In 2018, I posted a blog – 8 Simple Ways to Know You’re at the Wrong Law Firm. Many of the points I raised in that blog remain true. However, because of COVID and its effects, I added 5 additional factors to help you determine if you are at the wrong law firm.
Blog Recap
Before listing COVID-related issues, the following is a recap of my original blog. Again, these are ideas that may click for you. Do any make you ask yourself if you are at the wrong law firm?
1. YOU DREAD MONDAYS
2. YOU FEEL LIKE NO ONE AT YOUR FIRM RESPECTS YOUR IDEAS
3. YOU HAVE TO DO A LOT OF APOLOGIZING TO CLIENTS FOR THINGS THAT AREN’T YOUR FAULT
4. YOU FEEL LIKE NO ONE RESPECTS YOUR PRACTICE AREA OR CLIENTS
5. YOU EITHER DON’T KNOW WHAT YOUR FIRM’S SUCCESSION PLAN IS OR YOU DON’T AGREE WITH IT
6. YOU’RE NOT ENTIRELY SURE IF YOUR FIRM PLANS TO KEEP YOUR PRACTICE AREA
7. YOU’RE HAVING A LOT OF TROUBLE HIRING TALENT AND IT’S NOT A TIGHT MARKET
8. YOU DON’T FEEL THAT YOUR PAY IS FAIR
If you haven’t read the original blog and would like more detail on the above list, click here.
Update for COVID
Because of the pandemic, many of us have been reflecting on the important issues in our lives. Obviously, our health and security are at the top of this list, but our careers are not far behind. While COVID is still a big issue in the world, there is hope on the horizon due to the vaccine. Eventually, things will return back to the way they were. But is the way they were what you are really want when it comes to your career? You may want to think about the following to determine if you are at the wrong law firm.
1. MANAGEMENT IS CALLING PEOPLE BACK TO THE OFFICE
We know of some firm leaders that are requiring or will soon require all employees to physically work at the office. Do you feel that you will be safe in this environment? Does management care about your safety? Do they care about your colleague’s safety?
2. THE FIRM APPEARS TO HAVE FINANCIAL PROBLEMS
During the pandemic, did the firm lay people off? Did you have to take a pay cut or deferment? Has there been any communication about fully restoring your compensation? Did the firm have to take loans to sustain operations? Are clients paying their bills? Are there other signs of financial hardship?
3. THE FIRM DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT INFRASTRUCTURE
Does the firm have the right technology for you to do your job efficiently and effectively? Have they addressed technology needs to compete in the future? Or have they only used band aids to get by? Has remote work impacted your ability to give your clients the service and quality that they deserve?
4. COMMUTING IS FOR THE BIRDS
One upside for many during the pandemic is the lack of a commute. Can you imagine going back to long hours in the car, or on a bus or train? Do you want to find a firm that is closer to home? Can a shorter commute decrease stress and increase productivity for you?
5. I LIKE MY FAMILY
Lock downs and remote work have given us the opportunity to spend more time with our families. I have heard from many how wonderful it is to eat dinner together. Others have told me it has been great to spend more quality time with their kids. Post-COVID, will your current law firm allow you to continue this newfound joy?
The Grass is Greener
If any of the original 8 Simple Reasons or COVID additions sound like the experience you’re having at your current firm, you may want to explore other options. Gillman Strategic Group specializes in helping partners with established business find the perfect fit at a new law firm. We would be happy to set up a call to discuss whether there is a better fit for you.