Starting at a New Firm? Keep Quiet and Learn the Lay of the Land
If you are jumping to a new law firm, learning the ropes means more than just figuring out the new technology and time-keeping systems.
Besides handling logistics, you will also need to get a read on law firm hierarchies, according to a Lawjobs.com article by legal search consultants Valerie Fontaine and Roberta Kass.
“While doing your best to be productive, keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut until you’ve figured out the true lay of the land,” they write. “Look for the firm’s unwritten rules, power structure, alliances, conflicts, social or political ‘in-groups’ and outcasts. Determine which partners, practice areas and clients are most valued at the firm, and where the backwaters lie. Read internal and external communications and note who and what is in the spotlight.”
Make sure you get out of your office, introduce yourself to everyone in the hallways, and ask your colleagues out for lunch or coffee. Be nice to the support staff, since they will have valuable information on how the firm is run and can help you get your work done. Find a mentor. “Once you have an idea of where the power lies, you can begin to build your mentoring network among the established ranks of the firm,” Fontaine and Kass write.
Be aware of territoriality, they warn. By sharing work as soon as possible, your colleagues will be more likely to share business with you. Tell you colleagues about your expertise and clients, and explore cross-selling opportunities.
