How Large-Firm Associates Can Channel Their Inner Rebel
Young attorneys struggling to find an outlet for individuality must choose an acceptable way to vent
You don't become a Big Firm Cog unless you fit a certain mold, and I do mean that literally.
By definition, we have to be somewhat interchangeable. We need to fit into the machine, churn out the work product, bill the hours and get up the next morning to do it all again. And again. If, perchance, we wear out, break, leave to work in another machine or just plain give up, we need to be replaceable.
Sometimes the loss of individuality associated with Cogdom causes some to try too hard to distinguish themselves: "What do you mean? My yellow Porsche is awesome!"
Others try so hard to fit in that they get lost in the crowd of Cogs: "Hi there, you must be our new lateral associate -- welcome aboard!" "Uh, no, it's my sixth year here, and I spent two consecutive summers here during law school. And I house-sat for you in '02."
A balance must be struck.
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Authors: The Snark
Published Date: 01/04/2008