I was fired last month after a short time at the company. I knew things weren't going well- it was a terrible culture fit & I was also planning my exit strategy. They wouldn't give me specific reasons other than to vaguely say it was performance related. I agree I made a few dumb mistakes (none of any dire consequence) but what kills me is that I tried really hard. I don't want to change careers but I have a deep seeded fear that no matter how hard I try, I will never be a "good attorney".

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So sorry you had to go through this :( my first partner told me, one week in as a trainee, that I wasn’t fit to practice law or do her work. It haunted me for ages. I made it into big law eventually (with good firm culture), and sometimes wish she could see where I am today. I hope you’ll shake off that fear some day!

likehelpful

Thanks so much for this- I love seeing people thrive despite the haters. I've been in a new role now for coming up on a year and it's been going well. Comments like this kept me going when things seemed dark though so I appreciate it.

I am so sorry this happened to you. I had a similar experience and landed in a terrific firm after where my career has really taken off. It is almost impossible to see right now but this is a chance for you to reset and find what really matters for you. And with time, that voice goes away that second guesses everything. I promise. It gets better.

likehelpful

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. 😋

I’ll just echo what others have said, but add that you are better off without them. If there was a terrible culture clash and you were unhappy (and planning to leave anyway) see this as a blessing in disguise - it just saved you the hassle of resigning.

And just because this experience wasn’t the best, doesn’t mean you aren’t a good lawyer or meant to be in this career. So much of our ability to do a good job depends on our day to day: (a) practice area - do you really enjoy the type of law you are doing? And (b) the people that are around you - the culture, how supportive they are.

For example, I was based in my firm’s Dubai office as a trainee and hated my life the entire time - I was literally counting the minutes until I was qualified so I could leave the firm. Partners were arrogant and borderline abusive, and the office culture was so toxic - this reflected in my attitude and motivation to produce good work product. Then, during my last 6 months of my traineeship, I got seconded to our London office and the experience was a complete 180. I really enjoyed the work and the partners were so decent, really supportive, and great at their job. It completely changed my perspective and I ended up qualifying (and staying) into that team and am now really close with my supervising partners to the extent we are friends outside of work. Again, this positive experience also reflected in my attitude and work product and I am seen as a rising star.

Don’t let one shitty person or experience dictate your future - you have worked incredibly hard to get where you are, don’t let anyone take that away from you! Move on to the next with your head held high. Best of luck!

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Totally - I feel you. There are jerks in every industry, and unfortunately, especially in ours. Take some time to reassess where you think your interests lie, ask critical questions at interview stage around what your role will entail and try to get feedback on the people you will primarily be working with (or even ask to meet with them briefly virtually or in person), and then move on to the next opportunity with confidence. Don’t throw in the towel, or else the jerks will have won. Best of luck to you OP 💕

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I’m sorry you experienced this. Of course, one poor experience is not representative of who you are as an attorney and I hope you can find a firm that appreciates you. It’s practicing law and you will continue to grow during your career (although mistakes will always be made; no one is perfect). Don’t let this become the start of imposter syndrome. There are places that want you to succeed and give you chances beyond a “short time”. Good luck!

likehelpful

Thank you for sharing- these personal stories are making me a lot more optimistic about the future.

I would not take their word for it. Employers will frequently vaguely say “performance issues” because they don’t want to admit it was actually an issue of them not properly thinking through their hiring needs, management/supervision capability, personality conflicts etc. I was laid off during Covid (supposedly no performance issue, just didn’t need me) and then they promptly replaced me with someone with more experience for less pay … so that was a huge hit to my confidence, and it was difficult to get back to a comparable job right away with Covid hiring freezes. It took several months and a couple job switches but now I’m back at a job I like, where I feel recognized/appreciated for what I bring to the table, and making more money than I was previously.

Hang in there. This is just a blip. One job is not the end all and be all. This was clearly not the right fit for you and although it sucks in the moment, it’s better that it has ended now rather than dragging out longer - you and the right job will find each other eventually. Try and take this time to really be thoughtful about what you want and don’t want out of the next step of your career, and try and be mindful about whether you’re making your career decisions out of fear or love. (Moderately related: watch Tick Tick Boom if you like Broadway musicals at all.)

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Thank you so much for the kind advice!

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Everybody makes mistakes. Especially if they didn't make any attempts to help, mentor, or train you at regular intervals, the performance issue is just a cover-up. I was let go with similar reasons and before my coffee was cold they had replaced me with a partner's relative who had just been laid off. Explanations were vague and verbal only to avoid a discrimination suit. I went on to a fantastic career (same field) with a lot of professional recognition for my work. Don't give up. Use every opportunity to build your knowledge and experience. Remember, salaries are paid for work you have already done, so the employer always owes you.

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Thank you for your insight! My boss had a royal one individual meeting with me the entire time I was there. Would you craft an email to HR (and the boss) giving your insight on the lack of management oversight (as well as catty culture- openly talking disparagingly about other employees in team meetings, etc) or would you just move on? I'm inclined to just move on but this has never happened to me before so Im not sure how to proceed.

If you left without burning bridges, use them to build your network (name dropping when convenient). Keep the professional ties through social media, holiday cards, etc. but don't ask them for anything. HR is for the company's interest and if this organization is that mismanaged, they likely gossip and you'll burn your chance to use your former employer to your benefit. Good luck!

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