I just put in my two weeks to go to an AM 100 law firm to work in a niche practice area. I've never worked in a firm before. I started of doing compliance (non-attorney role) and then went in-house (acting GC for medium size company got a year). Any advice for someone who never had firm experience? If you went back to a firm what do you think you would have to prepare for? (Besides billiable hours and no life. ) Also, fwiw, I graduate in 2018.
Read “The Curmudgeon's Guide to Practicing Law”
If you work for multiple partners, you will need to learn each partners practice style. Sometimes there is consistency, then there are times when partners have distinct (or peculiar) approaches and you have to meet those expectations. Ask for samples and don’t assume one partners feedback will apply to all the partners you work for.
I think it takes humility to lateral bc partners basically don't trust you do to anything yet OR may assume you know how to do stuff and be oblivious to gaps or differences in expectations / the way they do things at their particular group. I think over communicating will help at first so you're on the same page with those supervising you as you build up credibility. (Not in a needy way, more like "this is how I plan to address, does that work or should I adjust my approach")
Also if you don't already, start following the big law bowl to see common pitfalls and gripes you can hopefully avoid
Chief
Do not say no to clients. You need to "look into it" or "discuss with partner". Law firms are hierarchical--defer to partners until they bless you to do things your way. Get your time in on time. Don't bill .1s. Always overdeliver/don't be late on assignments.