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Transitioning To A New Law Firm: Growth & Growing Pains

A few points that will help you get through the first couple of weeks at a new firm.

By Peter S. Garnett  
on

People move to new jobs for countless reasons. More money, better opportunities, better experience, or just a career change. In my case, I needed a change. After years of government service, I wanted a new challenge. That challenge, getting back into the law firm world and practicing new areas of the law.

Since I’m not the only one going through this, I thought I would put together a few points that have helped me get through the first couple of weeks at a new firm.

BE FRIENDLY/MAKE THE EFFORT

When you start a new legal job, let alone any new job, you should make an effort to get to know your co-workers. I’ve always found that it makes for a better workplace environment when you know something about your co-workers. I mean, let’s be honest, especially in a law firm setting, you are going to be spending more time with these people than your family and friends. So be friendly and make the effort. Go to the staff happy hour or take the time to ask the person in the neighboring office what he or she is doing this weekend. It will make a real difference.

BE OPEN TO NEW PROCEDURES

Often lawyers can become entrenched in the way they do things. They were taught a certain way of doing things and they believe that it’s the only way. But lawyers should not be resistant to change. I know change is tough on everyone, but taking the time to study your new firm’s procedures will help you settle in. If a firm has certain procedures set, then study them and try to get on board as quickly as possible.

ASK QUESTIONS AND GET ADVICE

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No matter how experienced a lawyer you are, there’s always room to get advice from someone at your new firm. You are not going to know it all as soon as you show up. Also, asking questions and being active in your new cases shows an interest and will get you up to speed more quickly than sitting back and hoping you get the correct information. And your new co-workers are not going to mind you asking the occasional question.  It’s better than doing something incorrectly and having to spend the time to do it all over again. No one knows it all.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO GIVE YOUR OPINION

Even though it’s good to adapt to your firm’s procedures and ways of doing things, at the same time, you shouldn’t be afraid to give your opinion. Utilize your experience. This can bring a new perspective to the table. Just because things have been done a certain way, doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be changed. What worked for you in the past, may work for the new firm as well.

IT’S GOING TO TAKE TIME

No one is the perfect fit. It’s going to take time to adjust to a new firm. Whether it be bigger, smaller, personal injury, corporate litigation, or any other type of law, it’s going to take you time to get up to speed and adjust to your firm’s culture (because every firm definitely has its own culture).  And getting to know your co-workers is not going to happen overnight. It’s going to take time to settle and feel fully comfortable.

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BE CONFIDENT

Last, the firm hired you for a reason. You’re talented and have something the firm wants. Every lawyer has different experience and strengths. But the firm that hired you obviously liked your experience and strengths. So as nerve-wracking as it is to start a new job, remember you’re a good lawyer and you have much to offer your new firm.

Good luck!

Peter S. Garnett is an attorney at Balestriere Fariello who represents clients in trials, arbitrations, and appeals. He focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation and contract disputes from pre-filing investigations to trial and appeals. You can reach Peter at peter.s.garnett@balestrierefariello.com.

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