New firm Forum

[Anonymous User]

I’ve been at a firm for about a month now. I’ve gotten a few assignments but now it’s been a little slow. This firm has given me the flexibility to basically start developing my own book of business. I can go to as many lunches/events as I need and expand my network. I have already received one matter referred to me and expect more hopefully soon.

I guess my question is it’s been a little slow lately at the firm. Is this normal? Is the work that I should be doing the work that I bring to the firm?

I’ve been pretty aggressive I feel trying to get some more work. I’ll get smaller things to do here and there but it’s not enough to keep me busy the entire day.

I’m being paid a 6 figure salary. Am I expected to start bringing in business right away? Maybe I’m being too hard on myself. But I want to show these guys that I can bring in decent business.

Thanks.

[Anonymous User]

One month in so first, take a deep breath, your experience is not unusual. Expect things to pick up eventually and keep the partners aware you can take on more work without making it obvious you've got little to do. They wouldn't have hired a new associate so recently if average workload didn't justify it (you'd hope). Of course, you can't dismiss the possibility that if this goes on for a long period of time (the rest of the year) they may decide the workload does not justify the number of associates.

Either way, you should definitely take advantage of their support and try to build your own book. This will take some time (years) but having your own book can fast track you to partner and, if nothing else, gives you more leverage in salary negotiation, making a lateral move, or even opening your own practice. Showing you're actively networking and trying to bring in new business will also increase your job security even if things remain slow. They're investing in you. If you haven't already, you should agree on an origination fee.

On the other hand, if you don't have that entrepreneurial spirit and prefer steady work at a higher volume firm...give it to the 6 month mark (at least) and if things are still slow you should quietly look elsewhere.

How big is your firm? Your practice area? How far out of law school?

[Anonymous User]

One month in so first, take a deep breath, your experience is not unusual. Expect things to pick up eventually and keep the partners aware you can take on more work without making it obvious you've got little to do. They wouldn't have hired a new associate so recently if average workload didn't justify it (you'd hope). Of course, you can't dismiss the possibility that if this goes on for a long period of time (the rest of the year) they may decide the workload does not justify the number of associates.

Either way, you should definitely take advantage of their support and try to build your own book. This will take some time (years) but having your own book can fast track you to partner and, if nothing else, gives you more leverage in salary negotiation, making a lateral move, or even opening your own practice. Showing you're actively networking and trying to bring in new business will also increase your job security even if things remain slow. They're investing in you. If you haven't already, you should agree on an origination fee.

On the other hand, if you don't have that entrepreneurial spirit and prefer steady work at a higher volume firm...give it to the 6 month mark (at least) and if things are still slow you should quietly look elsewhere.

How big is your firm? Your practice area? How far out of law school?

Thanks for your response.

The firm has about 8-10 attorneys. I do mainly real estate work. I’m about 5 years out of law school. I really do like the idea of an entrepreneurial firm that allows me to develop a book of business. My prior firm was not receptive to that.... also they are giving me an origination bonus on top of my salary.

[Ohiobumpkin]

Depending on practice area, it is not abnormal for some practice areas to have busy and slow periods. The firm may have brought you on during a slow period to let you get comfortable first.