Am I going to be worked to the bone if I join a group where I’d be the only associate supporting partners and counsels? It’s a subgroup of a corporate practice that focuses on a specialized area with great exit options and operates as a support group for other transactional and/or lit groups (like tax or IP). It’s a newly created position meaning there aren’t any previous associates that I can ask about their experience. I really like type of work the team does but worried about being miserable.

Thoughts on these SoCal corporate teams: Paul Hastings (LA/OC), Latham (OC), Gibson Dunn (OC), Paul Weiss (LA), Morgan Lewis (LA/OC), STB (LA), Orrick (OC)? I’m a midlevel corporate associate considering a lateral to SoCal for family reasons. I’m mainly trying to get a sense of day-to-day culture and training/mentorship opportunities. I understand hours and deal flow vary, but I’m interested in which teams are generally well-run and collaborative. Any firsthand perspectives appreciated.

Anyone out there at a firm with a well-supported tax group? I’m at an AM40 and am basically the sole associate for a very small group of hoarding partners, which has resulted in feast or famine for me and I feel like I’m about to lose my mind. I can’t specialize (because if I do, I lose a chunk of work) and I feel like I’m on an island. I think I’m ready for something better, and would move to seize that opportunity, but I don’t have any ideas. 4th year with LLM if helpful.

How bad is Goodwin really? I am considering joining a group that left my firm and joined Goodwin. The practice is an entirely new one to Goodwin and I would be the most senior associate in the group, so I suspect to be insulated from some of their issues (corporate / ecvc associate layoffs, etc.). I am curious to get an insiders perspective on the Firm generally (e.g., firm perks, bonuses, etc.), so any information would be greatly appreciated.

I recently joined a new firm and while everyone’s technically nice, there’s a clear “in group” on every project. Jokes I don’t get, Slack threads I’m not tagged in, impromptu coffee chats I only hear about after the fact. It’s not toxic, but it’s definitely isolating. I’m trying not to force connections or be that person who pushes too hard to fit in, but I also don’t want to stay on the outside. How do you actually build real relationships across teams like this?

Hi everyone! I’m currently not working and looking to join a Toastmasters club in Toronto to build confidence and public speaking skills. I visited a club before but it wasn’t the right fit, so I’d love recommendations for clubs that feel supportive, engaging, and fun — especially ones that are great for beginners and have a good mix of people. Any suggestions on clubs you’ve enjoyed and why? 🙌

I was shopping over the weekend at saw a Kendra Scott store that had a huge line out the front and a man dressed up as a gold Santa handing out snacks in the line. I loved the idea of taking an iconic Christmas symbol like Santa and branding it in all gold. What other brands are doing a good job standing out in the sea of sameness that can be the holidays?

Any recommendations for tax-focused recruiters who have successfully placed associates into BigLaw tax groups? I’m a NY-barred tax associate at a Big 4 national office, post-Tax LLM, exploring junior tax associate opportunities at law firms. If you know recruiters or firms that may be open right now, would appreciate a DM.

Hey all, Glad to find a group that is on the same boat as me. It is time for me to move and find a firm that supports my growth and care about my well being as well. Looking for guidance as I feel new to this market and with so many talents are available.

Has anyone made the leap from big 4 to pine advisory solutions or Apex group? It’s seems kinda like out source service providers. Curious if the work life balance is better than big 4 or no? LMK!