u/Imakemorethanyou27

Loving all the memes I've been seeing since we won the 1st overall pick and Berube getting sacked. Keep them coming fellas

Context:

Started at my new firm this week as a newly called junior associate. My previous experience during articling was at an in-house legal team and I loved my time there.

When I interviewed at this firm, I knew the team was small, but I didnt realize how small it was (inaccurate description on the firms website). Two other lawyers besides myself and one law clerk.

To compound the issue, there's no camaraderie or collegiality at this place, which makes it feel even smaller. The principle/owner of the firm has only said a few words to me since I started (he was the one who hired me). There was no taking me out to lunch, no small talk, no nothing. I just got delegated some soulless, empty law-clerk type work from the only other lawyer there and thats pretty much been it. It's also pretty clear that I won't have carriage over any files given the complexity of the work, or the chance to argue any motions, settlements, mediations, etc. I haven't been included onto anything, I haven't been brought in to talk about what I'll be doing, no plans have been made and I don't even have anything on my calendar scheduled. I pretty much show up, sit in a glorified closet of an office, work, go home. I also have a target of 1800 hours as a first year call on a 95k salary (I live in and work in a large metropolitan area). The salary itself isn't bad, but when you consider the target, with no bonus or comission structure, it seems to be pretty bad (in my opinion). The firm also has a hybrid model (WFH on Mon and Fri) yet they wouldn't give me a stipend or any equipment for a home office setup. Just my work laptop that the firm provided which I use while in the office. The office itself is also a joke, we don't even have coffee cream or sugar, or any office materials. Its a soulless place with the clear intent on making as much money for the principal as possible. For what its worth, its not a personal injury firm or anything related.

I guess part of the blame is on me for not asking more questions and doing more research into the firm, but its my first associate job and I've never been in this position before. I thought I asked the right questions at the interview and I feel as though I've been misled in terms of the work environment, the work itself, and the mentorship. This is the first time in my life I've ever walked into a job and immediately knew on the first day that the fit wasn't right and the first/only time in my life I've ever hated going to work, let alone dreading going into work from literally the first day.

I've already started looking for new positions, but I'm looking for any sort of advice you may have. Am I overreacting, or am I allowed to feel the way that I feel? I had such a good articling experience so I feel as though I have a sense of what a good environment should be like, which is why I feel the way that I do. Please help me lol.