Yeah. People can be cruel in criticising those they perceive to have more power. It’s the last acceptable cruelty of our culture- scrutinise and pick out flaws in people who are successful. It doesn’t really lead to a happier workplace at all. And it’s quite counterproductive because it doesn’t even make low level employees feel better, it just engenders resentment.

Most of these folks wouldn’t take it for one second if their bosses created threads to publicly criticise and “vent” about people working under them. It’s quite sick.

I’m honestly exhausted from all the conversations about toxicity in law firms—whether it’s about working with senior associates, principal associates, partners, or peers. Let’s face it: succeeding in a law firm requires a certain degree of resilience, adaptability, and perhaps even a bit of eccentricity. If it doesn’t work out, that’s perfectly okay. There are other opportunities out there. Law firms aren’t for everyone, and that’s completely fine—I’ve realized they’re not for me.

Firms give you around four years as an associate before you transition to the senior associate level. That period is there for a reason amongst others: to help you decide if law firm life is truly what you want in the long term. It’s a chance to evaluate whether it aligns with your career aspirations and personal goals.

If one firm isn’t working for you, it’s absolutely okay to explore other firms or teams. There are always opportunities, and with time, you’ll find a better fit. But if the work environment is toxic and there’s no improvement, accept it for what it is and move on. It’s not your responsibility as an associate to fix a firm’s culture, nor do you have the power to do so. Focus on finding a place where you can grow, thrive, and feel valued.

From my own experience, I spent nearly three years in a tier-1 law firm. It didn’t work out, and I realized that firm life wasn’t for me. I transitioned to a start-up as an in-house counsel. Sure, the 30% tax bracket and the lack of job security (an often overlooked advantage of law firms) are downsides, but I’m happier for it. Life is now calmer, and I experience significantly less anxiety—a trade-off I’m glad I made.

The associate will tell he is doing something, but that something never arrives till the very end.

In the end he sends me something and says I can redo it if needed. Of course he can!

This is when I am juggling with my kid and after partner moved deadlines talking to client.

In the end, the main document goes and the associate's work goes in a second email ... 2 days late.

Gurl - time for some real talk.

You are describing what is essentially a torture chamber. Other people would notice if this is true. I am certain she has her side of the story vis-a-vis you too.

Unlike you though, she was busy with her due diligence / emails / lit prep while you wrote this essay-like paragraph figuring out what growing up looks like in the real world.

Not gaslighting, but a lot of this is inside your head. Either ways be brave and complain with HR if you feel so strongly. I think you may find a dose of reality after that conversation.

It is remarkably common for a lot of juniors to gang up on SAs, especially here. So common, its almost boring at this point. What is also always hidden in these types of posts is the initial provacations and context. I think its high time people spoke about this.

Simply put, the SAs gets bullied by the juniors and chewed out by the partner as well. Seen it happen many times across teams. In the end the Partner gets to remain squeaky clean, get plaudits and the SA gets the brickbats despite carrying the file.

Yet, barely anyone has the courage to call this out despite its evidence being in plain sight. Just sit in the cafeteria and listen to the conversations. Its one of the reasons why most teams are imbalanced as experience heads for the door. Either ways the conveyor belt goes on.

Toxicity is not limited to a level. Its not a labelling privilege extended to the A0s when their shit gets called out. It is all pervasive. If toxicity is present in the team it inevitably infects all. From the junior most, right up to the partner.

As they say, walk a mile in someone elses' shoes ...

I don't care if my SA was treated badly by the partner or not. If you are doing the same with people below you and passing on the trauma what difference are you making or how are you different than the partner! In such case the SA is not the victim but the perpetrator of toxicity!! My SA was horrible. She was that one bad fish in the pond that we all wished and wished if was not there the entire team would be such a happy place. She was a different kind of sadist person who had fun troubling people. She would get a different type of sadistic pleasure by insulting people, telling them wrong things making personal comments, as if it would satisfy her ego, as if it would raise her level, make her big. If she sees anybody smiling in the morning she would make sure that the person doesn't by the end of the day. Sad people who get angry when they see somebody else happy. She used to act like matchstick and keep fuel(ing) all the seniors against you. She would not tell you anything even if you keep following up on the work the entire day and tell you to redo a document or do changes only at the end of the day only to make sure that she keeps you waiting till late night, and this was done on purpose. Sad part is she was not the only one like this, I knew the people above her were more or less similar. Perhaps she is like this because of them or they have become like her, GOD KNOWS! But what an absolute hell these people make the workplace. It's sad guys, it's really sucks!

You do understand most of the time the partner is torturing the SA and asking them to get the work done?

For the longest I used to hate my SA then I figured my partner who is all sweet and nice to me isn't so with the SA. (My SA was a horrible person in general but most of the toxicity flowed from upstream)

Also, it's a common tactics used by loads of partner who want to maintain a sweet and kind image.

A little advice from an older chap here. As an Associate, you must take a stand for yourself at all times. It is magical how quickly an errant SA will mend their ways and hold their tongue when a bullied associate finally snaps and speaks back. An SA's job includes mentoring their juniors and treating them well. Failure to do so is grounds for pushing back.

It's not just the fact that there's a lot of work - it's the fact that they act so demonic over the tiniest of mistakes that can be fixed so easily - he doesn't have to blow every single thing up. Mine acts like he was born an SA and has never made a mistake at work. Plus when the partner is in a mood and chews them out for something, you just KNOW they're going to pass on the bad vibes, it's only a matter of time

Similar situation. This one SA I work with won’t move a needle and will act so entitled as if he/she has been dying throughout. Will dump work without giving any proper instructions and expect you to churn out a draft as if you are AI. Take leaves on the most important days only to leave you alone to handle everything by yourself. If things go south, your problem, and otherwise, his/her efforts!

I see many posts like this here. Just so you know- venting and bitching about people doesnt actually improve your mental health or your life. Everyone needs to seek support sometimes, but if this becomes a matter of routine or culture, it can lead to fixation on unhappy parts of life and learned helplessness, and increased anxiety and depression. It would be a much better use of your time to leave the office behind when you leave it and find friends who can provide you with meaning outside of negativity.

TLDR: Some amount of venting is fine, too much is harmful. Dont make a habit of this.

Lots of bitching in here about partners but we don't talk enough about the terrible SAs who make us miserable. I actually like my partner, SA is the one torturing me. I can't get into the details because mine actually checks LI often - they're the one who introduced me to the site, lmao. Tell me your story?