Hiring partners at small and midsize firms say new associates get a breadth of experience in different legal areas, are mentored by firm partners, and work directly with clients much of the time. Those are some of the opportunities that may make working at these firms a good career start for recent law school graduates.
The Fordham Law School Career Planning Center will bring together law students and small and midsize firms at a reception on Feb. 11 where students will be able to meet with firm representatives and learn more about summer and full-time jobs.
Recent Fordham graduate Jaywon Choi ’23, is an associate at Sadis & Goldberg LLP in Manhattan. He said he’s been enjoying working at a firm of Sadis’ size, adding that even as a first-year associate, he’s been given substantial responsibilities, including speaking directly with clients and preparing various documents as lead associate on matters involving corporate transactions, fund formation and regulatory work. “I was looking for opportunities that would give me hands-on experience from day one and help me become a good lawyer in the long run,” he said. “In light of that, this opportunity has been a perfect fit.”
David Fitzgerald ’98, one of the partners at Sadis, touted the mentoring associates receive at his firm, “Here, our associates work directly with partners on the matter. Your clients are going to come and reach out to you about everything they need. You develop a relationship with that client. You’re going to end up being a very well rounded lawyer if you go to a small firm.”
The Career Planning Center hosts various professional development events throughout the academic year for students to gain exposure to different career paths. Beth Acevedo, assistant dean of the center, described the upcoming reception is a chance for students to “explore specialized practice areas unique to smaller firms, and receive advice on how they can distinguish themselves in the job search process.”
Opportunities offered by small and midsize firms provide associates with a unique experience—they may get the opportunity to learn quickly, forge relationships with clients, offer input as a team member, have a better work/life balance, and have a quicker path to partnerships than at other firms, noted Victoria Behr, assistant director in the Career Planning Center.
Roger Barton ’87, managing partner of Barton LLP, which has offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Richmond, and Nashville, said new associates don’t go through a formal training program. Instead, they learn by doing. “We want to hire people who are aggressive learners and self-starters and internally motivated. … We need someone who is going to dig into the work, who is going to ask questions about what they’re doing and take the time to understand what they’re working on.”
Barton added that new graduates gain a “great foundation” by working at a smaller firm. “These [associates]are getting a front row seat to the work that they wouldn’t get otherwise.”
“Small and midsize law firms offer unmatched opportunities for hands-on experience, close mentorship, and meaningful client impact,” said Dean Joseph Landau. “We are incredibly proud of our alumni who build careers at these firms.”