New York Lawyer
May 24, 2001

Q:
I am in my third year of law school and am interviewing for jobs with law firms. I was in a large firm recently, with a great reputation, and while walking through the halls from one interview to another, I passed two lawyers, one apparently a partner and the other an associate.

The partner was loudly berating the associate, who was red in the face and incredibly defensive and embarrassed. I decided on the spot that there was no way I was going to work for that firm. Do you think I made too impulsive a decision?

Submit Your Question

Find More Answers

A:
What does the firm have a �great reputation� for? For humane treatment of attorneys and staff? Probably not. Their great reputation probably rides on excellent legal services, super-responsive client service and a fat bottom line.

I�d say the scene you observed could have been an isolated event, but it may be a pretty good indicator of the firm culture. It is rare that an in-the-hall, public crucifixion is even remotely justified. Ideally, severe criticism should be politely and professionally presented, one-to-one and behind closed doors. Short of that, under pressure and extreme frustration, at least keep it private so that others are not made tense and visitors such as yourself not alienated.

It�s up to you to decide your personal criteria for what constitutes the right law firm for you. As for whether you were too impulsive, that depends on the array of choices you have. If you are an in-demand job candidate, you can probably afford to make snap judgments that others may not have the luxury of making.

Another approach would have been to ask the people you were interviewing with about the scene you witnessed. Although they probably wouldn�t admit to you that the scene you saw was routine, at least your remark would tip them off that outside observers are not impressed by screamers in the hall. They may not realize that people are turned off enough by this sight to actually decide on the spot to go elsewhere.

So by all means, stay away from the place, but do them the favor of some feedback so that they will stop airing their dirty laundry.

Sincerely,
Holly English
Principal Consultant, Values at Work