I recently lateraled into Big Law. Most of my colleagues are homegrown. My shift did involve a big change in practice area, and there's work that I haven't done before that I now have to do.

But, sometimes I feel stupid here, even for work which I have done previously. It's like I'm unable to understand instructions the first time around. And I have seen my colleagues getting annoyed by that. It's like I've become dumb. In my defence, I could say they're giving half assed instructions.

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Posting as :
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Power through and do your best. Look for samples and mentors wherever you can. But there’s a huge culture of gaslighting in biglaw that will make you feel incompetent and worthless until you get used to it.

likesmart

Second this. I lateraled and had imposter syndrome for a couple years, then I became the go to senior associate in the group. The best thing you can do is not worry about being judged at the associate level and work your ass off for partners that give you work. A good reputation with a couple key partners could be a launching board for success. This means being first to offer to take undesirable projects and working late for a couple years while you build that reputation.

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This is me six years ago, please do not worry. Try to receive work from people that you feel more comfortable with and on topics that you are familiar with. Dont wait for these to come to you, try to receive it. This will help you to gain your confidence again in the short run and you will stop being paralyzed due to feeling insecure. Work your ass off and make people to see that you are like a soldier. I was feeling so retarded in a way thay i was not able to understand a single instruction that the partner was giving me. Eye rolling co-workers was not helpful either. But this is how i found my way and i will become a partner in the firm as of january. You can and you will do it.

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But I'm beginning to doubt my competence and aptitude for this work now.

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Find out who in your group (departed or still there) had good work product and use his or her stuff as precedents. Ask a senior para or partner for similar deals or cases. Very little of biglaw is completely novel. You got this! Use your instincts!!!

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likefunny

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