Senior Associates

I remember the senior associates who helped me, guided me, taught me as a junior and mid-level associate.

Two, in particular, gave of their time in a way I strive to emulate.

What made them stand out?

🤝 One allowed me to watch and ask all the questions--how to use the document system, how to draft discovery responses, how to be a junior associate. He was open and honest and never judged me for whatever type of question I had.

🤝 One saw my potential and gave me honest advice about navigating the politics of #biglaw--how to find work that I liked, how to say no, how to react to the various personalities at play. He was open and honest and provided critical advice that has played a role in my career every step of the way (even making partner).

To new associates, think of Senior Associates as playing interference.

You can go to them with your questions.

You can go to them for work.

You can go to them for guidance and real talk.

They can be a buffer between you and partners by protecting you, coaching you, guiding you, and teaching you.

How do you find such Senior Associate?

Whew--it'll be different for everyone.

Look for the ones that the associates that came before you gravitate towards.

Look for the ones that give of their time to the firm and to others.

Look for the ones that have an air about them that aligns with your personality and goals.

Look for the ones who believe in giving back, the ones you want to be when you grow up.

That's the key to building a better firm and legal profession generally: grow under the guidance of people you look up to and give back when new attorneys come to you asking the questions you once asked.

#lawyerwellbeing #law #culture #professionalwomen #bestadvice