By James Bowden
The proverbial sky isn’t falling. Ok, some of it is. But we’re cautiously optimistic about the piece directly above our heads. Joining a law firm during the most difficult economic times since the dawn of written history Great Depression is a bit of a gut check. Here’s what the most recent guy through the door is thinking about the whole thing:
First, the attorneys at my firm have work to do and work for me to do. Some of them are actually very busy. On the corporate side, the work is decidedly not boom-time work; large acquisitions and highly leveraged buyouts have been replaced by distressed asset sales and strategic partnerships. Still, it’s good and interesting work. I can’t speak to litigation, but I’ve hardly heard from a friend of mine that’s up there since we started on Monday – and a classmate of mine was actually called on to come in a week early to work in the finance and restructuring group.
Second, all of the senior attorneys have not transformed into angry, venomous bridge trolls, jealously hoarding all of their clients whilst looking with coal-black eyes at everyone lower on the totem pole - expenses to be cut. They’re all the same nice folks I signed on to work with, and still seem genuinely interested in seeing me do well. On my first day here I was greeted with a friendly and honest welcome from our managing partner: “Great to see you. Things are tough but we are fine. Further bulletins as events warrant.” I saw him later that day, walking the halls and checking in on people, asking how they were doing. Things could clearly be worse.
Third, the reality is refreshing. Fancy parties, big firm trips, and lavish meals can cover up too many dirty little (and big) firm secrets. I found the constant attention during recruiting uncomfortable and distracting, especially considering that spending time with attorneys privileged me much more than it did them. Recruiting was celebration of accomplishments not yet achieved. Now I happily pay for my lunches, and the congratulations for a job well done that I do get feel, well …deserved.
Finally, I have to say that I’m excited about starting out in the ruins of what was once the world economy. People love to talk about how much fun things are when times are good, but if you listen to the stories carefully the close friends those people share good times with often became close friends during the bad times. I’ve got an inkling that relationships developing between clients and their attorneys today will be more lasting and meaningful; no one cares who represents them when they can’t lose, but everyone wants the absolute best when facing truly difficult obstacles. I’m seeing now as an opportunity to stand out in a way that I might not have when the contrast amongst attorneys was less stark.