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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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….

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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.

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

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It's just a job. Why bother?

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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.

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