I was at the top of the class in law school and got the highest grade in lots of courses. Ran the law review, order of the coif, etc. But I haven’t felt “smart” since then - it has been several years as an associate now and I feel like I haven’t “gotten it” yet. Not sure if this is normal, or if the occasional passive aggressive comments from partners are building up, or if I am just lame. Anyone else feel like this?

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

This is me 100% as well. I don’t have much insight as to why this happens, but you’re still smart. The actual practice of law often doesn’t require intelligence so much as tediousness and grit.

like

I think a little of this is that professors, teachers, parents groom us to seek praise in the form of academic gold stars. So when high achievers get to the office/real world, we still chase that feeling/ praise but rarely find it. Keep whatever written “gold stars” you do get, but try to celebrate your small wins to get that feeling back- you led a big client call on your own, the partner had minimal draft comments, or you survived a hard deposition. That helps me a lot when I feel under appreciated

likehelpful

Appreciate the honesty on this

Are you me? Because this hits home so hard

like

Yup! But as opposed to those who won't stop talking about how great of a lawyer they are because of those law school achievements you mentioned, I think you're doing okay because you're aware that in practice, there's always room for improvement. You'll be okay

like

I’ve learned that most lawyers don’t really know what they’re doing: they just act like it. And most corrective criticism you get back from partners is probably not an objective problem with your work but you failing to anticipate their ideosyncrasies - which of course no one can do.

like

I obviously do not know you, so please keep that in mind as my response is not intended as critically as it may seem, but rather a genuine attempt at helping you think about the issue you're having. The book smarts and success of law school don't necessarily translate into professional success as a practicing attorney. I know several of my classmates who were near the top of our class found that the actual practice of law just wasn't for them. They have found satisfaction and success in other areas such academia and being a research attorney. And unfortunately I also know several classmates who seemed like idiots that are now millionaires and run very successful law practices. Don't know if its still around but when I was in school there was a saying - A's become law professors, B's become judges, and C's become millionaires.

like

Therapy has really helped me realize how much I relied on my “achievements” to feel fulfilled and valuable. Who are you without your job and academic related accomplishments? What do you value? Why do people love you? Why do you love yourself? Your sense of happiness cannot be only linked to your job. You’re smart but why is that so important to you and how will you continue to believe in yourself even if it appears that others don’t believe in you? Dig deep, I sure have had to! Lol

like

Another thing is you go from running law review, so top of your universe to being at the bottom again and dealing with bad managers or just generally not having the kind of perspective you used to. At least that's how I felt going from EIC to peon that gets a slice a something but not all the context. That changed once I was running deals and could see and understand more of what's up ahead as far as process and the general order of operations for things

like

Haven’t done law school yet, but sounds like what myself and peers felt when making the transition to grad school and ‘imposter syndrome’ - for our situation, the feelings were completely normal and common, and sounds like the same in your situation :)

Being “smart” in law school has almost no correlation to being good at your job — firms just use this as the metric so they can brag about how many students they got from top law schools when hiring results get published.....

Related Posts

Guys help me to get 11+likes so that I can unlock DM. This will help me to refer candidate in better way.
Thanks in advance

like

Two missed calls from our fearless leader. Either this is social engineering or I’m more important than I thought I was

Post Photo
like

Cleared the first round in kpmg,what to expect from the remaining technical rounds there?

like

Hi Fishes, I am trying for Wells Fargo but not getting calls through direct application. Would anyone be able to refer me through internal portal. I have 16yrs experience and looking for Sr scrum master roles. Will share profile if you can help. Thx

I want to sell my house but there seems to be water damage and I’m worried someone will lowball me, what should I do?

like

What are typical TCs for Associate and Senior Associate roles at small (under 200M AUM) in London and / or DACH?

like

Hello all. My company just went through an acquisition and the company did some restructuring of job titles. When they did this we were all advised the company would be making sure our jobs pay aligned with the national average.
My issue with this is my job title went from a Technical Support Supervisor to a Customer Success Team Lead. I have voiced my concerns with management but have been advised job titles are semantics. In my eyes this is a demotion, and will affect how much my job is worth.

How is Data services (DATA) BU at LTI? Getting designation for Senior Data Engineer.

like

Is the CPA designation worth it? For me it would take me 1 year of PREP courses and 2 years of PEP until i can write the CFE. And I am 27 years old right now. Also wondering if it would be crazy to pursue the CPA while learning how to code to be a developer as well?

like

My wife is a Software engineer - QA with 2 Yoe, now we are thinking to move to Canada, can someone please guide us on which 2 year course can she pick (for student visa), is data science related course a wise decision? Or how to find a QA related PG program.
Preferably in Victoria, British Columbia

like

Out of context question.

Does anyone know 80G foundations that we can donate to, who could give something worthy in return?

One example, ISKCON membership. It costs 35k, but you get stays at ISKCON guest houses domestic/internationally at minimal costs of room maintenance.

like

Recently took up running, and looking for a light weight but warm vest to wear. Something good for temps between 30-40 degrees and can squeeze in a carry on. TIA!

Anyone with document review experience able to give tips on running searches, specifically nextpoint?

like

Merged my account this morning. Quite a sentimental moment to delete my SPG app. Bye bye you purple little guy

like

Looking for details on the Analytics Advisory Specialist role… salary, work/life balance, growth, etc. please give me the scoop!!

like

Can anyone refer to positions in marketing, business development, or project management job opportunities?.

like

If anyone is hiring in Canada please kindly give my partner a chance. The wait, dilemma and uncertainty is taking a very big toll from us.
-He got almost 5 years of project management, bid management and proposal management experience for a construction consultant company.
-He got experience in Primavera, got excellent statistical analysis skill, can use python for constructing ML models,
- He is proficient in RFP,RFI,RFQ for construction projects as he got BSc in Civil Engineering and MBA. 🙏🙏

like

Are agencies pretty good at hiring on if they “wanna try you out Freelance first”?

like

How many times do we have to tell you, Karen, posting on 2 Instagram accounts doesn't mean you own a marketing agency 👀

like

Rower or Airbike??

Trying to decide which one to purchase for a home gym. Which one would you guys say is the better investment?

like

Additional Posts in Law

When negotiating a sign on bonus with a new firm based on the fact that you were anticipating a bonus for that fiscal year and are leaving before that is paid out, do you have to do anything to prove you would have actually received a bonus/the amount of bonus you would have received?

like

How often do temporary "might-become-permanent" type jobs (at small/mid size firms) actually become permanent?

like

Technical question: if I work for a firm in State A, am barred in State A, but live and work remotely in State B, where my firm has no presence, am I breaking any rules in State B?

likehelpful

What’s the most unethical thing you’ve seen OC get away with?

like

How long is acceptable to ask to decide on an offer, especially when another place you really want to work at is moving a bit slower? I know this question has been asked before but I feel like 2022 has been its own beast in the legal market and would appreciate any advice. Thank you!

like

200k in student loans. Unmarried, no kids. If you had to choose - Would you prioritize paying them down/off or saving up for big ticket items like a house/retirement?

like

Anyone work for Rivkin Radler? How is the pay/WLB?

like

Does your firm give you credit for hours that were written off? Sometimes I feel if you don’t lose anything for hours cut from the bill, you have incentives not to be 100% honest w/ your timesheet.

like

Brand new baby lawyer dumb question - I am tasked with drafting response to request to produce. How long should this take? And follow up… how do I bill this?

like

I’m getting ready for my first telephonic Case Management Conference as a first year associate. I’ve never been “in front” of a judge before. I received some training and I look forward to the experience, but I’m a little nervous about having to speak in front of the judge. I know the case, but I’m afraid I’ll freeze and make a fool of myself. Any advice re: court calls, courtroom etiquette, or stories about your first times in front of judges?

like

You ever write a motion that’s soooooo 💩 that it’s embarrassing and you just wait for the partner to email you at 3AM saying “pls call me” because it’s too far gone for “pls fix.” 😩😩😩

likefunny

What is the scoop on med mal defense vs. plaintiff work? Is defense more respected by other practice areas if I were to switch somewhere else later?

I applied to a position that brands itself as civil litigation and apparently the role is med mal defense. Not sure what to go by but would like to do a little research before I call them back.

like

Work is an emotional rollercoaster - change my mind.

like

How do you properly vet a law firm? I feel the associates I speak with talk up the firm and aren’t always candid.

like

I’m a private immigration attorney whose interested into transitioning into a high level federal government attorney position in the future (not in this administration). Ideally, I’d love to work in the solicitor general’s office.

I’m only a year or two into practice and am wondering if there are any tips to best position myself for this type of position? I don’t anticipate making any moves that way for at least 5 more years. No clerking experience or law review, so that’s -2 points for me

like

Advice on managing up / enduring toxic deal teams? I’m at the point where my stomach drops any time I see something come in from certain people. Everything is behind, client is unhappy, I’m exhausted and simultaneously being micromanaged without guidance on big-picture/substantive issues. I keep trying to tell myself at least this is consulting and the project will be over... eventually...

like

What’s the best way to turn down a 2nd interview? During the 1st interview, I learned that the compensation for the role is not within the range that I am looking for and requires 400 more billable hours a year than what I bill now. I’d basically be laterally for my current salary just to bill 400 more hours. I also wasn’t aware that the local office was strictly ID. Firm website advertises lots of practice areas. Any advice? TIA!

like

How long should it take to do a conflict check for a 2nd year lateral associate? I am trying to figure out how long I should wait before following up.

like

I joined fishbowl a month ago and while I’ve seen a couple contentious debates but I must say I’m pleasantly surprised at how respectfully ppl comment on this app even when disagreeing. Usually anonymity on the internet brings out the absolute worst in ppl; they type things anonymously that they would NEVER say in person smh. But I really haven’t seen horrible comments here. I wonder what makes this app diff frm others?

like

Has anyone taking ADHD medication been able to secure life insurance? Am particularly interested in knowing of any company that provides Accelerated Approval under these circumstances.

like

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