I’m in my second year as a financial regulatory associate at a big law firm, and I’ve hit a bit of a rough patch with my hours—only 80 last month and just 30 this month. I’ve noticed that my group is assigning a lot of work to our new first-year associate. Should I be concerned?
For the past two months, I’ve been actively seeking new assignments but haven’t received much. Meanwhile, I keep hearing about the first-year getting tasks. I’ve had positive performance reviews up until now, but the overall vibe seems to be that things are slowing down. Am I at risk of being sidelined, or is the focus on the first-year just part of their training process?
Honestly, I’m confused about why we even brought a first-year on board when we seem to lack the capacity to support them.
2 Responses
It’s understandable to feel concerned when you’re experiencing a significant drop in hours, especially when you see first-year associates getting more assignments. Here are a few things to consider:
Market Conditions: It’s important to recognize that the legal market can be cyclical and conditions may be slower right now for a variety of reasons, such as economic factors or seasonal trends in your practice area.
First Year Training: It’s common for firms to focus on training and developing new associates, particularly if they have just brought someone on board. Assigning them work helps them gain experience and can also lighten the load on senior associates.
Communication: If you haven’t already, continue proactively seeking assignments. You might consider reaching out to your supervisor or practice group leader to express your interest in taking on more work and to discuss your current workload. It may also be helpful to inquire about any upcoming projects where you can contribute.
Performance Reviews: Having received glowing reviews in the past is a strong indicator that your work is valued. If your performance has been consistent and satisfactory, it’s less likely that you are being pushed out, but rather possibly facing an unusual slowdown.
Networking Within the Firm: Continue to engage with colleagues across the firm; building relationships can help you stay informed about upcoming work and projects. It can also position you favorably for assignments.
In conclusion, while it’s natural to feel anxious in situations like this, it’s important to focus on proactive measures you can take. If the slump in work continues, you might want to explore discussing your situation with a mentor or trusted colleague for further perspective.
It’s completely understandable to feel concerned about your current situation, especially given the stark difference in hours compared to previous months. Hitting a slump can be disheartening, particularly when you’re actively seeking work and noticing that your first-year colleague is getting a considerable number of assignments. It’s important to remember that this could be a temporary situation influenced by various factors, including workload fluctuations, client demands, or even strategic decisions within the firm about training new associates.
One approach to consider is having an open and constructive conversation with your supervisor or a mentor in the firm. Express your eagerness to contribute more and ask for feedback on how you can position yourself for more assignments moving forward. This not only showcases your initiative but also demonstrates your commitment to your career despite the current slump.
Additionally, while it may seem like the focus is primarily on the new associate, they might just be in a ramp-up phase that is typical for first-years. Law firms often invest significant time and resources into training new talent to ensure they are prepared for the demands of the job, so it may be a reflection of that process rather than a commentary on your value.
Lastly, keep in mind the larger context of the legal market and firm dynamics—slow periods can be cyclical. Use this time to enhance your skill set, perhaps by taking on pro bono work or getting involved in practice groups, which can also expand your network and visibility within the firm. Your proactive attitude, even in less busy times, can make a significant impact on