09 May How to Successfully Switch Firms
With the arrival of a new year, I thought it would be an opportune time to provide a few pointers to those in the profession who have just completed, or are thinking of, a transition to a new firm. In particular, I am thinking of those of you at the Associate or Senior Associate level – although these suggestions could equally apply to other solicitors. It can be both exciting and nerve racking making the move – with many unfamiliar faces and practices. As you take the time to become familiar with the “lay of the land”, it will be beneficial to keep the following in mind.
One nice side-benefit to changing firms is that it forces you to start with a “clean desk”. If you have been meaning to try out new ways to be more productive and better organized, there is no better time to start – within reason. If trying something new could get in the way of making a good first impression, delay it a while. Many things are going to change in your daily practice, so having some familiar routines will be important.
No doubt, over the years you have become familiar with how your previous employer operated – from billing through to small things like getting expenses reimbursed and filing. But one thing is true – your new firm is going to be different. Not better or worse. Just different. Your previous employer may have done it better, faster and cheaper – and there may come a time when you want to raise that issue, but don’t raise it straight away. Your new co-workers are just as entrenched in their systems (faults and all) as you were with your previous firms.
In your previous role you were on a first name basis with colleagues, you were a known quantity – with a reputation for hard work and careful attention to detail. Then you changed jobs. But your reputation did not. It’s time to start making new first impressions. Just as when you first started practicing law, first impressions are often the most important. And realise that your reputation will not grow based solely on your interaction with senior colleagues.
In your new role you are going to be spending a good deal of time with your colleagues. But just as you are making a new professional impression you will also be making a new social impression. While you’ll want to adjust quickly to the new office routine, you should also consider the more social aspects. Your new colleagues will be just as interested in your personality as your ability. Take the time to be yourself and make new friends.
From previous roles you will have also realised that firms are not unlike extended families, with complex interrelationships formed over many years. In your new role you will be bombarded with new information, from the details of new matters that you are working on through to how to operate the copier. Realise that you will not be able to learn everything overnight and that initially office politics will most likely be a distraction.
Finally, recognise that in your new role you are probably going to make some silly mistakes. Previously you were mistress (or master) of the universe, incapable of such a faux pas. So, when mistakes happen, maintain a good attitude and take time to laugh at yourself and ask others for help early and often.