Looking for a job as a young attorney can be exciting but daunting. While there are many factors that you should consider when deciding whether to take a job, the work environment is a critical one. It is important to identify a good work environment during your job search because once you start, at least initially, it is one aspect you will likely not be able to change.
You should ask targeted questions during the interview, pay attention to the tone of your interview, ask around for additional information on a potential job, and consider all the factors when deciding to take a job. There will always be unknowns during the job hunt, but these steps will make identifying a good work environment easier.
During the interview, you will likely have limited time to ask your interviewer questions, but you should take full advantage of the opportunity. There are several questions you can ask that would indicate the type of work environment, including:
Beyond these more direct questions, it can also be helpful to ask substantive questions about the work to gather the knowledge level your interviewer may have about the area of law you would be practicing. Working for a competent person is much easier than working for an incompetent one. If you are familiar with your practice area, ask your potential boss to tell you about a case or current issue to gauge their knowledge level. Pay attention to the details. Are they using industry language? Are they accurately describing the law? Are they aware of adverse authority or counterarguments that could weaken their position? Try to determine their substantive knowledge and experience level to ensure you can learn from them if you work for them.
Perhaps the most important indicator of your work environment is the personal information your interviewer volunteers. People are constantly telling you about themselves, and you should be listening. If someone says during the interview, “You need a thick skin to work here,” that is a red flag. Be on the lookout for remarks like that. If someone makes derogatory statements about another person’s intelligence during an interview, even if that person is not you, that is also a red flag. If someone is willing to degrade someone else in front of you, they will degrade you to other people as well.
Beyond what is said during an interview, how does the person make you feel? Do you feel comfortable talking to your interviewer or potential boss? Does your interviewer seem to be genuinely kind? Does your interviewer talk to you as an equal and take a conversational tone with you? These are good indications of what your work environment may be like if you take the job.
Interviews are the only firsthand information you have on how your personality could potentially fit in with your future employer, but this may not be enough. Many people can be charming long enough to fool a potential candidate during an interview. You should explore other sources of information as well. Once you receive an offer, call the people you know who work for the same firm or office and ask about the work environment. Talk to people you know to see what they have heard about a firm or office. Gather as much information as possible before you accept the job to make the best-informed decision.
Compensation is also always a serious factor for young attorneys looking for a job. This is especially true for young attorneys who still have sizeable student loans to repay. Be aware that while higher compensation may be attractive initially, that compensation normally comes with higher expectations. These expectations can include longer work hours, higher quality of work, quicker email response times, and 24-7 availability. Instead of taking the highest-paying job, regardless of the work environment, consider creating a budget or a long-term financial plan to allow flexibility in your job search. Taking a lower-paying job may allow for a better work environment and overall quality of life in the long term.
Finding a good work environment as an attorney is not impossible, but it will take some effort. Put in the work during the job hunt to find a good work environment. You will be happier in the long run, and your career will also benefit.
