I’m the only female junior lawyer in my group (BigLaw). It’s hard to compete with male associates who share interests with the partners like golf, hockey, etc. The few female partners don’t care. I’m a first generation lawyer & immigrant who feels like an outsider in Big Law. I feel like I’m at a disadvantage despite working hard & trying to socialize with colleagues. I don’t get many top cases like male associates of my year & get more non-billable tasks than they do. Any advice?

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UGH. No advice but just offering validation and commiseration. I’m junior first gen and Latina, and my group by and large consists of older white men who love nothing more than to chat about the game. Some days they literally won’t even say good morning to me or acknowledge the fact that I’m there in the office, it’s like I’m just completely invisible. Haven’t figured out how the address it yet, but for what it’s worth you’re not alone.

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Completely feel this as well :( It can feel so isolating at time. Sometimes I’ll brush up on a game or something to make a comment in passing.

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First I fee you, this is just fundamentally unfair that we feel this way and have to engage. Having said that, here is what I do. I don’t really watch sports at all but I downloaded the ESPN app and read the headlines every day, focusing on the sports my colleagues are really into. I give it about 5-10 minutes and for me that is enough that I can engage in the conversation or at least know what they are talking about and not feel left out. Good luck!

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This, it sucks but we are still at the point where we have to play the game to change the game. I am the only female attorney in my BL office (satelite office) and it gets exausting but I am absolutely playing the game.

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Ugh I have the same thing. I’m having a great conversation with someone and then someone else brings up sports

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I’m not sure if you’re trolling but wtf

I am also a first gen first year in an office with few female associates and one female partner. Initially, no one acknowledged me either, so I made a point to say hello to every person in the office and I take any opportunity to chat with them! If they talk sports, I pretend to be interested. If I’m starting the convo I ask about their weekend. Try to find some common ground. I realized the partners like that I am in office each day, so I keep that up. They also (seem to) appreciate that I try to engage with them and don’t take myself too seriously. I think they enjoy chatting with me now. Keep working hard and reminding them you are there. You have to build those relationships but they will come around!

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Nothing helpful to add, but this pisses me off because it’s such a real issue. I’m so sorry OP. I have been in your shoes.

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I feel the same way. Female, first year, immigrant in BL … sometimes I feel like I don’t belong here

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