When attorneys are on the job hunt many take their time to examining the position and salary of the jobs they are applying for while giving the working environment only a brief glance. But the problem with this type of approach to the legal job search is that although the legal job may have the salary and prestige an attorney desires it may not be the right cultural fit. There are as many law firm cultures as there are individual law firms. For example, some law firms are high stress and fast-paced while others are laid back and slow. Before an attorney submits his/her resume to a la
w firm, they should do their research on that law firm's culture. Find out the culture of the law firm before expending any energy trying to land the position. Ask yourself…
Do I prefer a casual work environment?
Do I want to wear a suit to work everyday or business causal slacks/skirt and a shirt?
Do I want to work long hours or do I want to see my kids in the evening?
Do I work well under pressure or do I prefer a more slow-paced work environment?
Do I like a competitive environment where everyone is trying to make "partner" or do I want to remain at my current professional level?
I'm I interested in non-profit work?
Do I only want to work on the high-powered cases?
These are just a few of the questions you need to ask when you're considering the cultural fit of a law firm. Another big mistake many job seeking attorneys make is allowing others to dictate what they should be going after. If an attorney knows that it's important to have family time, then it is not wise to take a legal job at a law firm that requires overtime every week. Know yourself and your needs and choose the law firm that is the right choice for you.