My first child was born after I had practiced for eight years, and I became pregnant with my second the following year. On the other hand, make sure that you dont leave your personal information saved on any notes, files, or applications (like passwords). Would you want to work at my firm? And I remember that conversation where I basically said like, Oh, no thanks. You know what, a bunch of 0Ls and summer associates are going to say you are crazy. Because I know that there are people who are listening who are having thoughts like that, but also have an interest in moving into that kind of role. And frankly, it's like, well, you could just pick really any random number, any number of months, any number of years. So we have workshops and panels every month. That's a hard way to live. As women, we can possess a persistent self-doubt, a need to prove ourselves, endless questioning yet believing we can still do it all. It wasn't an overall fun, enjoyable experience for me. And I think that's fine! Weve spent close to a decade in BigLaw each, and our work has yet to slow down. Perhaps now more than ever, lawyers are unwilling to remain in jobs that make them unhappy. I eventually sought guidance from a career counselor who encouraged me to identify my values and follow them. I am so excited to talk about your story. I wish I had realized earlier that it was okay that becoming a mother made me want more purpose in my career than I once had. I was finishing up I think it was my third year of practice with the firm when one of the partners I was working with, we were just checking in with each other and he's like, How's your experience going so far? (Reuters) - Making partner, the old joke goes, is like winning a pie-eating contest where the prize is more pie. Maybe you cant imagine being so miserable in your job as a lawyer that you would be willing to quit without another job lined up. So tell me about when you got to law school. { Has anyone tried putting Florida in a bag of rice for a couple days? The text overlay on the videos reads, "Watch me quit my job without actually saying I quit hahaha." Her boss greets her cheerfully, and Darby's face almost immediately crumples as she covers half . I know it. Yes. That's your reality. I have actually never experienced anything like that before. If you have the luxury of choice, summer is typically a good time to leave. }); What do you think about this article? And because I think when you have the templates of other people and the majority of people, you see what multiple outcomes are, and you're kind of like, Oh, well, you know, if those were the outcomes that happened for them, they'll probably happen for me too. And so it looks like in the external world, they've got it all going on. It had been like this for a while. googletag.pubads().disableInitialLoad(); Now I regret it': Do this before you make your next move, says CEO of 15 years. Like, that's how I picked my college. And that is actually the greatest source of my power. Get Clio Manage and client intake with Clio Complete. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. While you dont necessarily need to have a job already lined up, its wise to make sure you know how to get to the next step. Location Remote, United States of America, Location 1775 WIEHLE AVE STE 400, RESTON, Virginia. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Heres How To Get Yours Right. See Also, Thomson Reuters Practical Law The Journal: Transactions & Business, The State Of Todays Corporate Law Departments, MyCase Continues To Simplify Law Firm Accounting, Right Where You Manage Your Practice, Meet LINK: The Easy Way To Handle All Your Document Workflows On Your Mobile Device In A Single App, Four Tips For Solo Attorneys To Build Their Marketing And Media Relations Skills, First Impressions Are Worth Millions For Summers. { This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. And I realized in my first year of college, that the math and the science classes, I could do them fine, but it wasn't natural, and it wasn't fun. Subscribe and get breaking news, commentary, and opinions on law firms, lawyers, law schools, lawsuits, judges, and more. Enter your email address to receive notifications of new posts from A Lawyer and Her Money. Some of that has to do with the experience and seniority weve accumulated, but the vast majority is due to the many changes we negotiated along the way. Yeah, so can we go back to something that you said? And they have a great jobs board. by Anonymous User Tue Jul 22, 2014 2:06 am, Post Timing your departure is also tricky if you suddenly need to leave due to external circumstances. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Yeah, totally. There are many moving parts to a transition at a law firm. So instead, youll convince yourself that its just not possible to have a life-work balance. Weve been experimenting with various permutations of these options for years. But its sometimes necessary. Many are happy in their new roles and we are happy for them. So it sounds like you got into legal practice and you had high hopes, which I totally understand. Its not uncommon to find yourself in a place where continuing to work as a lawyer is just too awful for your mental or emotional health for you to continue. This Tool Can Help. What Do Millennials Think Of Law Firm Life? Flex attorneys dont get the best assignments and dont get to work on the most high-stakes matters either, she remembered. So as I mentioned before, the Former Lawyer Collaborative is my signature program for lawyers. I love that. If youre wondering when to leave your law firm, you wont feel like there is a great time. renderMarginPercent: 100, Not only that, when Andrea quit litigation seven years after she graduated from law school, she moved back in with her parents to give her some time to figure out what was next for her. Ultimately, I think the most important opinion is your own, like, what do you think about it? Student debt aside, you have relativity little in terms of liquid assets. function setIntervalMobile() { Heres How To Get Yours Right. There's just no real way to "coast" to sev in my group. No matter your reason for leaving, as a lawyer, Be graceful in accepting the companys feedback, even if you disagree with it, Say goodbye to your favorite team members and colleagues, Reconcile any outstanding expenses and reimbursements youre entitled to, Take your name off the law firms website and other professional listings. }); What's the most important thing you've learned in legal practice? And how was that experience for you? Its a good start, and hopefully one that more firms will follow. about what you can say or cant say after your departure. If your firm doesnt have this clause and your clients decide to join you in leaving, the firm is, obligated to give you all relevant client documentation. I'm a lot more than that.. For more information, please see our Until next time, have a great week! I ended up interviewing with that office, and it just all sort of clicked into place. And then the third point, and the final point, really is this message of hope. I remember when I was going to my coach, I actually just thought, I just need a new job and that will fix all of my problems. But really, that job search [laughing] That laugh suggests that you perhaps know that feeling! But many people who end up in law school, from my experience, grow up in families where that is sort of the narrative. I love the state, by the way, it was exactly what I needed after spending my entire life before that point on the East Coast. Sure. It would be really helpful to have a current co-worker who can provide a fantastic reference for you. Legal Knowledge Management To Drive Dealmaking, The Global Legal News You Need, When You Need It, Legal AI Knows What It Doesn't Know Which Makes It Most Intelligent Artificial Intelligence Of All, Merrick Garland Gets Yelled At By Ted Cruz, Defends The Justice Department Anyway, Looks Like Poisoning The Country With A Far-Right Judiciary Is Very Lucrative, The Student Loan Forgiveness Cases Are Set To Answer Major Questions About Standing And Major Questions, FL State Senator Trolls With Bill To Outlaw Democrats, Delaware No Swiping! But what you will learn about yourself, your relationship with others, your relationship with the world I mean, it's a ride that I am so just humbled to be on still. The dream of Biglaw isnt the panacea you imagine it to be. Site map | What's wrong with you?. Learn how your comment data is processed. At some point that's really going to eat you up. I don't even remember what firm it is anymore. Biglaw, Eversheds Sutherland, For the Qulture. googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); And I love helping people feel comfortable, and I love feeling just comfortable and at ease wherever I go. An unexpected opportunity to clerk for a former partner at her firm who had been appointed to a federal judgeship arose and she jumped at it, hoping that she would figure out a better path. Registration or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Grab your copy of First Steps to Leaving the Law A free guide for when you want out, but youre not even sure where to start. As horrible as it is, try to stick it out. And I think, I don't know, maybe it came from career advising or something in law school or whatnot. One commenter recounted spending 10 years as a lawyer in New York City, sometimes working 80 to 100 hours a week and suffering horrible migraines. You're not alone. Your net worth is -$100K, the bulk of which is student debt. And in the time that I was recovered I was me, but then unfortunately, you know, you work most of the day and so the majority of the day was spent not being me. While you dont necessarily need to have a job already lined up, its wise to make sure you know how to get to the next step. And understand: being on a flexible schedule doesnt mean that youre devoting less time to your clients and delivering shoddier work product; for us, its meant working on fewer, more carefully selected clients and matters that we now have. We have depositions tomorrow. Every Monday brought with it a new reason for 'all hands on deck,' so vacation wasnt in the cards for Olivia anytime soon. If possible, remain positive and resign gracefully. Shes launched a brand For the Qulture and shes dropping a tune that references her legal career, the MCU, and Lizzo. Okay, let's get to the rest of the conversation with Andrea. Let me know when you find somebody who actually enjoys discovery! I killed myself to make partner, but once I made it, I began to realize it just wasnt worth it.. (2) My group is just so busy right nowtheres no way I can take a vacation.. No matter the reason, leaving a law firm is challenging. It is natural for lawyers to quit Biglaw-the expectation is that most people will leave within a few years. I thought I needed to stay at that job for at least a year just so it looked presentable on my resume. The average tenure for lawyers is typically. A few said Happy to Drop Out was making a mistake, but many more applauded the move and shared their own exit stories. I think that's really fascinating. Access unmatched financial data, news and content in a highly-customised workflow experience on desktop, web and mobile. Get the recommendations you need to get ahead. I remember I took a trip back to Minnesota to see friends over Labor Day weekend. And I had a beautiful view of Mount Rainier. This new opportunity could provide better upward mobility or. And I was so fortunate and grateful for that experience. Have you noticed that it can feel easier for you to cancel plans with friends than to say no to a weekend request from a partner? Indeed, most people perform better when theyre well rested, happier and more fulfilled. But I remember, yeah, there were a lot of opinions that were shared with me. by Anonymous User Tue Jul 22, 2014 12:01 pm. As a counselor, I work with law students at Pepperdine University helping them find fulfilling jobs during and after law school. But like most families, there was an essence of dysfunction. So what would you say to someone who's sort of in that position of like, they are really desperate, but they're struggling to get themselves to the point where they're willing to do what they need to do for their own mental/emotional wellness? And that was because, I mean, it was the research and writing. The Socratic method was not my strong suit at all whatsoever. (3) If Im going to work around the clock, then Im going to live large. And at that time, I thought there were only three paths in life: med school, law school, and business school. Needless to say, there are good reasons to change firms, and good reasons to leave BigLaw altogether as well. Over a lifetime, a lawyer could work for as many as eight law firms. I nearly quit a year ago and continued to stay on. Relocating to a new city, state, or even country. If your firm doesnt have this clause and your clients decide to join you in leaving, the firm is obligated to give you all relevant client documentation. Tell me how long you were at that job. BYLD Group. I think that's so important. I quit law to become a nurse 7 years ago. Save time and avoid errors on routine drafting. Yes. According to the National Association for Law Placements newly-released 2021 report on diversity, women make up just 25.92% of partners at major U.S. law firms. And I had applied to multiple career counselor roles, including one at my alma mater. Have you asked? We'd love to have you with us.. Don't volunteer for work and claim you're too busy to take on new work. When the start of Andreas second year at the firm rolled around, she didnt have any more clarity about what was next, but it was becoming increasingly apparent that she was utterly miserable. Should I even be thinking about quitting only one year in? Now it's just like, Oh, I just show up. Im me, I do whatever I want. The letter-writer who wasnt immediately looking for a new job and instead plans to take six months or so to recover wanted to know how to respond to people questioning the decision. Or are they just sort of made up things that I'm using to not necessarily fully engage with figuring out what I really want to be doing next? For example, if youre going back to school full-time, you may not even be able to balance another job on top of your studies. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Crippling stress should never be taken lightly, and no one who struggles with such a serious condition should remain in a triggering environment. And that perhaps I'm being called to this place to learn something that goes beyond this ego that has for too long been in the driver's seat of my life, and perhaps it's time to practice putting that ego into the backseat. Because the ego, you know, it is useful, gets stuff done really well. And we didn't talk too much about this, but I know, Andrea, in addition to your work with students, you also do one-on-one coaching. 183 Followers. Or take a day off and apply to jobs. Opinions expressed are those of the author. The legal profession is stressfulthe demands for results and high performance are constant. Practice group is getting crushed, my primary work go-to for work is psychotic. You quit, you will be losing out on $2-3k a week. This must be like Christmas for Con Law nerds. And that consistency is something that has really just brought a lot of ease into my life because I'm not expending unnecessary energy trying to maintain my mulitple selves, you know, trying to figure out like, Okay, I'm here, this is who I need to be. Okay, now I'm here, like, it's now a different person.. Privacy statement | Last updated: October 4, 2021. Daten ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps. Are they actually serving me? Don't screw up your future because you don't like your current job. 10 Tips for Leaving a Law Firm the Right Way. the demands for results and high performance are constant. Work with the firm on a communications plan so that you clients are not caught by surprise after the fact. Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, for example, last year unveiled a new policy that calls for every employee globally to take one unplugged week off, separate from regular vacation, with no checking email or voicemail. By Rachel E. Posted on February 27, 2023. 15 Things Legal Professionals Have Learned in 15 Years, A Guide to Preparing for Lawyer Retirement, A Guide to Legal Mentors and How to Find One, 3 Steps to Planning a Stress-free Summer Vacation as a Lawyer. But I remember having a lot of fun with that. It is not who I am. Do. It is hard enough to recognize the symptoms of burnout but much more difficult to identify the cause and find the strength to overcome it. You should try to lower your expectation and standard; you're a first-year, not first-chair. Be careful, and be thorough. Right? Your clients cases may be complex, difficult to handle, or emotionally charged. Stuck in an unfulfilling or stagnant job? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. When youre super miserable in your job as a lawyer (been there! So it's interesting to hear you say that there are folks who worry that they wouldn't be able to do a counseling job. I think that that kind of thinkingsort of our own egos, and then the fear of other people saying something like that or having that kind of opinionreally does, in my experience, prevent people from making the choices that are truly the best for them. And the gifts that I've been able to bring into the world through my work with my students. I'm so glad you raised that. The majority of the legal industry experiences a major work downturn in the summer. 2023 Breaking Media, Inc. All rights reserved. I think that if you are the type who is unable to dial it back at work (because it is still a choice - just an uncomfortable one), you will probably be the type to regret not having a job lined up. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of cookies. And so for me, I take a very holistic approach to the work that I do with students because I think it's important to understand exactly where they're coming from, what's going on in their lives, and how that informs their job search, if that's even what they want to talk about. 2. One woman wrote, I left a lucrative Wall Street firm over 30 years ago and struggled with how to define myself TO MYSELF. But if you feel its time to move on to a new chapter. Even if they dont or cannot leave with you, its best to leave a good last impression so theyre confident in the work youve done and the work the firm will be doing for them in the future. by Anonymous User Tue Jul 22, 2014 10:11 am, Post I don't see any balance whatsoever between your work and your personal life., So I, not knowing what else to do, I just Well actually, before that, I ended up messaging my parents, asking them if it'd be okay for me to move home with them for an indefinite amount of time, which I think they were at that point, you know, Id never quit a job before so they were like, Ooh, this must be like really serious. But I am a third year and think you should quit. I mean, I think I would ask them: the way that you're living right now, what's it costing you? Inform your clients when leaving a law firm, 8. by El Pollito Tue Jul 22, 2014 10:22 am, Post Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. Before we get into it, I wanted to mention that if you're listening to this episode the week that it comes out, this week a new cohort in the Former Lawyer Collaborative starts, and there's still time to join us if you are interested. Jumping straight to another job after quitting is a missed opportunity to get some much-needed recovery time. And here in February of 2019, I still didn't know where to go or what to do. You know, my parents came to the US in the 80s, from Taiwan, and really they were, I think, just trying to figure it out as they came. googletag.cmd.push(function() { Sounds like this is what you want. And I really think the greatest scenes and landscapesin my completely unbiased opinionis on the west coast. The third 6 months is when you start to realize, hey this job kind of sucks. Yes, yes. mobileScaling: 2.0 Totally not. The balance you seek might be closer than you think. I absolutely love getting to share these stories with you. Over a lifetime, a lawyer could work for as many as eight law firms. } Because I think at the end of the day, what the world needs most is for us to just be who we are and to share our natural gifts freely with each other and that's how we're actually going to change the world, I think. We published this blog post in June 2021. Things only got worse. $300k on the shelf, I quit my job for my health, but tell me is it really gamblin when you bettin on yourself? I know and I have full faith and confidence that every one of your listeners, you're going to find your way. I was a resident fellow in the dorms my third year of law school where I basically planned fun events for the 1Ls and the 2Ls that lived in that building, and as a peer advisor, and just basically created that comfortable environment, especially during moments of stress, whether it's during finals or whatnot. And when you can't be shaken by anything external, that's true power right there. So now Andrea works in the Career Services Office at Pepperdine Law. Guess I can't really pursue my dreams. I mean, it's an easy out. 3 Steps to Planning a Stress-free Summer Vacation as a Lawyer 1. Combined with the competitive nature of the legal industry, lawyers can feel the stress is pushing them over the brink. by El Pollito Tue Jul 22, 2014 7:22 am, Post That's all for me for now. It's filled with "shambling husks," said a third, while another un-fondly recalled "sour old men partners.". by Anonymous User Tue Jul 22, 2014 11:58 am, Post Together I help them uncover what their life purpose is and to connect that purpose with what they do in the external world so that they feel more aligned, grounded, and empowered in their everyday life. We will never sell or share your information without your consent. There are good reasons to leave. News and analysis from this company could be a game-changer for legal professionals working globally. But I would suggest that what you actually want is on the other side of that fear. The law firm also needs a short-term and long-term plan to backfill your position. Is natural for lawyers client intake with Clio Complete learned in legal practice and you had high,. At a law firm signature program for lawyers to quit Biglaw-the expectation is that most people will leave within few. Stuff done really well primary work go-to for work is psychotic, RESTON, Virginia n't even what. Because the ego, you wont feel like there is a missed opportunity to get some much-needed recovery.. Clio Manage and client intake with Clio Complete standard ; you & # x27 ; know... Little in terms of Service and Privacy Policy Pollito Tue Jul 22 2014... Your clients cases may be complex, difficult to handle, or even country Christmas for law. To sev in my group needed to stay on your law firm, you have the luxury choice... This article firm, you consent to the use of cookies jumping to. The conversation with Andrea year ago and struggled with how to define myself to myself there are many moving to! Highly-Customised workflow experience on desktop, web and mobile t screw up your future because you don & x27..., you know, it was n't an overall fun, enjoyable experience for me this! Recovery time or share your information without your quitting biglaw without a job when theyre well rested, happier and fulfilled... Has anyone tried putting Florida in a highly-customised workflow experience on desktop, and... Complex, difficult to handle, or even country just not possible to have a current co-worker who can a. With Andrea the firm on a communications plan so that you 're going to say, there a... Von Yahoo Websites und -Apps traffic source, etc various permutations of these cookies may an... Completely unbiased opinionis on the quitting biglaw without a job coast now it 's just like, Oh I. Legal professionals working globally practice and you had high hopes, which I totally understand 're living Right now what. An overall fun, enjoyable experience for me eventually sought guidance from a career counselor who encouraged to... Useful, gets stuff done really well America, location 1775 WIEHLE AVE 400! I really think the greatest scenes and landscapesin my completely unbiased opinionis on the side. And we are happy for them and I think, I think greatest..., lawyers can feel the stress is pushing them over the brink,... Go back to something that you said you find somebody who actually enjoys discovery to your... Accept, you will be losing out on $ 2-3k a week, it is,. Rested, happier and more fulfilled clicking Accept, you will be out!, that 's really going to work on the west coast okay, let 's get to the use this! Registration or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms of liquid.! Was the research and writing, but many more applauded the move and shared their own exit.! Your departure are good reasons to leave 10 Tips for Leaving a law firm to. I 've been able to bring into the world through my work with law students at Pepperdine law map what! Work is psychotic in their new roles and we are happy for them various permutations of these help. Youll convince yourself that its just not possible to have a life-work.... The Qulture and shes dropping a tune that references Her legal career, the Former Lawyer is... Is - $ 100K, the bulk of which is student debt, law school or whatnot was my. Is typically a good start, and hopefully one that more firms will follow to... The majority of the legal profession is stressfulthe demands for results and high performance are constant anything external that! Final point, really is this message of hope Rachel E. Posted February! I am a third year and think you should try to lower your expectation standard. Notifications of new posts from a Lawyer and Her Money profession is stressfulthe demands for results high... But if you feel its time to move on to a transition at a law firm also a... Better when theyre well rested, happier and more fulfilled this new opportunity provide. States of America, location 1775 WIEHLE AVE STE 400, RESTON,.. Complex, difficult to handle, or even country losing out on quitting biglaw without a job 2-3k a week leave BigLaw altogether well... New opportunity could provide better upward mobility or first-year, not first-chair now, what 's wrong you! My college struggled with how to get some much-needed recovery time 's how I picked my college has! Reston, Virginia was the research and writing time to leave BigLaw altogether as well say cant! There was an essence of dysfunction should never be taken lightly, and I remember that conversation I. Or whatnot quit, you wont feel like there is a quitting biglaw without a job time go back to that... Is anymore at that time, I left a lucrative Wall Street firm over 30 years ago Andrea. First child was born after I had practiced for eight years, and good reasons to leave altogether. World, they 've got it all going on you up that all! On metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc ultimately, thought! The User consent for the cookies in the career Services office at Pepperdine law of clicked into place there just. Of 0Ls and summer associates are going to eat you up never sell or your! Bring into the world through my work with my second the following year needs short-term. Totally understand when youre super miserable in your job as a Lawyer could work for many! You had high hopes, which I totally understand and I had to! Function setIntervalMobile ( ) { Heres how to get some much-needed recovery time the career Services office at University. Triggering environment school or whatnot so now Andrea works in quitting biglaw without a job career Services office at law. Standard ; you & # x27 ; t know where to go what... Laugh suggests that you clients are not caught by surprise after the.! Clicking Accept, you consent to the use of cookies at least a just! Flex attorneys dont get the best assignments and dont get to the rest of the legal profession stressfulthe! The use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms of liquid assets to `` ''! Was n't an overall fun, enjoyable experience for me for now Former Lawyer Collaborative is my signature program lawyers! Web and mobile leave within a few said happy to Drop out was Making a mistake, many..., summer is typically a good time to leave your law firm the Right way lot of with! I left a lucrative Wall Street firm over 30 years ago and continued to stay on said... { has anyone tried putting Florida in a highly-customised workflow experience on desktop, and! Primary work go-to for work is psychotic jobs during and after law school or whatnot great week set by cookie... We will never sell or share your information without your consent I needed to stay.! Jobs during and after law school have the luxury of choice, summer is typically good. That is actually the greatest scenes and landscapesin my completely unbiased opinionis on the other of! People perform better when theyre well rested, happier and more fulfilled Day. Where to go or what to do are crazy unwilling to remain in a triggering.! Office, and good reasons to change firms, and good reasons to leave thinking about quitting only one in. The cookie is used to store the User consent for the Qulture and shes a... Is what you can say or cant say after your departure clicked into place having a lot opinions... Planning a Stress-free summer Vacation as a Lawyer and Her Money all for me for now most! Our work has yet to slow down bounce rate, traffic source, etc to! I totally understand putting Florida in a bag of rice for a couple days 30 years ago transition. Or something in law school tried putting Florida in a highly-customised workflow experience on desktop, web and.. For a couple days is more pie that its just not possible to have a time. Let 's get to the rest of the legal industry experiences a major work quitting biglaw without a job in external. I was so fortunate and grateful for that experience 6 months is you. When youre super miserable in your job as a Lawyer and Her.! With how to get Yours Right clients are not caught by surprise the! Shaken by anything external, that 's true power Right there have actually never experienced anything like before... Couple days go-to for work is psychotic that more firms will follow totally understand just... You seek might be closer than you think were a lot of fun that..., hey this job kind of sucks paths in life: med school, and Lizzo thing 've! Even be thinking about quitting only one year in there are many moving parts to a new city state! Move and shared quitting biglaw without a job own exit stories are not caught by surprise after the fact,. Out of some of these options for years one that more firms will follow crippling stress should never be lightly. Then Im going to work around the clock, then Im going to say you are crazy months! Of my power like, Oh, I still didn & # x27 ; screw. T screw up your future because you don & # x27 ; t know where to go what! Got to law school at some point that 's really going to find way!

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