Why a Good Practice Match is Vital for Young Associates' Careers
This week I spoke with several terrific junior corporate associates from various top firms about their experiences to date. They expressed gratitude for their training so far, and varying degrees of unease about deal flow and hours. But there was another unexpected theme voiced by a handful of associates: disappointment over the practice groups to which they were assigned--practices that diverged from those which they had expressed a strong interest in joining before any permanent assignments were made. This made me wonder: how often does this happen, and what is the impact on an associate's career satisfaction, success, and longevity when they find that they are misfits within their practice area from the get-go?
I'm pretty certain there's no data to answer this very narrow pair of questions. However, they are still worth asking and thinking about, especially for junior associates as well as for firms that are concerned about retention and associate satisfaction. To be sure, there are myriad facets of “fit” within a firm, a department, and a practice area. Plus, those firms that actively assign associates to practices do so based on sundry factors, some of which are purely and necessarily about numbers and needs. Still, for some mismatched associates, the effects on life and career can be highly consequential.
First, mismatched associates may feel alienated from their group and firm because they don’t feel “heard” or respected. Second, they might lack motivation or a sense of purpose because the work doesn’t align with their passions, professional goals, or even the vision that sparked their decision to apply to law school in the first place. Yet, both a feeling of connection to and support from the team/firm and a sense of purpose/passion are two key elements to exceling in one’s career. This is not at all to say that associates can’t overcome these initial hurdles or that they can’t figure out a way to maneuver their careers in a more rewarding direction. It’s simply to cast a light on an occurrence at the outset of an associate’s career that can contribute to or detract from their potential to shine as brightly as possible.
For junior associates who see themselves as a square peg in their assigned practice area, the harsh reality is that it’s often not possible to pivot and re-tool to the practice you really wanted. Sometimes, however, there are ways to be strategic or to think more broadly about what you can do going forward to improve your trajectory and overall sense of enthusiasm and hope for what’s to come in your career.
My calls with the associates who saw themselves as misfits ended on optimistic notes, because we were able to look forward and think through possibilities and considerations that could get them to a place that they would find rewarding and exciting. Indeed, wherever you are in your career, it’s possible to make changes that will bring you more happiness and a greater sense of satisfaction!