One of the most frequent questions I get from law students is "What's it like working for a law firm?" There are variations on this, of course, but essentially this is the main thrust of it. In other words, "What is going to happen to me when I finally wind up at a firm somewhere?"

A reasonable question but one that is difficult to answer. Depends on a lot of things, not the least of which is timing. Be that as it may, I have (mentally) stumbled across one of the best ways to describe the law firm experience.

The following comes from The Princess Bride – William Goldman really gave us some priceless dialog, didn't he? This is the hero Westley telling the story of his captivity at the hands of the Dread Pirate Roberts. In the face of imminent death, Westley suggests to Roberts that he keep him alive to serve as a valet:

He said, "All right, Westley, I've never had a valet. You can try it for tonight. I'll most likely kill you in the morning." Three years he said that. "Good night, Westley. Good work. Sleep well. I'll most likely kill you in the morning."

You can see how this applies quite well to your average law firm, particularly the larger ones. Now, I know what you're thinking. This only works for associates, right? Once you make partner, it's like having tenure, and this pressure eases.

Sadly, this is not the case at large firms. When partners go to sleep at night, they are told, "Sleep well. I'll most likely kill you and your team in the morning."

Tough job.