I am the only Black lawyer at my boutique law firm and the imposter syndrome/weight of it is really starting to weigh on me. I’ve been here two years. My reviews have mostly been fine but it does feel like I am judged harder than my peers and given less responsibility. It doesn’t help that the only other Black associate was fired after only a few months at the firm. I think I have to leave the firm but I guess seeking advice/inspiration/helpful anecdotes. Much appreciated.

likeupliftingfunny
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Leave. Best decision I ever made. Didn’t realize how much their judgment and poor impression they had of me was affecting my work product and health

like

Looks like you already know what you have to do. Nothing to add, well, except a virtual hug. Feel fee to message me if you need to vent.

likehelpful

You need to leave; their perception of you isn’t going to change. You should do what’s right for you, which includes finding a team of people that you feel comfortable working with and in which you can grow and flourish. I feel the same way after seeing how my senior respects the white boys at my level but questions everything I say multiple times. It’s definitely inherent bias and I have no time for it.

like

Don’t push through it if the cost is your self worth or mental health. DM me if you need to speak with someone. We are here for you.

like

I suggest you try to understand why you are given less responsibility. Also, unfortunately, if you go elsewhere, you may find that you will continue to be judged harder than your peers until you “prove” yourself or even indefinitely….

like

Now that we can agree upon. In fact, that’s exactly why I started my own law firm.

Leave. But interview the people at your next place very carefully. I left a similar situation and went to another firm with a black female managing partner and I was never treated so badly in my entire life! It’s true what they say - not all skinfolk are kinfolk.

like

Don't leave. Keep being a good lawyer. Stay strong. 👊🏿

like

It's just a job. Why bother?

like

2 years out of school or 2 years at the current firm? What’s your practice/geography?

OP-Thanks everyone, really appreciate it. I have no problem leaving this job (and, in fact, really want to) I just want to be very sure I’m leaving for a place that will be more equitable/inclusive. I have yet to work under a Black lawyer and I’ve now worked under some odd 100 or so partners. So that’s probably my main priority for now.

It’s also really hard to tell when it’s worth fighting for a job. There have been some really concerning incidents beyond what I listed here that I think push departure beyond a reasonable doubt but I guess generally wondering when it’s worth it to “push through”.

I am at a big law firm where I work on 100% black teams and DEI is apart of the culture it’s worth the move!

Leave. There's no shame in doing so. White people leave all the time just for minor inconveniences. Yes, it's a lot easier for them to find a job, but I've known people that left jobs because they didn't like the food choices in the area.

Related Posts

Since graduating college in May 2019 I’ve worked at agencies. I know I want to be in house one day and was recently recruited for an in house position. Worth making the move or does it make sense to stay at an agency for a couple more years to have more in house options available to me?

like

Hi mates,

Anyone you know who has moved from Operations to BA and doing well ?

If yes what are the major challenges as a BA when you have moved from Functional Team ?

Hi, wondering if anyone as a non US trained physician has had experience pivoting to healthcare consulting or healthcare administration? Is an MBA a must? Should one aim for entry level jobs at a consulting firm first for experience? I’ve got good experience in leadership and management roles and completed a lean six sigma yellow belt course. Any advice appreciated!

like

What title for this job description?
I want to switch roles from a creative director who oversees all aspects of the company’s creative (marketing campaigns and brand building mostly; also production, performance marketing ads, product design, managing design team) to focusing 100% on building our brand, educating both customers and employees about our value prop. I hate managing people or logistics and scheduling. What would this role be called? Do you see it as demotion from CD?

like

What are some key skills / experiences I should focus on building as I try to move into a product manager role with a tech company? Currently working in consulting as a product owner focusing on data viz. I have 4 YOE. Thank you!

like

What are some career prospects as a JD LLM? Interested in big 4 and elsewhere other than your typical ITS and M&A groups.

like

For those who moved from a client serving role to an internal role in public accounting while at a fairly high level (experienced manager or senior manager), did you take a pay cut or does your pay stay flat when you transition with minimal increases in subsequent years? Also what role are you in now? I really like EY and the company. I’d like to look at moving to an internal role but I’m worried I’ve priced myself out (currently at around 140k comp in LCOL).

like

First year here. Do associates get fired for not meeting the billable requirements?

like

Anyone pursued a MSL in Taxation degree? Did it open up additional opportunities? Trying to get into tax planning/structuring but don’t have a JD (not interested in practicing law). Currently CPA/MST.

like

Been working at my company as a new grad for almost a year, but don’t see myself in the team that I am in (working with Salesforce) for long term. Interested in frontend dev and have been learning on my own. Manager says chase doesnt have much React opportunities. Is it possible to make a switch when I barely have experience? Are there companies that will hire by seeing that I am willing to learn and am interested in frontend even tho I don’t have much experience with it yet?

like

With some of the big tech firms stock prices taking a hit..Meta layoffs announced last week and a few others revealing some teething issues. How do you see the tech market Outlook over the next few years.

Software Engineering compensation
Demand for tech hiring
Are we seeing a shift within the FAANG club and are we going to see new arrivals to the table?

Is the life-span of big tech companies usually only a few decades. If companies stagnate, they die...is this just a sign of more to come

like

A part of our jobs is training scholars with the technical skills from our professional trades, but what techniques, systems, or experiences do you utilize to teach the professional skills?

What’s the most valuable supply chain skill at the moment, and why? Trying to decide on an investment strategy and welcome input

like

3rd cycle A here..... What are the chances for 4th cycle promotion?

Post Photo
likefunny

Is it normal for PPMD to jump around? I feel like I’ve met a few that have spent time as PPMD at different firms or have just recently joined EY from another Big 4/competitor.

like
like

Can anyone be a Data Analyst ?

I mean is it worth trying to become one, specially if you have no knowledge whatsoever of what Data Analyst is and no mathematical background plus having decade of experience in other field.

like

Looking for recommendations on Azure learning and certifications, specifically learning tracks for Systems Administrators and Engineers. I'm specifically looking for the MS equivalent of a VMware VCP course/certs.

If you have a learning course or books you'd recommend I'd appreciate your feedback. 🙂

Hi Fishes,
Could you please tell me how PSM1 ( professional scrum master -1) will add value to my role and career?

Currently 8+ overall IT experience and 4+ years into java development ... Recently ...Rejoined after career gap to 2 years

1. How it will enhance my technical profile?
2. Will it be useful for good range of salary ?
3. How will it contribute to career growth?

Advance thanks !!

like

Any recommendations on prep courses for CFP exam? Taking the exam in March

like

More Posts

Hi friends
I have been working with Oracle since four years in a sales role my total experience is six years
I am keen to change my career and move out of sales can someone suggest what all options are available after having been selling IT solutions
Your suggestions and advices or highly appreciated

like

I have a partner who routinely ignores emails or responds to them several weeks later. He has to approve every single document sent to the client or the court, which means you have a physically go to his office to ask him to review something. Half of the time you go to meet with him in person, he’s either on a call or otherwise busy. I find that this basically creates more work and makes meeting deadlines extremely difficult. Is this normal?

like

Does your coach see when you get a real time recognition award?

like

PA Consulting is recruiting for Agile Delivery Consultants with 2+ yrs exp. Come join an innovation consultancy that has good WLB, hybrid work and nice colleagues. DM for possible referral 🚀

likefunny

Do we need to carry print out of offer letter on first orientation day?

like

Is anyone else returning to fully in person learning? We have been hybrid/synchronous since September, which has been very hard and not very effective. They want us to have all Kindergarten students come back in March. I want to stop live teaching over google meet all day while also teaching my students in person at the same time, but there is not enough space in my classroom for safe distancing, not enough space for movement, and sitting at a desk all day is not appropriate for K kids!

like

I have a handful of weddings/events this summer and I was thinking of being bolder with my outfits. Not full on seersucker suits, but maybe bolder shirt/tie combos? What’s your go to summer wedding attire?

like

So the bonus at Salesforce is pretty much same 15% for everyone ?

How did current in-house attorneys find their positions? I am currently in big law with 3 years of experience. Seems that most recruiters can only help me lateral to other big law firms.

We have a opening for someone 7-8 years of experience in finance reporting domain JPMorgan Chase . Person should be good in advanced excel powerpoint. Alteryx or tableau exp would be added advantage. Dm if you / any your acquaintance is interested

Anyone go into product marketing or product management? Would love to hear your experience.

like

This is provisional offer letter , yet to receive original offer letter. Let me understand the ctc, variable pay, and in hand salary. 12lpa is the ctc right.

Post Photo
like

What will be in hand?
Please help

Post Photo
like

Hello Fishes, What will be my in hand salary?
YOE- 9 , Tech - Network/DC

Per my understanding it should be around 1.6 per month. Except 80C/80D and other usual slabs, any tax saving ideas are also welcome.

Post Photo
like

Capital one offer extended & accepted. Background check is complete and marked as “eligible” by the background check company. It was delivered to Cap1 2 days ago. Shouldn’t I have heard back by now? I’m waiting to get info on my start date and equipment etc. Should I reach out?

likehelpful

Enrolled in Stern for a few weeks.
The number of the alumni and current students that go to top consulting firms FT& summer intern are countless even for a small class size.
Stern is way more than a finance school. Given its location, do you want to spend your 2 years in a rural area or heart of Manhattan? Location is almost everything for business school. (I have a friend in Cornell that frequently travels about 5 hours to NYC for events.)

like

Any reviews for elearn security ? Is it worth it ?

like

Kevin McCarthy should strip Marjorie Taylor Greene of her committee assignments like he did with Steve King. Nancy Pelosi should do it with Ilhan Omar too. No place for anti-Semitic bs in Congress

like

Like, I dunno man, you okay...?

Post Photo
funnylike

What is your go to watch in the office?

like

Additional Posts in Attorneys of Color

If there is a bowl for in house attorneys of color, please lmk!

like

Has anyone found success developing business or building their book? Specifically businesses (not individuals)? Looking for new ideas to get clients in the door.

like

Have you ever joined a firm purely based on how many POC would be in your practice area?

likefunny

Ketanji did not come to play! Came out of the gate ready to fight and turn these racist arguments on their heads. The way she was dropping 14th Amendment bombs on that man made me so happy. And this is only her first day. I just hope they protect her well.

likeuplifting

AmLaw200 I interviewed with will likely go with a “more experienced candidate”. I’ve got 8 years and its a staff attorney role so whatever. Partner I met with was rushed from the start like he had already made up his mind. Pissed because they knew from the recruiter that I was a “diverse” candidate and they sent me the Mansfield self-identification survey days before they actually requested an interview.

like

I handleda very difficult and convoluted succession for a black family. My client was astute and intelligent. We got along great. His family was difficult. Willfully ignorant.

Part of the succession dealt with clawing back $450,000 in insurance proceeds that a niece fraudulent received from the decedent by making herself the beneficiary on policies. A separate attorney was hired to handle that part before I was hired to handle all other matters, including settling a $500,000 debt with the...

like

Hello! I’m a law student who’s graduating in 2023 from a top Canadian law school. I’m really hoping to land a first-year associate position at a US law firm (or in the Toronto office of a US law firm) this summer, and I’d appreciate any advice on how to do so as there is no formal recruit/I did not participate in the 2L NY/LA recruit. I’m open to any corporate transactional work. Thank-you!

like

How do you respond to someone whose response to the recent rise in anti AAPI hate/rhetoric is “I don’t know anyone who dislikes Asians”, “everyone is racist”, “racism isn’t evil, it’s ignorance and biology” in a way that’s neutral and educational?

I’m at the point where I don’t really care to engage but also don’t want to remain silent.

like

Hi, I'm currently clerking at a federal court and moving to Chicago after my clerkship. Anyone from Chicago or have knowledge of the legal market and would like to connect?

like

It's that time...🦃

What's one thing you're grateful for in your life or career at the moment?

Drop it below! 👇

like

Does anyone feel like it’s difficult to gain acceptance and find allies when you’re a POC? I have attended happy hours, social events, and lunches, but I am not getting the same amount of traction as the other new lawyers who are white. Don’t know whether I should keep trying or just give up. Also don’t know whether it’s my personality or people at the firm. 😢

like

Any insight into Greenspoon Marder’s Corporate group?

like

I am so tired of being treated like an assistant and I’m at a loss on how to correct it. My coworkers are generally nice, but while I watch white (usually male) associates at my level or even more junior get substantive work, I’m still receiving administrative tasks as a mid-level. Appreciate any advice.

like

Hey all, I’m starting a new job soon (in 2 weeks to be exact), but I haven’t been contacted by the firm. Should I be concerned?

like

I really feel like I should be excused from this "diversity and inclusiveness" training stuff lmao. It's about implicit bias and I'm sorry it's just not believable coming from an old white man's mouth when there are maybe 4 non-white associates. We're having these meetings 3 times this week. 🤦🏽‍♀️

like

Is it normal during a lateral interview process to be informed of an interview the day before?

like

Does anyone stress about student loans? I have $176k in loans and as January gets closer, the panic attacks have gotten worser. I am in-house at a Real Estate company (making $90k), which is terrible bc they are going under due to the market. I am working to transition to big law for pay, job security and more technical skills. I am a 2019 grad and it just seems so hard to break into big law.

I just need advice on what to do. My mind is scattered and stressed! Thank you in advance!

like

What's your typical work day look like? Where do you work/what size firm do you work at?

like

Not legal-related but: thoughts on A Jazzman’s Blues? I loved it. Been a while since a movie has stayed on my mind long after it ended, like this one has. Shocking Tyler Perry wrote it. “Paper Airplanes” is a hauntingly beautiful song.

like

What was your experience with the LSAT? Do you think it's gatekeeping, preventing students who can't afford it (often people of color) from entering the field? OR is it helping future attorney's of color by giving them a chance to go to a top school regardless of grades? I've seen questions about the LSAT all day and just want to know how people feel.

likesmart

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal