Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered
As someone who was trained in a mid-sized firm and is currently working at a Chinatown firm, I have to say that there should be no comparison between someone working at a small-sized firm and someone from the big four/international/MCs.
Different firms cater to different needs, different clientele. It is analogous to comparing between an apple and an orange. One can say that the pay is different. But everyone’s personalities are suited for different working environments and different clients. I personally prefer to deal with private clients rather than corporate clients. Some may prefer the otherwise.
Unless you are doing a constructive comparison as to which firm can do a specific type of work better (I.e whether D&N or Davinder Singh Chambers do a better job at international arbitration), then such toxic and quixotic comparison has to stop.
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I don't know if i'm reading too much into this, but i feel some frustration and angst behind this post... probably stemming from the number of times you've had to justify the value of the work that you do. If i'm reading too much into this, then you can ignore this post altogether. If not...
I think you'll realize that this industry doesn't care. I don't mean it in a bitter or mean-spirited way, just an observation from the past 5 years of practice.
The industry as a whole is apathetic. You cannot convince others to see value in people or things (work) they don't care about. It's also impossible to convince others to see a problem when they themselves don't experience it first-hand (many people don't see a problem with our justice system, the fraternity, the perception of community law and community lawyers, pro bono, etc.).
Its why 'community' law is considered '****' law in forums like these... and why lawyers who choose to practice 'community' law are treated as second class citizens in the "fraternity".
As a fellow Chinatown lawyer - my experience is that the "fraternity" is unlikely to ever stop comparing big firms (good) with Chinatown law firms (bad).
You have to be able to see value in yourself and the work that you do. I thoroughly believe in the work that i do and i similarly believe that my work improves the lives of my clients in some way or other (you will never win all your cases, but there is value in closure...).
I feel a lot of pride when i represent SMEs and battered women. Internal recognition is what will keep you alive and kicking. If you are expecting external recognition for what you do - you're not going to get it. Not in this lifetime anyway.