Ideas for Getting Work as a First Year? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I'm *technically* a second year (clerked for a year) and I just started in Lit at biglaw in NYC. I'm pretty slow right now--I'm on a trial team that may heat up sometime next year. I'm slow. I've read other threads and know it's not a bad sign that I'm slow right now since I just started, but I'm trying to solicit ideas.

Maybe the major point is that at my firm we have an assigning partner, but apparently nobody ever goes to him for work... i.e., if you're busy, you don't need to go to him. I know I just started etc., but I think I'd still like to avoid that route if I can. I've had some good interactions with partners at social events (my firm is not super social), and I hope I can parlay those interactions into some work, but with the holiday this week I haven't been super aggressive about it.

Cold emailing, talking to people at social events... is there anything I'm missing? Any other general thoughts? Thanks and happy TG all.

[toast and bananas]

How long ago did you start? It can take upwards of 4+ months to get plugged in.

[Anonymous User]

How long ago did you start? It can take upwards of 4+ months to get plugged in.

about a month ago.

[QContinuum]

Maybe the major point is that at my firm we have an assigning partner, but apparently nobody ever goes to him for work... i.e., if you're busy, you don't need to go to him. I know I just started etc., but I think I'd still like to avoid that route if I can.

Why are you so against going to the assigning partner? Does he have a terrible rep?

Unless he's known to be terrible, going to the assigning partner could absolutely be the right move for you, as the new kid on the block. The more senior associates didn't start out knowing everyone - it's very possible they got their start back in the day by going to the assigning partner.

I've had some good interactions with partners at social events (my firm is not super social), and I hope I can parlay those interactions into some work, but with the holiday this week I haven't been super aggressive about it.

No, I wouldn't be super aggressive this week, unless you desperately want to work over Thanksgiving.

Why not simply outright ask those partners you've met for work? You aren't asking them for a favor - you're an employee there to work. This isn't some kind of elaborate courtship ritual where you have to try and drop hints and make excuses to spend more time with them and read their body language before making a move.

All in all, you started a month ago! Don't worry about it - seriously. It sounds like you're already putting yourself out there and letting people know you're available for work. Just keep it up and you'll be fine.