Related Posts
More Posts
Any comparison of M&A in practice vs in-house?
Do you wear cowgirl or cowboy boots?
Really sucks how unfair life can be
Additional Posts in Paralegals
New to Fishbowl?
Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.




I have been working for law firms for over 30 years. Newsflash! 9 out of 10 firms firms are toxic.
Agree. And I've been working for law firms for 40 years, 12 firms total. All were toxic in different ways, some worse than others. But have met some truly wonderful individual attorneys throughout the years.
I 100% agree with this post after finishing my 3rd week at a new law firm. This firm doesn't just talk about how important culture is, they live it. I've been a defense-oriented litigation paralegal for nearly 30 years and have never worked at a firm that is truly good to its people. The transparency, the professionalism, the support and investment in me and my goals is beyond compare. I left behind a managing attorney in a Big Law office that belittled staff loudly behind their backs, disclosed the personal & health information of others, and pointed the finger of blame at everyone but herself. It left me anxious, defeated & sleep deprived. It also left me terrified to leave. But, leaving was the best thing I did. So, if it's toxic, do right by you and leave.
I worked at two firms that were very toxic in different ways before going to in house roles.... While I have not experienced it, I believe some firms can be happy\healthy environments. If you land somewhere that you find yourself miserable, you should get out. I have found the in-house environment to be much healthier because everyone is on the same "team" (working to the same end and not competing for their own clients) and serving the same "client" (the company), it really helps to foster teamwork compared to the cutthroat "me, not you" nature of the culture of most law firms...
Good to know there's hope. Congrats and all the best.
So glad for you
Coming up on my 60 day mark. Just got off the phone with my boss who has routinely checked in on my progress onboarding, my comfort with the work, and said today "you're a rockstar." In a decade at my prior job I didn't hear that from my boss once.
Here to remind you to find something better if you are feeling so beat down. I've even been able to get off my anti depressants since starting the new gig and have been able to keep my anxiety in check.
Take care of yourselves! Your boss/employer won't do it. On the one hand I regret staying so long, but on the other hand I believe in timing and the position I have wouldn't have been an option at any other point before now.
I just marked a year here. It's been a complete 180 from where I was previously and I'm still indescribably grateful for this current opportunity.