Help Wezil survive the day

[Wezil]

Originally posted by DinoDoc
Can't you have a book to read or something?

When I know I am going to be here I bring entertainments. I was not scheduled to be here either yesterday or today but was sent last minute since I was available (when I arrived at the main office - 1/2 hour away). The employee that is usually here has been off sick.

[b etor]

take a nap!

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Wezil


Our firm serves the trucking industry. About a year ago our senior partners decided it would be a good idea to open a "branch office" at a TA truck stop on Highway 401. Rather than have drivers talking to "truckstop lawyers" (ie their buddies over breakfast) we figured we would offer an outlet for real advice...

Sadly, the experiment has been a failure. The amount of walk in business (the reason I am here) is not enough to support the office. We are out of our lease at the end of the year but until then we staff the office.

OH-- that actually doesn't sound too bad-- If nothing is expected other than "being there", you have pretty much full freedom to do whatever you want-- Work , play , surf etc etc

Oh and tip on avoiding such duty-- Try to schedule one appointment each day in the 11 to one pm range. Then you are a team player willing to go but just can't

The appointment can be lunch with your best friend of a nooner with your wife but if you note it in your schedule (vary the times and notes of course) , they might chose to send someone else without even asking you

[Flubber]

Oh adn Wezil does literally no one come in? How many people are in that office-- Do you have a receptionist or anything?

The more I think about it the odder the idea of this office seems. Don't most truckers want to be driving during the day ?

[Wezil]

My first duty is to "be here". I am expected to do other work as well but the atmosphere isn't conducive to much more than wasting time.

For the most part my schedule is set by the office. I only have client meetings a couple days a month so it is hard to pretend I have an appointment.


How many "walk ins"? I get about 1 a day here. No receptionist or other staff at this office (they are at our main office). I have computer. phone, fax and printer. The office is small (10X10) and is really little more than a room off a hallway (Truck Stop customers walking by).

Truckers truth be told would rather drive at night than during the day. Regardless this is the busiest stretch of Highway in NA for truck traffic so this place is hopping pretty much 24/7. The biggest problem from the business POV is that our clients are actually trucking companies, not usually the drivers.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Wezil


For the most part my schedule is set by the office. I only have client meetings a couple days a month so it is hard to pretend I have an appointment.

Ahh I often have 2-3 meetings a day as an in-house guy

In private practice it wasn't much different except when I was on larger projects ( working for one client for months)

I am actually surprised you do not have meetings more often--

Perhaps you should start planning some marketing lunches

[Wezil]

Originally posted by Flubber

I am actually surprised you do not have meetings more often--

Perhaps you should start planning some marketing lunches

We have repeat clients for the most part. Usually there is not much to talk about that can't be done by telephone. New clients involve in house meetings.

Marketing is not my thing. It is why I would rather work for others than go on my own.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Wezil





Truckers truth be told would rather drive at night than during the day. .

Sorry-- I knew that but should have been more clear-- What I meant to say was that the folks that would actually be out on the highway would want to be driving.

Overall it sounds a pretty boring place.

Are you pretty junior at your firm ( sorry I forget) ?

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Wezil


We have repeat clients for the most part. Usually there is not much to talk about that can't be done by telephone. New clients involve in house meetings.

Marketing is not my thing. It is why I would rather work for others than go on my own.

I actually share your preferernce. I would rather do good legal work than attend endless cocktail parties marketing etc etc. But if you intend to stay in private practice, there comes a time when you need your own clients that look to you first.


You CAN get them by simply being very very good at your job but it can take a while to build up that reputation. and even if you are very very good I have seen some of the more cut-throat type partners try to ensure that everything goes "through" them so that the client does not realize that said partner is not the one providing the service they like so much

[b etor]

learn magic tricks.

[Wezil]

Flubber - Yes I am junior. 2nd in seniority after the founding partners.

I am generating my own contacts and have options should I choose to leave my current position but I really am not into going alone. Our firm has clients that specifically request I handle their matters (I do good work when I actually get to it ).Money is not my thing and I really do appreciate the security of files landing on my desk with little or no effort on my part.

[b etor]

why don't you take any of my advice!!??!? ughh.

[Wezil]

Learn magic tricks? I can juggle - does that count?

[b etor]

juggling isn't magic.

[Wezil]

Bah, it's all slight of hand. You quibble.