In three years with NJ firms, I felt unsupported. Now, I'm joining a larger NYC firm. I left a fulfilling NYC government role due to pay and field. My NJ experience, as a person of color, has been isolating, affecting my confidence.

Questions:
- How do I transition confidently to my new role?
- Have others faced NJ vs. NYC firm challenges?
- How can I move past negative experiences?
- Is camaraderie a broader issue in NJ firms?
- Should I think of starting my firm?

I'd appreciate your insights

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OP, how was it like at your NJ firm? Was it a big(ger) firm? What was your practice area?

I’m currently at a small NJ firm (previously worked in NYC at a foreign gov IP attorney role) and I’m basically single-handedly handling all litigation and transactional matters of the firm without much support and/or resources.

I have been thinking that the size of my firm is the main issue, but based on your post, maybe there is some endemic NJ firm problem.

Thanks in advance for your time.

If anyone else could shed a light that would be appreciated as well.

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Thank you; I truly appreciate it. I actually spoke with a paralegal from the office who was fired, and she confirmed some of the things I was experiencing. It reassured me that I wasn’t imagining things. Apparently, there were some racial undertones and micro-aggressions that I wasn’t aware of. It feels like a terrible breakup, and I’m trying to decompress from the issues I faced. I’m now focusing on positive affirmations to rebuild my confidence. My previous experiences really took a toll on my self-assurance, and towards the end, I felt targeted.

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