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The thing is that I feel like I'm not getting any meaningful work and instead my junior (been here for 3 months) is getting the work, so makes me wonder if they have formed any opinion that I am not capable of that. All of these things have really shook my confidence.
On the facet that you are being made to learn a lot afresh (if I understood you correctly), there is nothing wrong with that. Every team (ok, Partner) has their own way of functioning and they are training you to just bring your functioning style as close to their approach as possible. It is not necessarily a reflection of your understanding of the law, it is more them ensuring you sync up well to the way the team operates.
Dont cloud your mind with such thoughts. See the bright side that the work culture seems positive and they are investing time to train you. That is usually an excellent sign.
Goodluck and keep smiling.
You’ve joined a boutique firm, and that is not a step down. It is just a different start. Sometimes, places like these give you better learning, more direct work, and a closer look at how things actually run. The money may not match what your friends are earning right now, but that is okay. You have time to build experience, improve your skills, and move when the time is right. What you are building now will help you stand out in the long run.
About work, it is okay to feel unsure in the beginning. Interning and working full-time are very different. As an intern, you worked on specific tasks. As an associate, you are expected to take more responsibility. You are not supposed to know everything already. Everyone needs some guidance when they start, and it’s a good sign that your team is taking the time to teach you. Don’t let this shake your confidence. You’re not here by chance. Your partner chose to hire you for a reason. Instead of worrying about whether you’re doing enough, focus on learning every day and doing your best. Speak up when you need help, stay curious, and keep showing your interest in the work.
Internships are very different from actually working as an Associate. The stakes are much higher and there is lesser room for scope. I think you are bring taught everything because you cannot afford to make as many mistakes.
Look at the bright side - you didn’t know shit about law, until you were taught about it in law school. Here, you also have external help in the form of your seniors.
Just try to not make the same mistakes twice, double check the work you submit and you will be good to go.
Remember, your partner is much more experienced than you. He knows it takes time to learn this work, but he’ll judge you based on how well you implement what you’ve been taught.
Good luck! You don’t have to impress in just a couple of days - you don’t have to rush it. In the end, good impressions that last are built over time. :)
However, I have joined a boutique firm, and my partner and the team are very nice, including the work. But I'm able to work somehow. As an intern, I used to give stellar work and was appreciated by the associates and the partners, but here I don't know what is happening, everyone is teaching me things from scratch and I feel like I know nothing and the interns are probably better than I am. I really admire the partner and want to impress him but I feel like he is questioning his decision to hire me. I've lost confidence and don't know what to do.