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It really depends. I hate to give that answer, but it’s been true to my experience. As a poc and first gen attorney, I have had either landed at a very supportive team that really is about balancing complex tasks while providing mentorship OR a team that alienates the poc/women in the group (toxic). Unfortunately small firms tend to do the latter. The small firm I left, the partners overtly favorited male associates and disliked associates who didn’t fit into their mold (very white/conservative). It really is a toss up out there.
It helps a lot, thank you. I am in a 30-40 person litigation boutique right now. I have been debating a switch to BigLaw.
Good firms are out there, but they're not easy to find. I bounced around a bunch early in my career until I found a place where I felt most comfortable. More than half of my colleagues are POC as well, so that definitely helps.
Yes please share. I'm curious too.
In my own personal experience, things have gotten better from changing workplaces, but I know the same cannot be said for others. In my previous placement, there were issues with more overt racism/biases, and in my current placement, I have found that there is far less of that. What I experience more (and find harder to escape in the workplace) are microaggressive behaviors/comments. I think that there are places where your team will work hard to make poc feel supported and not alienated, but that is something you have to try to gauge when going through the interviewing process. Personally, I think that if you feel uncomfortable with the treatment you're getting at your current firm, a change of scenery may be the best option. A healthy and supportive work environment is so important for mental health and an overall comfortable life. Good luck!
Totally agree with A3 here. I think the only real way to avoid these issues is to work for POC.
Start looking for a new job. You cannot change people or make them see their biases. HR does not work for you.
Meanwhile, document everything, and if you happen to have made a mistake and they overreact, be calm and cool.
In my experience, even firms who say the right things still have the same issues unless there actually are POC in leadership. Representation matters. Unfortunately that's very hard to find in the practice of law.
Sometimes I think i'm going crazy when maybe one firm doesn't have quite the same micros as before but some of their own. Sometimes it feels never ending but I try to stay positive and focus on what I can control
Honestly, issues are everywhere. Try to work it out with the firm you know.
Gotcha. Okay. It's tough but sometimes, to make it better for yourself and others, you might have to do it. If they are willing to listen, that's good. If not, lateral.