This is the first in a series of articles from former Canadian Big Law managing partner Norm Bacal and M.C. Sungaila, appellate practice chair at Buchalter. In it, they provide insights for newer associates about the environment of Big Law firms and building a reputation and career beyond the law firm.

This series seeks to provide newer associates with a framework for understanding the large law firm environment in which they work. We are Canadian and American lawyers with experience managing large law firms. We share an interest in training and developing the next generation of lawyers.