How to Suss-Out Law-Firm Culture
No one wants to start working at a firm only to find out it’s a culture mismatch.
Yet it’s hard to learn a law firm’s true culture before you actually start working there.
You really need to do some detective work first.
Here are 6 markers of firm culture to look for & some ideas for how you might go about uncovering them:
1️⃣ ATTRITION—At what rate have associates left, and for what reasons?
The stats should be available at FirmProspects dot com. You can even identify who has left a firm & where they’re working now. 👉 Do this research and then reach out to these former firm attorneys. They are often the best source of accurate information.
LinkedIn searches for all people w/ the firm listed as “past company” will yield similar results, and you might pick up some paralegals or support staff to talk to. They’re the folks who really had their ear to the ground at the firm.
2️⃣ PAY TRANSPARENCY—Do partners and associates know how much their peers make, or is the compensation topic secretive & taboo? How are decisions made on attorney compensation?
Firms that mandate secrecy around pay—sometimes called “black box” firms—can lead to a tough culture. Secrecy around pay can create an atmosphere of competition, client-hoarding, and resentment among partners & associates.
3️⃣ PANDEMIC HISTORY—How did the firm treat its associates during the pandemic? How has it handled the transition back to the office? What is the top-down view on attorneys working from home? In the office, do attorneys usually have doors open or closed?
4️⃣ RECESSION HISTORY—During the last big economic downturn, did the firm employ mass layoffs to maximize partner compensation, or did it try to save as many jobs as possible?
5️⃣ NON-BILLABLES—Will your hours spent on pro bono & law-firm citizenship tasks count for your billable-hour target? Beyond the numbers, is such work encouraged, even celebrated? Or does the firm just “tolerate it”? {—channeling some T. Swift 😌}
6️⃣ SOCIAL LIFE—How often do attorneys socialize outside the office? Is socializing encouraged or required?
Some of you will want an active, firm-centered social life, but for others, a mandate to spend more time with work peers may be daunting. Find a firm culture that fits with you.
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Finally, check out these informative websites to help you with your research:
Chambers-Associate
Fishbowl
Firm Prospects
Lateral Hub/Summer Associate Hub
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🗳️ What culture markers have I missed? What other resources do you recommend?
Please help me complete a comprehensive guide for law students!
Fondly,
💌 Amanda