When you’re searching for your new legal role, you are mostly likely to focus your attention on factors like the job title, the prestige of the firm and of course the salary. But there’s another important factor that will significantly impact your long-term career success and happiness within a role. And this is whether or not the law firm is a good cultural fit.
According to a 2022 survey by the International Bar Association 20% of lawyers cited poor workplace culture as the reason they were considering leaving their current role. This shows just how vital it is to ensure that you choose a firm that is the right fit.
As expert legal recruiters for corporate law firms we hear it a lot during the hiring process ‘Are they the right cultural fit?’ But more than just a buzzword used by hiring managers, what does it actually mean? And how can you evaluate whether a firm’s culture is right for you before you accept a role? Here we explain.
What Do Legal Firms Mean by Cultural Fit?
Cultural fit is a term used frequently within the recruitment process, some companies will even conduct specific interviews to establish whether candidates will be right for the role.
In simple terms, it refers to how well your values, personality and way of working align with that of the firm’s. It’s about more than just having the right skills and qualifications. It’s about whether you will thrive in the firm’s environment, fit in with the team, share the same approach to work and contribute to its growth.
Corporate law firms often define their culture by their mission, values, and day-to-day working environment. It will also include their approach to client relationships, how they measure success, or the balance they strike between work and personal life.
As a lawyer, you know that every firm’s culture is different. Magic Circle firms or large-scale US firms, for example, will have a fast-paced, high-pressure culture that demands long hours and high billable hours targets.
Whereas, regional or boutique firms might cultivate a more relaxed environment, and value a better work-life balance. Understanding these nuances is essential for finding a workplace where you can thrive.
Why Cultural Fit Matters
Choosing a law firm with a culture that fits you isn’t simply about being happy at work. It can directly impact your work performance and career trajectory. When your values align with the firm’s culture, you’re more likely to feel motivated, work well with your colleagues, and be better able to handle the inevitable stress that comes with working in corporate law.
On the other hand, a poor fit can lead to frustration, and burnout which can negatively affect your career progression. Legal careers are demanding enough without adding a cultural misalignment into the mix. That’s why being intentional about your choice now can save you from job-hopping later and set you on the path to long-term success.
What You Need to Consider
When evaluating cultural fit, here are some factors to keep in mind:
Mission and Values
Does the firm’s mission and values resonate with you? Do they prioritise client advocacy, innovation, or billable hour targets? Understanding what drives the firm will help you see if you share their vision. By choosing a firm with values that align with your own aspirations, you set yourself up for a more fulfilling career.
Firm Size and Structure
Large firms like Magic Circle, Silver Circle, and City firms will offer attractive salaries, high-profile cases, and formal structures but will be very demanding and may feel impersonal.
In contrast, smaller corporate law firms might provide a more close-knit team and varied responsibilities. However, they will lack the status, scale, and remuneration packages of larger firms. So, it’s all about understanding what makes you tick.
Work-Life Balance
The legal field is known for its demanding hours, but attitudes toward work-life balance vary widely between firms. Some may expect availability 24/7, while others actively encourage boundaries and flexible working arrangements.
With burnout being a widespread issue affecting nearly two-thirds of lawyers according to research, work-life balance is a very important factor to consider when deciding on your next role.
Diversity and Inclusion
The legal sector has made significant strides towards improving diversity, but progress varies greatly by firm. It’s become standard now for companies to showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusion but look for genuine evidence of this.
Does the firm have a D&I policy and if so does it foster active efforts to foster an equitable workplace. A firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion can often be an indicator of its broader culture.
Growth Opportunities
This is particularly relevant to those in the earlier stages of their law career. Does the firm invest in its lawyers through training programs, mentoring, or pathways to partnership? A supportive culture indicates the firm values long-term success for its employees, not just immediate results.
How to Evaluate a Firm’s Culture
Talk to Your Recruiter
The best way to see if a role is the right fit is to talk to your legal recruiter. They work closely with hiring managers and will have inside knowledge of a firm’s culture.
Recruiters understand the needs of both candidates and clients, and so are in the best position to accurately assess whether a workplace matches your career aspirations and work style.
By making sure you are upfront with what you want and how you work you can ensure that you always interview for the roles that are right for you and where you will thrive. Remember, a good recruiter won’t just get you your next role but will support you through your job search and secure you interviews with firms that are always the right fit.
Ask the Right Questions During Interviews
While it’s expected that law firms will evaluate whether a candidate is the right cultural fit, you should do the same as the recruitment process is always a two-way street. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the firm’s culture directly during the hiring process.
Do Your Research
Look at the firm’s website, social media, and employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor. A firm’s branding can reveal a lot about its culture, but employee reviews often give you the unvarnished truth. Websites like Legal 500 provide law firm rankings which can help you evaluate where a firm is right for you.
Network with Current or Former Employees
If possible, speak to people who’ve worked at the firm. Their firsthand experiences can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day culture and what it is like to work there. Insight that you won’t always get from formal interviews with hiring managers.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to people on Linkedin who have previously worked at the company. This is an easy way to find out more about a company’s culture and also gives you the opportunity to do some networking.
Find Your Perfect Fit With Gambit Search
Finding the right cultural fit takes time and introspection. It’s about knowing your priorities, work style and what you want out of your career. Having worked as expert legal recruiters for over a decade we know how crucial cultural fit is for both candidates and companies and we’re here to make the process a lot easier.
With our decade-long expertise in the legal sector and long-established relationships with the hiring managers of the UK’s top corporate law firms, we can help you find a role where you’ll not only excel but also feel right at home.
If you are looking for your next big career move, then Gambit Search is here to support you at every stage of the recruitment process.
Ready to find your next career opportunity? Then browse our latest openings, get in touch here, or give us a call on 0203 633 2500.
