Q: I just joined Big Law from a small firm and hate it (no mentoring and cutthroat) but I need to stick it out for at least a year. How do I survive?

A: From a career perspective, your move from a smaller firm with less brand recognition to an AmLaw powerhouse can make strategic sense—particularly for an ambitious associate. But despite the virtues of such a move, you are miserable—as the firm’s culture is misaligned with your own values. So remaining with this employer is not sustainable for long-term happiness …or success. If the job is barely bearable, leaving now would be an acceptable choice in today’s legal market (In a separate Lawyer Whisperer article, I’ve addressed why this would be so). But if you are resolved to gut it out for one full year, you must create a strategy to make the most of your remaining tenure at the firm.

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