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Diligently sucking up to the tier(s) above and consistently contributing to the partner in question’s pockets
It is better organised and managed than other law firms of its size. The finance, HR and the Admin / IT teams definitely seem to have a better grip of things and are impressive at what they do. This does NOT mean they are nice folks but they perform their functions reasonably well.
The 'up or out' culture is actually a good thing. The chances of dealing with a clogged up higher management on crucial matters and developing client relationships is low and there is not as much dead weight sitting at the top as there is in other firms. Dead weight is not unique to Indian law firms btw. And as you try and expand your client base as a young Partner or Counsel, not having to deal with deadweight BS is a giant blessing (believe me!).
Some of their functional teams (at least when I was there) are genuinely good at their work. The Competition / employment / Secretarial teams were pretty spot on in their observations during complex diligences. At least I never saw a major screwup on their part. These functions can be a nightmarish prospect to navigate in most big firms. The Tri experience was a lot better. Not sure if this still holds true but I did get a chance to work with some smart and professional folks when I was there.
(This one may no longer be true but let me say it anyway). The office spacing and seating is a lot better than most big firms. The old One Indiabulls office (above KCo) was well lit up, reasonably well spaced and didn't have a drab, cave-like feeling that a lot of big firms put you through. I am told their new office is superbly designed and good on the management to keep that facet of the firm working experience alive. When you are working away at your desk over the weekend, it helps in knowing that you have a comfortable place to sit (& bawl, I guess).
The random office party they would throw now and then were generally good. If you have some good friends in the office, it is nice to have the chance to party with them in an office setting. This does not apply to the offsites though. I found those to be rather sad and boring (too much emphasis on random academic talks and too little partying). Maybe that has changed now, who knows?
It makes a lot of sense to go there early in your career, so you have a better chance of absorbing the culture and 'fitting in' better with the firm's ethos. They (the firm's management) are a brilliant lot, without a doubt.
I felt there was a proper collegiate atmosphere and that I could approach anyone with any questions I had.
For all the criticisms the firm gets (and I've had my share of problems / whining too), I think the firm does have fantastic, competent people across levels.
Things may have changed in the last 3 years, but I do not think that culture would have eroded substantially.
TL is an excellent firm. They are doing splendidly and are very well run. Merit is rewarded. I find them competent and whenever we are opposite each other, the transaction goes through very smoothly.
You do surely understand that the vast majority of the people who take a giant dump on TL and similar firms are total failures who ought not have studied law in the first place? If you take the droppings of these dregs as advice, I can only wish you, all the best and God bless you.
The people at the top have worked hard - and are bothered about diligence. Qualities have trickle down effect - long term, only people with good work ethic and limited fuckups survive.
You make the best of friends in crisis - and there is enough of that here.
People are ultimately people. There are good people here.