Are you getting ready to graduate from law school and wondering to which law firms you should submit your resume? Or are you already working at a firm but looking to make a switch? Either way, this quiz is for you! Below, you’ll find eight questions to help you determine which law firm culture best suits your personality and work style. After the quiz, you’ll find your results along with a brief description of each environment. Be sure to count how many times you choose each letter—it will be the key to getting your result!
Quiz
1) How would you describe yourself?
a. Loyal
b. Extroverted
c. Focused
d. Experimental
e. Laid-back
2) What do you value most?
a. Stability
b. Connection
c. Competition
d. Creativity
e. Well-being
3) What is your greatest strength?
a. Doing what is expected
b. Working with others
c. Focusing on one thing at a time
d. Finding new ways to do things
e. Adjusting my plans as needed
4) How did you feel about group projects in school?
a. I tolerated them.
b. They were my favorite.
c. I absolutely hated them.
d. I loved hearing my groupmates’ ideas.
e. Sometimes I enjoyed them.
5) How would your friends describe you?
a. Formal
b. Talkative
c. Ambitious
d. Innovative
e. Spontaneous
6) What is your biggest weakness?
a. Having to stray from my schedule
b. Not having anyone to bounce ideas off
c. Working with others
d. Having no room for creativity
e. Sticking to a tight schedule
7) How would you describe your ideal work environment?
a. Organized
b. Open
c. High risk, high reward
d. Non-traditional
e. Calm
8) What do you need to thrive in your career?
a. Structure
b. Communication
c. A goal
d. Challenges
e. Flexibility
Results
Law Firm Cultures
Traditional
This is often found in larger, long-established firms that tend to emphasize seniority and billable hours, and implement conservative etiquette and dress codes. At these firms, there is typically a slow path to partnership. This will be the best option for a lawyer who seeks structure and formality first.
Collegial
Emphasizing teamwork and communication, these often mid-sized firms are more supportive than competitive, and it is very common to find mentorship within them. This culture is best for lawyers who would rather collaborate than work alone and wish for a people-first environment.
Competitive
Often found in top-tier or BigLaw firms, this will be a great choice for the ambitious and mission-driven lawyer. Within this high-stress environment, you usually see an emphasis on billable hours and client acquisition, and promotions often align directly with individual metrics. However, this can be intense, so you may need a thick skin, but you can expect to be well-compensated.
Entrepreneuria
This is typically seen in newer firms, and it means that you can expect an emphasis on new and non-traditional ideas. An environment like this one will be best for lawyers who are innovative, experimental, and interested in possible alternative fee structures.
Lifestyle-Oriented
Firms with this environment are often small with an emphasis on well-being and reasonable hours. They might even allow full remote work. Maybe you have a family with whom you want to spend time, or maybe you just want more time for yourself, but if you are seeking flexibility and long-term sustainability, then this culture will be the best choice for you.
Conclusion
Ultimately, “aside from compensation and practice area, culture fit is most important when searching for a legal position,” says Mary Kelly Cunningham, legal recruiter for The RMN Agency. “At RMN, our Atlanta legal recruiting team genuinely looks beyond legal skills and qualifications to understand you and what’s important to you. Then we match your talent and experience with the best fit for your legal practice and personality.”
By carefully considering your personality, values, and professional aspirations, you can identify the environment where you’ll not only thrive but also find genuine fulfillment in your legal career. Whether it is the structure of a traditional firm, the camaraderie of a collegial setting, the drive of a competitive arena, the innovation of an entrepreneurial space, or the balance of a lifestyle-oriented environment, aligning with the right culture will empower you to make a significant impact and build a rewarding legal journey.
