Most first-year associates spend a great deal of time in the library. Their experiences, however, should broaden to include contact with clients, responsibility for handling smaller cases and opportunities to appear before administrative or judicial bodies. Look for firms that have an associate development program that extends beyond training and seminars. It seems that firms that have associate mentor, training and professional development programs are more likely to care about associates in general. Minority lawyers are more likely to succeed in those environments and have an opportunity to develop and implement their own professional career goals.
Firms have their own unique personalities.
A lawyer is inclined to have a longer work history with and be happier at a firm that is similar to his or her own personality. If a new graduate has an opportunity to spend a summer or internship with a firm, then he or she can form conclusions about the firm's personality. For example, the new grad might want to consider whether the firm is a sweatshop, whether the firm and the attorneys are involved in community activities or whether people socialize outside the work environment. I joined Akin, Gump after a judicial clerkship. I had to make a judgment about whether the firm suited my personality.