A Career Audit for Associates

But I have also observed that many associates spend little time thinking critically about their jobs. Landing in a good law firm was the goal during law school. For those who have achieved this goal, the next step seems much less clear.

What follows is a tool that I have created to help associates who are ready to think more critically about their law-firm experience. While no test can substitute for speaking with an experienced professional, this audit will get you on your way in isolating which issues merit further exploration.

By starting down this path of self-assessment, you can begin to take more control over your destiny and ultimately build a more satisfying career.

The 29 statements below are intended to help you evaluate your current law firm position. For each statement, circle the number that best corresponds to your feelings about the firm where you work. On this scale, 1 means "not at all" and 10 means "very much."

There is some overlap in these questions, but overall they should help you get a better sense of whether you are at the right firm. Your answers will help focus on what is working well in your current situation and what needs improvement.

If you encounter a question that does not pertain to your situation, circle "N/A" (not applicable). In completing this exercise, it is best not to ponder questions for a long period of time. Rather, try and respond with your "gut" instinct.

1. I am satisfied with the overall level of professionalism demonstrated by partners and associates at my firm.
(a) by partners 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A
(b) by associates 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

2. I receive the support I need from junior associates, paralegals and support staff to get my work done in a timely fashion.
(a) from junior associates 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A
(b) from paralegals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A
(c) from support staff 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

3. I feel respected and valued by my colleagues.
(a) by partners 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A
(b) by associates 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A
4. I respect and value the legal work that my colleagues do and believe that our clients are well served by the lawyers in our firm.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

5. I am satisfied with the reputation that my firm holds in the legal and business communities.
(a) legal community 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A
(b) business community 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

6. I enjoy spending time with the lawyers at my firm and consider some of them to be my friends.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

7. I believe that the firm is well run and properly managed.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

8. The partners for whom I do work are approachable and willing to give me guidance.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

9. I believe that the firm provides me with clear guidelines about what it takes to become a partner and gives me periodic feedback so I know where I stand.
(a) clear guidelines 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A
(b) periodic feedback 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

10. I feel like the firm is a good fit for me culturally and that the firm is a place where I can achieve the work/life balance I desire.
(a) cultural fit 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A
(b) work/life balance I desire 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

11. I believe that it is possible to succeed at my firm without having to work "full time."
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

12. I believe that my firm places an appropriate emphasis on having "fun" and on creating a collegial work environment.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

13. I am proud to tell people where I work.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

14. I feel that I am given ample opportunity to develop my skills as a lawyer through internal and external training and that partners are available to help me develop my skills.
(a) internal and external training 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A
(b) availability of partners 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

15. I consistently receive work that I find interesting and challenging.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

16. I am satisfied with my workflow and believe that assignments are given to me with reasonable deadlines.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

17. I am given an appropriate level of responsibility and autonomy at the firm.
(a) appropriate responsibility 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A
(b) autonomy 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

18. I work with the kinds of clients that I like to service.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

19. I am satisfied with my level of client contact.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

20. I feel that I am being compensated fairly (i.e. relative to the other lawyers in my firm).
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

21. I am satisfied with my overall compensation and believe that my compensation is competitive with my peers at similar firms.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

22. The physical surroundings at the firm provide me with an environment where I can be productive.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

23. The firm makes a commitment to pro bono work and community service that is consistent with my own values.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

24. I am satisfied with the investment the firm has made in law office technology.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

25. I believe the firm supports the use of technology by providing appropriate technical assistance and training.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

26. The firm is committed to marketing and provides me with guidance about how I can begin to market my own legal services.
(a) committed to marketing 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A
(b) provides me with guidance 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

27. I am optimistic about the financial health of my firm and believe that the management committee is making the "right" decisions about the future.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

28. I plan to be at the firm in five years. In 10 years.
(a) in five years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A
(b) in 10 years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

29. When I look at partners or associates who are several years ahead of me, I look forward to handling the type of work that they handle.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A

This exercise provides a subjective picture of your current situation. More importantly, this exercise starts with the basic presumption that you like being a lawyer and plan to stay in the profession. If you have basic concerns about practicing law, then your answers to these questions may merely identify symptoms of a larger problem and career counseling may be in order.

If you are reasonably confident that you do want to continue practicing law, then go back and review the statements that you marked with a "6" or less. For each statement, consider how important that issue is to your overall career happiness.

In some instances, you will observe that you are not very satisfied with a particular aspect of your current job. But since that issue is not central to your satisfaction as a lawyer, perhaps you are willing to accept that every job involves some compromise.

If there are statements that received a "6" or less and these issues are important to your overall career happiness, then consider whether there is anything you can do to "fix" the problems or if the firm is doing anything that will be of help. Sometimes gaining more seniority will eliminate a problem.

If the problems you identified are fundamental and, in your estimation, unlikely to change, it may be time to start thinking about making a lateral move; and now that you have completed the audit, you will have more clarity about your preferences. This can only help you in making decisions that are consistent with long-term job satisfaction.

Note: I have created a similar tool for partners. To obtain a free copy of the partner audit, please contact me at seckler@bcgsearch.com.


About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

• Immigration Law
• Workers Compensation
• Insurance
• Family Law
• Trust and Estate
• Municipal law
• And many more...

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

• Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
• Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
• Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
• Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

• His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
• He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
• His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
• He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

• Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
• Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
• Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.

This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

• Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
• Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
• Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
• Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.