How much do I have to bill before I can start turning down work?

[hiccups]

I JUST REALIZED I ACCIDENTALLY POSTED IN CIVIL LITIGATION. I INTENDED TO POST IN 'ASK LAWYERS' - HOW CAN I MOVE THIS POST OVER?

I am a associate at a law firm where the billing target is 1650. Last year I billed 1700 hours. This year, I am on track for 1650 right now, and I am billing approximately 140 hours every month. I billed a bit less in April (only 105) because I was sick for 2 weeks. 

Although I am billing 140 a month consistently, I am still pressued to take on more work from one partner. I find every time I say I am at capacity, I have to justify myself. Billing 140 means I am working a lot more hours than that, given assistant staff aren't always available to help, especially since I am still a junior associate. I don't know why it's so hard to justify what I did all day....

I also want to prioritize health by going to the gym once a day, and I do carve out time for family on the evening/weekends, but it's not excessive: Usually 7:30 I leave the office and spend some time with my family from 8pm-10pm. I go to the gym during my lunch hour. I work usually 3 - 4 hours on the weekends.

How many hours do you guys think an associate should bill each month to be able to justify turning down some work? (I don't turn down work all the time but I am just saying when I do, one partner seems to take issue with it.) 

Edited June 3, 2022 by hiccups

[AHLALA]

There is no clear cut rule for this. It depends on the culture and the occupation level of the firm. I'm an associate in Big Law, where the annual target is around 1800.

March wasn't that busy and people didn't think twice if you just refused more work. May was quite busy and even people on track for 200h for the month had to take on more work. 

[hiccups]

3 hours ago, AHLALA said:

There is no clear cut rule for this. It depends on the culture and the occupation level of the firm. I'm an associate in Big Law, where the annual target is around 1800.

March wasn't that busy and people didn't think twice if you just refused more work. May was quite busy and even people on track for 200h for the month had to take on more work. 

thanks for sharing! just needed some insight what/how others deal with this.