Five things you should look for in a law firm

You’ve completed your studies and are about to embark on your journey into the world of work; yet what is already a daunting prospect can become an even bigger one when you’re faced with the task of trying to understand what you should be looking for in a law firm.

What area of law does it practice? Is it a niche firm? What’s its regional/national/global presence like? Does it have a positive culture? Does it provide for clear career progression? With these questions – and more – whirring around your brain, it can be tricky to separate out what really matters from the things which are often insignificant.

We’ve considered the five things you should be looking for in a firm to help you choose the right one for you.

1. Firm size

When choosing a law firm, every decision you make will be completely unique to you – there is no right or wrong. Whether you choose to work for a small or large firm will depend on the kind of environment you enjoy working in, career goals and the kind of structure you like.

Here’s a brief overview of some of the differences between small and large law firms. In a small firm you are more likely to experience:

• more opportunities for flexible hours and working conditions;
• varied workload and greater involvement in client files;
• a positive team culture where senior lawyers are well integrated with new starters;
• quicker recognition for achievements, as there are fewer employees vying for attention; and
• lots of client interaction as you’re likely to be involved at a grass-roots level.

In a large firm, you are more likely to experience:

• higher salary and better benefits package – a larger firm is likely to have more budget to spend on salary;
• working with complex and challenging clients – a larger law firm is more likely to attract larger clients with more demanding cases;
• a wider client base;
• more of a global presence; and
• a structured training programme.

This shortlist is not exhaustive, but hopefully it provides a brief overview of some of the typical things you may expect to find in a small or large law firm.

2. Career progression

As with any career, you will want to ensure that you are able to progress up the career ladder. You’ll want to make sure that the standard career path will be available to you – ie, trainee, associate, mid-level associate, senior associate, counsel and partner.

Some firms will discuss the kind of training and progression opportunities they offer on their website or in the job application. However, if these aren’t visible, then make sure that you remember to ask during the interview process what development plans they offer for employees.

Question whether you can see yourself at this firm five years down the line or whether this area of law is one you want to work in for life.

3. Culture

Culture should be a high priority on your law firm checklist; you need to ensure that you enjoy the place you work, as well as the role you are doing. It’s important that you research the culture of the firm before you apply or even interview for a role. This way, you have a greater understanding of what your day-to-day environment will be like, as well as allowing you to ask questions about the culture in your interview.

For example, you should be considering what an average day will look like, what kind of activities do the team do together, what the office environment is like and what kind of office benefits are offered (eg, free breakfast and lunch).

4. Work ethic

One thing you may also want to consider is what the firm’s work ethic is like and what will be expected of you if you are successful in your application. It can be hard to discover how the firm likes to work until you are doing the role, but it can be a good idea to look at current employee testimonials or take part in work experience if possible.

It also links back to whether you choose a small or large law firm. On the one hand, you may find that in larger firms you have more exciting clients, but you are less likely to be dealing with them directly. In smaller firms you’ll probably be more hands on, but with clients who aren’t as high profile.

5. Practice area and your academic background

This is possibly the most important aspect to consider; how your chosen practice area and academic background work together. Ask yourself where your academic strengths lie and how these are suited to the different practice areas available. Your pre-law academic achievements may make you more suitable to one area when compared to another. For example, if you are well versed in finance and accounting, then you are likely to be best at corporate law, as you are likely to have a greater understanding of finances.

Your personality may also be more suited to one area or firm, which will point you in the direction you should take in your career. Once you meet members of a prospective firm, you are more likely to have an idea of whether you would be a good personality fit there.

There is so much more to choosing a law firm than the five points listed above, but these are certainly some of the most important questions you should be asking yourself. Everyone will have a different view on what you should choose, but take the time to consider these key points as a way of pointing you in the direction that’s right for you.

This article was written by members of independent law firm Taylor Rose TTKW.