THE LAWYERS WEEKLY
August 20, 2010 | 25
BUSINESS
CAREERS
When picking an employer lawyers should take into account the culture of the law firm they are considering working at.
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your fit in a particular firm out-
side the context of an interview
setting and without the pressure
to perform.
The key to job satisfaction in
private practice is determining
which firm culture suits you and
your career best. Ask a lot of questions—talk to peers in industry,
clients, engage a knowledgeable
recruiter — but most importantly,
use these questions to arrive at a
clearer understanding of what is
most important to you in building
your career in law.
What is going to make the difference over time is not a marginal salary increase, rather, it is
whether you feel comfortable and
appreciated in your environment,
and are in sync with the values of
the organization. Going through
the process of discovering who
the people are, how they work
together and where you would fit
will be the best indication of long-term satisfaction and success in
your career.
“Your powers of
observation also play
a critical role in
assessing culture.
Look around the
office: how do
lawyers interact with
staff? With each
other?... How are the
lawyers dressed?
Law firm culture key to job satisfaction
Culture
Continued From Page 22
expectations or the firm’s strategic direction, make sure you
explicitly cover off the issues that
are most important to you. Try to
learn the individual stories of
each lawyer you meet with and
what the culture of the firm
means to them; these personal
anecdotes will go a long way
towards helping you make the
best decision that reflects your
personal needs and goals.
Your powers of observation
also play a critical role in assess-
ing culture. Look around the
office: how do lawyers interact
with staff? With each other? Are
all conversations work focused
or are some social? Are office
doors open or closed? How are
the lawyers dressed? Do staff
and associates call partners by
first names? Do people look
happy? Engaged? Tired? To be
clear, your primary purpose
when interviewing is to perform
well and there is no more effect-
ive way to get a firm to lose
interest than by sending the
message you are solely focused
on what is in it for you. A bit of a
balancing act is required here.
Cleo Kirkland is a recruitment
consultant with lawyer recruit-
ment and career consulting firm
The Counsel Network.
Lisa M. Roscoe
FIRM ASSOCIATE
The partners of Thomson, Rogers are pleased to announce
that Lisa M. Roscoe is now an associate in the firm.
Lisa will be working with Stephen J. D'Agostino and
Jeffrey J. Wilker in the Municipal Law Section.
THOMSON, ROGERS Barristers and Solicitors
416-868-3100 Toll free 1-888-223-0448
www.thomsonrogers.com
YOUR ADVANTAGE, in and out of the courtroom
Elliot M. Goodman
FIRM ASSOCIATE
The partners of Thomson, Rogers are pleased to announce
that Elliot M. Goodman is now an associate with the firm.
Elliot will be working with Family Law Group
Patrick D. Schmidt, George Karahotzitis and
Joanna E.R. Harris.
THOMSON, ROGERS Barristers and Solicitors
416-868-3100 Toll free 1-888-223-0448
www.thomsonrogers.com
YOUR ADVANTAGE, in and out of the courtroom
