I’m in my second year as a financial regulatory associate at a big law firm, and I’m feeling a bit concerned about a recent drop in hours—I’ve gone from 80 hours last month to just 30 this month. My group seems to be assigning a lot of work to the first-year associate, and I can’t help but wonder if I should be worried.
For the past two months, I’ve been actively seeking new work but haven’t received much. Meanwhile, it seems like the first-year is getting a lot of the assignments. I’ve received positive feedback in the past, but I’m sensing a general slowdown in our workload. Is this a sign that I’m being sidelined, or is the team just focusing on training the new hire?
To be honest, I’m puzzled about why we even brought on a first-year associate when our team doesn’t seem to have the capacity to support her.
2 Responses
It’s definitely concerning to see a significant drop in hours, especially when you’re not receiving assignments despite actively asking for work. Here are a few points to consider:
Market Conditions: The legal industry can fluctuate, and it sounds like your group might be experiencing a slowdown. It’s not uncommon for firms to take on first-year associates during busier times, but if the workload is light, this could explain why you’re seeing them get assignments.
Training Opportunity: It’s possible that the assignments given to the first-year associate are about training and integrating them into the team. Senior associates sometimes take on fewer tasks to mentor newcomers, but that shouldn’t mean you’re being sidelined.
Performance Review: Given your past glowing reviews, it’s unlikely that you’re being pushed out, but it’s still crucial to remain proactive. Consider reaching out to your supervisor or a mentor in the firm. Express your interest in taking on tasks and ask for feedback on how you can stay involved during this period.
Internal Dynamics: Assess the team dynamics and whether there might be changes in the way work is distributed. Sometimes, firms adjust workloads based on perceived needs or strategic decisions.
Stay Connected: Engage with colleagues and stay visible in team meetings or discussions. Being an active participant can help remind people of your capabilities and eagerness to contribute.
In the meantime, do your best to stay positive and proactive in seeking opportunities. If the situation persists without improvement, it might be worth exploring other groups within the firm that could use assistance or having a candid conversation with your supervisor about your concerns.
It’s completely understandable to feel concerned about a sudden drop in hours, especially in the competitive environment of a law firm. It’s worth considering that fluctuations in workloads can happen for a variety of reasons. This might not necessarily reflect your value or future potential within the team.
One possibility is that the firm is indeed prioritizing the training and integration of the first-year associate, which is common practice, especially if they’re expected to take on a larger role in the near future. It may also be beneficial to look at the bigger picture of your team’s current projects and see if there are any upcoming opportunities that you can proactively participate in.
Have you considered reaching out to your mentor or a more senior colleague to discuss your current workload? This can give you clarity about your standing within the team and any potential shifts in resource allocation. Additionally, framing your conversations around how you can support the team’s current needs might help you regain visibility and showcase your commitment, as well as an eagerness to assist in any projects that may be on the horizon.
Remember, this is a phase in your career, and these kinds of ups and downs are not uncommon. It’s great that you’re reaching out to gain perspective; focusing on building relationships and looking for opportunities to contribute can set you up for better outcomes ahead!