In August of this year, I will celebrate 35 years of being in the United States. My memories of arriving the day after my 10th birthday are still clear. The thing I remember most — and perhaps my first instance of culture shock — was the cold. With time, I would grow accustomed to the central air conditioning turned on full blast, but on that day, it was freezing. I had arrived from a tropical island where we had cool trade winds and shade and used our central air sparingly. Not so at JFK Airport's International Arrivals Terminal.
Within my first month in my new country, I started at a new school where for at least the first few years I experienced culture shock daily. I learned that much of the work that I had covered two years earlier in Jamaica was now on my new curriculum. Over time, I would come to understand that being an immigrant was a privilege that would provide me with greater insights on how to best navigate a system that was not put in place for people like me.
While as an immigrant to the United States, I have been fortunate enough to have the benefit of being able to ingrain myself in two vastly different cultures, there are times that I miss cues and misunderstand some general mores. I imagine this is the same for first-generation law firm lawyers, too.
Becoming a law firm partner in a BigLaw setting can be particularly tricky for first-generation lawyers. The legal profession has many unwritten rules and expectations that can be difficult to grasp without prior exposure. First-generation lawyers often face unique challenges in law firms, such as navigating office politics, building professional networks, and overcoming feelings of isolation or imposter syndrome. As such, you must be more thoughtful and proactive about the steps you take to acclimate to this environment.
Consider these tips to help you succeed:
Seek to understand.
Inevitably as an immigrant, there is some amount of assimilation that occurs. Your ability to watch, learn, and quickly pick up cultural cues is your superpower. All firms have their own culture, and as a lawyer, you will need to be fluent in the nature of communication in your firm.
Adapt your communication and work style to fit within the firm's expectations while staying authentic to yourself. By becoming an expert on the culture of your firm and learning how to navigate it effectively, you will increase your opportunities to work on matters that are important and will raise your visibility within the firm and with clients. As human conflicts are inevitable, it is important to learn to manage office politics diplomatically and build alliances with colleagues across different departments and seniority.
Build strong relationships.
Unlike many of your peers who may have family or social connections in the legal field, you are likely starting off with fewer professional contacts. Networking will be crucial for visibility and career advancement.
Attend industry events, join legal associations, and cultivate relationships with colleagues and law school alumni to expand your network. If your firm has ERGs (employee resource groups), join the ones that speak to you as an individual. These groups are made up of like-minded people who can share their experiences and strategies as well as provide emotional support. Also, look for similar groups within the legal associations in your area. Identify allies who may not share your cultural or ethnic background but with whom you may have other connections such as outside interests.
Mentorship will be crucial for your professional development. Look for mentors both within and outside your firm who understand your background and can offer advice on navigating the legal profession. By attending industry events and joining industry organizations, you will likely meet more senior lawyers who have been in your shoes and can offer practical advice.
Within your firm, seek out senior partners who can help you navigate the firm's culture and politics and serve as an advocate for you as you near partnership. You must do this early in your career and continue doing it even if you transition to a new firm.
Develop your expertise — and flaunt it.
As immigrants, we are used to hard work because we were raised witnessing the hard work and sacrifice of our parents and other family and community members. Harness this ability and focus on being the best in your firm and your practice area.
Being a subject-matter expert will enhance your credibility and value within the firm. To become one, take advantage of firm-sponsored training, seminars, and continuing legal education (CLE) programs to enhance your skills and knowledge. Also, pursue certifications or specializations that align with your practice area and career goals. Take every opportunity to seek out professional development and add those skills to your toolbox.
Also, raise your hand. Volunteer for firm committees or leadership roles that align with your strengths and interests. Take initiative on projects and demonstrate your ability to lead and manage teams effectively. This initiative will show that you are committed to the firm's success through proactive contributions and innovative ideas.
Strategically build your client base.
Having strong client relationships is an integral part of how you are valued by your firm. Working in teams where you have direct contact with firm clients will help you get to know your firm's existing clients and build your own relationships with them. Invest time in understanding clients' business needs and industry challenges to offer tailored legal solutions. You want clients to notice you for your exceptional skills.
Take as many opportunities as possible to work directly with clients. In those moments, ensure you are responsive and share cutting-edge insights you have been following in the news and industry. Your goal should be to become the client's go-to person at your practice. To do this, you need to build trust by delivering exceptional service.
You also want to be easy to work with and the person who can distill complex information in a way that can be easily understood by those less well-versed in the subject matter.
Be an advocate for yourself.
While you put the work into building relationships and developing a respectable client base, do not forget that no one is going to help you reach your goals more than yourself. Being an advocate for yourself means recognizing your worth and communicating your needs, goals, and desires to others.
Positive self-talk will help you build confidence and momentum in your career. However, acknowledging and celebrating your achievements along the way — and sharing successes with colleagues and mentors who have supported your journey — will help you widely gain recognition and opportunities that will help you move your career to the next level.
Navigating the path to partnership in Big Law is a challenge for any lawyer, but as a first-generation professional, it requires perseverance, resilience, and strategic thinking. In my experience as a legal recruiter, many first-generation law firm partners share the zeal, vision, and bravery of immigrants. They are trailblazers and are self-aware. They are adept at finding the needed support and guidance they know they will need to succeed and persevere until they have garnered success.
Embrace your journey and use it to bring a fresh perspective to your work. By leveraging your unique background, cultivating relationships, and continuously improving your legal skills, you can position yourself for the long-term success that may lead to law firm leadership or as the top legal professional outside of the law firm setting.
