Changing firms is rarely a decision made lightly. Salary is, of course, still a key factor. It would be unrealistic to claim otherwise. However, salary can be negotiated, it grows with experience and it is reviewed every year. A firm’s culture, management style, the trust it places in its professionals and its human relationships change much more slowly. Before making a choice, it is worth paying as much attention to these aspects as to the financial terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A firm’s reputation matters, but it guarantees neither your happiness at work nor your development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nVDA tip
<\/strong>Have coffee or lunch with a lawyer or team member who is not involved in the hiring process. You can also talk with current or former employees on LinkedIn<\/a>. A few minutes of conversation often give a much more accurate picture of a firm’s culture. <\/p>\n\n\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n2. Choose a culture that suits you<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Watch how team members interact with each other. A culture that fits your personality will make a huge difference in your day-to-day work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nAt VDA
<\/strong>It is not unusual for former employees to keep taking part in some of the firm’s activities, even several years after they leave. For us, this reflects a culture where the bonds go beyond a purely professional setting.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n3. Decide how much autonomy is right for you<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
No model is better than another: what matters is that it matches the way you learn and your ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nAt VDA
<\/strong>Our young lawyers are given their own files and build their own client base from the start of their careers. This autonomy always comes with mentoring, in-house coaching and support from experienced lawyers.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n4. Look into professional development<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ask about mentoring, continuing education, training budgets and opportunities for advancement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nAt VDA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several of our experienced lawyers also act as mentors to our more junior lawyers, encouraging knowledge sharing and the development of the next generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In family law, we can count on Linda Goupil<\/a>, Advocatus Emeritus and former Minister of Justice. In civil law, Jocelyn V\u00e9zina<\/a> brings more than 30 years of experience and a well-established reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
5. Assess the work tools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Technology never replaces legal judgment, but it improves quality of life and efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nAt VDA
<\/strong>As head of the firm, Alexandre Dufresne<\/a>, a lawyer with a passion for technology, pays close attention to how it is integrated into his teams’ daily work.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n6. Understand how performance is viewed<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Every firm defines performance differently. Understand the expectations and the importance given to work-life balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nAt VDA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Performance goals are tailored to each employee. They are set together with management and reflect each person’s strengths and personal goals.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
7. Never underestimate the human side<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A firm that supports its professionals through tougher times makes for a lasting career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nAt VDA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our team’s mental health is a priority. Because November is often recognized as one of the hardest times of the year for morale, we created a VDA holiday to give everyone a real break. This initiative is part of a broader vision in which well-being, balance and prevention are an integral part of our culture.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
8. Trust your instincts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Once you have compared the benefits, the responsibilities and the pay, one thing often remains hard to measure: the feeling that you belong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three signs a firm may not be right for you<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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- You want constant supervision, but the firm mainly values autonomy.<\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- You prefer to work alone, while collaboration is at the heart of the culture.<\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- You did not get a good feeling during your meetings.<\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The question to ask yourself before accepting an offer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can I still see myself working with this team in five years? If the answer is yes, you have probably found much more than an employer: a place to build your career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thinking about changing firms?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Learn about our team, our culture and our lawyers’ career paths on our Careers<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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