtain additional document review experience. Preference will be given to JDs who have worked as paralegals in the past. The length of the assignment is open-ended and the pay rate is $20/

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-24998835256317699072010-08-18T11:00:00.000-07:002010-08-18T11:03:10.973-07:00

Standing room only for an 8 am class. Hoping the combination of covering the rules plus assignments scares/bores enough people so I have a manageable size. Doing 30 speeches for each speech type with a 50 minute class shortchanges everyone.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-25086641388793398862010-08-17T21:33:00.000-07:002010-08-17T21:40:30.941-07:00

I did get a short email from Apex today, a list of things that have been on his mind. Things that are better done without drama (from me).Things without a back story so I have more questions than answers.And a lesson that things people do are not related to me as often as I think they are.

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-64317377112393172442010-08-17T09:48:00.000-07:002010-08-17T13:12:00.023-07:00

Still no word from Apex. He should be in the area in a few days to start 1L, if his blog posts were honest.It has been 2 weeks since the "earliest" reconnect date. He has never gone longer without contacting than he said he would. I have a lump in my stomach as I realize the relationship is really over. And not with a bang, but with a whimper.Update--one phone number I have for Apex has been

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627707343461725712.post-54787034936367703102010-08-16T09:31:00.000-07:002010-08-16T11:00:39.421-07:00

Well, either Above the Law is blocking posts from Anonymous Contract Lawyer or the network is blocking the IP address, which I doubt as there was not an error message. I tried twice to post a comment and both times it appeared afterhitting "submit" and then disappeared. Weasels.Seriously ATL? Are you blocking my posts or is there something else going on?More whining from attorneys about law

Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1