Dear Junior Lawyers,
Before you finally accept that offer, use your eyes and your ears to glean out details about that dream law firm and their partners.
You may notice that employees jump around at the mere snap of the chief partner’s fingers, or that they’re being ordered around. Or whatever. Or you spoke with past employees of the place and they’re a bit restrained in giving you the green light to join the firm. Or, it could be something else… Anything.
The point is that there may be something off about that firm.
Poor HR management?
Bad employee treatment?
High employee turnover?
Pricky attitude of the firm heads?
Conduct your due diligence well, because, If you don’t, you could be falling into fire.
That partner smiling at you and offering you cookies with fresh juice during your interviews could be Count Dracula when you start working with him/her. And this has the potential of marring your zeal for the legal profession.
Remember, always join a Law firm where you can grow as an individual, not a firm where you’re going to be treated like shit (ahem-pardon my French, please).
Remember too that your formative years in the legal profession matter a lot. Join a firm, not necessarily because of the salary, but because you’re a perfect fit.
It’s not enough to just join a Law firm because you’re looking for a job. Find a place where you can fit in and be accepted; a place where you’re valued. Find a place where you can make a change, where you can grow in your career.
About
Kingsley U Ani, Esq., is a Lawyer, writer and digital consultant. He’s the founder of Kabiz, a digital consultancy that specializes in digital strategy, Digital Transformation and Branding, and content marketing. Follow him on LinkedIn.
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