New York Lawyer
May 13, 2004

Q:
I have received several job offers from big New York firms. I don't know if I can survive at these aggressive, demanding firms.

The first issue is that although I'm outgoing and friendly, I am extremely sensitive and probably will not cope well with screaming partners. It seems that surviving the mental game at these firms is critical.

The second issue is that I clerked for a respected, well known Federal Judge for two years who did not expect much work from me or his other clerks. As a result, I don't feel comfortable with my legal skills.

Can sensitive people survive at these notoriously aggressive firms? What should one do prepare oneself?

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A:

You have two different concerns: your fear about a hostile culture, and your worries about professional preparedness.

Remember, while we tend to think monolithically about BigLaw, in fact not all big firms, even in New York, feature screamers. The ones that are notorious are well, notorious, and you can identify them by asking around a little bit. There are others that have more easygoing atmospheres. Certainly you�ll want to concentrate your efforts on the firms with a reputation for greater collegiality.

Also, most people don�t like screamers, and that�s understandable. However, you�ll want to toughen up in order to get good feedback to progress. It�s only by getting real feedback that you can identify the areas of development that you have and do something about them. So don�t confuse and aversion to screamers with being unduly sensitive about criticism in general. Also, everyone knows who the screamers are in firms, and you�ll have plenty of people to commiserate with should you be one of their victims.

On your preparedness, remember that your fellow associates will be coming into the firm with only their law school education to their credit. I doubt you�ll suffer much in comparison with them, unless you�re given credit as a third year and expected to perform as a third year. That also seems unlikely -- everybody knows that clerking is not the same as being in practice and that, while clerking and practice have some overlapping skills, there are areas that are distinct. In any event, you can be on your guard and work diligently at first to bone up in any areas that you�re unsure about, etc. Lean on your mentor, call up friends from law school who�ve been in practice for a couple years at other firms to get advice and counsel, and otherwise make up for your lack of background with diligence and hard work.

Sincerely,
Holly English
Principal Consultant, Values at Work