I'm looking for a new position as an entry level associate attorney. I've been working as an associate for about two years. I had a bad experience with my previous firm (i.e. lack of mentoring as a new grad, gossip/clique work culture, and issues caused by the same partner the firm refused to acknowledge).

I genuinely care about my clients and want to do well at my job. But I don't want to end up in a similar situation again where I am mistreated. Any advice while I continue my job search?

likesmart
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Disagree with SC1. It’s not unusual for people to experience these type of issues in a law firm setting. Sometimes it could be a misalignment of “culture” between associate + firm, and other times it certainly can be one sided. IMO OP did not share enough for someone to pin OP as the source of issue.

That aside, answering OP’s actual question, a good approach to testing culture is to ask intentional questions about it during interviews (e.g., asking about associates that are considered high performers, why + follow up request to see if you can connect with them to learn more about the firm).

Another method to get intel is to ask anon questions on fishbowl RE said firm.

Good luck!!

likesmart

Agree with AA1. Other interview questions— how is feedback structured, how much responsibility would you have over matters and how would that increase over time, how does mentorship work at the firm, what kind of training opportunities would there be

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Some seriously harsh answers here which I would advise you to ignore. It's sometimes tough for new attys to find their niche or a good fit. I would say every firm I've worked at has BLED new associates. It just happens. And many firms are terrible at mentorship or just plain guiding new associates into the process. It isn't you. You just need to find a good fit, and that could take time. I recently ran into a new atty who left our firm after a year and then went to another firm for a year before landing at his current firm where he has settled in. That seems typical. Good luck and hang in there!

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Thanks for the feedback!

Your description seems to be spot on for where I am at currently. I am looking for a firm that is the right fit for me both culturally and professionally.

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I echo earlier remarks that some comments are overly harsh or fail to address your concerns. Nothing in your post should lead someone to conclude any of your circumstances are due to your own actions. I genuinely hope those that made rash conclusions about you do not practice that way.

Nevertheless, law firm culture can be challenging, even for good attorneys. It can vary dramatically from office to office or even from team to team. Sometimes people just don't click, and that is okay. If concerns are raised and ignored, that can rise to mistreatment, especially if they take action when similar complaints are lodged by others.

I am sorry your early practice years have been unpleasant in those regards, but it will get better when you find the right fit for you.

As you continue on your job hunt, I would suggest asking questions to the partners about what the every day looks like when running files. Will they be actively involved and providing direction, or will they only be available if you have questions and you are mostly running a case solo? Does the firm invest in programs like PLI to provide adequate ongoing resources, or do you have to go through 5 people to get approval for 1 CLE? When speaking to associates on the team, ask how they feel about the firm's support in their career development or if they feel there is a genuine "open door" policy when you have questions or concerns. I would also express that mentorship and collaborative teamwork are key factors for you when deciding which role is right for you, and ask how they directly invest in their associates' growth.

likehelpful

Thanks for your advice!

I appreciate the suggestions on questions to ask. I will use some of them when I go to the interviews I have this week.

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This may come off as offensive, which is NOT the goal. But the common denominator seems to be you.

Take some responsibility for your career trajectory and development, instead of expecting the firm to do it.

funnylike

A1 - i went through something similar as you but now I am at a role that thoroughly trained me so that I can handle the legal issues on my own, those roles are out there

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Regarding mentorship, you can certainly get a good feel for this in the interview. Partners that like to mentor will make it known. If the partner is somewhat dismissive about the question, you can expect no mentoring lol.

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I'm glad you were able to find good mentors. I'm hoping to do the same!

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