Except for maybe five people why is everyone at this firm so bitter and crass, to each other and outsiders too,,,, especially the competition team ? Horrible inside office and horrible outside while socialising at inter-firm events too,,, like does this bitterness flow from the top down ? Do you get bonuses locked in for being bitter bellends all the time or just forget to switch that off when away from work ?

I was working with funds trio at TL (ex AZB) and OH MY GOD. the culture flows from top down. The partners on purpose create a culture of picking few apples of their eyes. Not only do you have to suck the partners dick, it's more important for the mid level to like you socially and give good feedback to the partners. If not, they will make your life hell and push you out of the job reasoning bad work and have you banned from the firm. They'll go ahead and tell others to not talk to you in order to control the narrative and so that you cant influence people .The funds trio have done this multiple times.

Sounds like teen clique