I'm a fairly new associate (~6mos) dealing with corporate hazing. Given the current climate and deplorable job market, I honestly don't feel like I can speak up for myself. I can't afford to quit because bills lol I've been reaching out to mentors/networking to see if I can somehow find somewhere to go to. What's the best way to tell people, "my coworkers make my life miserable to the point where I want to quit lmk if you know of any openings?" 😭

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As a general rule it's best to not denigrate current or former colleagues. But there are ways to express what you're feeling, alluding to how you're not really in alignment with the firm's culture. Chances are people will pick up on what you're saying without you having to be explicit about an atmosphere of disrespect and, as you indicate, hazing.

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Find your inner strength and rise to the challenge!!! If you have faith, call on God, and watch Him work. If you have a therapist, call him or her and get some guidance. If you don’t have a therapist, get one. This game ain’t for the faint of heart or the weak and weary. Find your source of strength and dust these fools! Good luck!

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I’m honestly trying to be helpful, but what are some the ways they’re hazing you?

Also network!! Join ur bas association, go to meetings, connect with partners (outside and to the extent possible within ur firm), smile at them and make conversation - although most of them have the personality of a stone…this way in 8-9months you can start telling them of your interest to lateral for any good fake reason you can come up with

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First, I am sorry you are facing these challenges. As someone else mentioned, bad-mouthing others reflects poorly on you. Your focus should be “seeking opportunities that better align with your interests.” You are a professional, and it is a professional setting. Though it may not “feel” like it, you have options, including the ability to say “no,” report the behavior to HR, or, for an indirect/softer approach, try to identify an ally that can buffer some of the behavior. A full year of experience is ideal, but it doesn’t mean you have to be an “ideal” associate if you are being mistreated.

You do not need to put up with mistreatment. It doesn’t sound like this is “hazing” since only you, the Black associate, are experiencing this.

Try to distance yourself from the bad actors. I would not do the menial tasks—don’t respond to those requests, and “forget” to do them. Engage in some civil disobedience.

I would keep contemporaneous, daily, written notes on what’s happening, who is participating in the behavior, who seems to be masterminding it, and the ways in which it is preventing you from doing your billable work.

It’s always best to consult a plaintiff-side employment attorney for advice and counsel on how to handle suspected discrimination. They can help you decide if and how you raise it with the firm, and/or plan your exit.

I will say do the menial tasks, don’t blow deadlines- you are literally giving them reason to fire you. Having options is so important in this market, while actively working to get out from there

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