This article is part of a series from former Canadian Big Law managing partner Norm Bacal and M.C. Sungaila, appellate practice chair at Buchalter, offering insights for newer associates about the environment of Big Law firms and building a reputation and career beyond the law firm. Part 1 is here. Part 2 is here. 

Billable hours are important to the firm, and to your career at the firm. But they are not the be-all, end-all. Particularly if you want to build a reputation beyond the firm—and you do.