Disillusionment
Want to know a secret? Every #biglaw attorney faces a moment (or several) of disillusionment. Imagine a first-year associate, let's call her Sophia. She walks into her shiny corporate office on day one, buzzing with ambition and prestige. The world is her oyster and she is ready--for the long hours, late nights, steep learning curve. This was her dream and she made it. Fast forward 4 years. Things look different for Sophia. It wasn't a single event, but a gradual awakening. The excitement didn't disappear, at least not altogether. But, her perspective sharpened. Now, Sophia could see the invisible gears making the big law machine hum--the rules, the hierarchy, the metrics, the demands. Sophia learned how to anticipate partner and client needs, she knew how to navigate complex case files, she mentored other associates, and became a glowing firm citizen. She was good at her job. But, some moments gave her pause. Sophia found herself explaining to newer associates: this is just how it is in big law--regarding certain expectations and certain difficult (micro)managers. The same words that once made her roll her eyes now came out of her own mouth. She wondered if that was true, or if change was possible. She questioned whether she was being true to herself, or if she could take more risks. Sophia had a choice to make. Like some of her peers who had already done so, Sophia could leave big law. Or, she could stay and carve out a version of success that worked for her. If Sophia stayed, she wanted to do it on her own terms. She asked herself, "Is this what I want?" If the answer to that was no, she asked her self, "Why not?" and "What do I want?" and "How can I make that happen?" Every time she felt the pull to compromise her values or let the system dictate her path, she used these questions to course-correct. Slowly, she built professional credit--through reliability, courage, and trust. That credit became leverage, allowing her to create flexibility within the often rigid confines of big law. Sophia's story isn't unique. Every big law attorney faces this moment of reckoning. I think it happens most substantively, at least the first time, between years three and five. The secret isn't (always or only) in avoiding the system or walking away. The secret to building a sustainable big law career is learning to navigate the highs and lows without losing your sense of self. Check out Episode 30 of The Grace Period to hear more about what happens when those rose colored glasses become less rosy. 🔥❤️✌🏻 ---- If you want to learn more about harnessing your power to build a sustainable big law career, follow me Emily Logan Stedman and repost to spread the word. #professionalwomen #lawyerwellbeing #mindfullyemily #emilylitigates