This ability to connect on a larger scale happened just in time as the murder of George Floyd and America's subsequent awakening to systemic racism shook the country - including its institutions such as large law firms. Connecting face-to-face with others outside of the office became easier. Affinity groups did not go away thanks to the growth and normalization of virtual events, they evolved and became more global. Work opportunities dried up as the economy began to crumble. I could no longer pop into my mentor's office to catch up or seek advice. The monthly in-person affinity group lunches were over. Over the years, there were more instances like this - more moments where we appreciated having a support group and a sounding board to deal with life's crises (in addition to helping us cope with the stress and pressure that comes with being an attorney at one of the world's top law firms).Īnd then the pandemic occurred. Once the venting ended, we shifted our focus and energy, and by the following week we participated in a videoconference with the Black affinity groups from each Skadden office, brainstorming actions to take individually and as a firm that would have a positive impact on our country during such a turbulent time. Thankfully, we had each other and didn't need to face these feelings alone. By mid-afternoon, most of our affinity group was gathered in a conference room.īecause of our shared experience, we felt similar pain, confusion, anger and frustration. I went to the office the next day like everyone else - and it was the best thing I could have done. On election night, I sat alone and confused in my one-bedroom apartment. Never was this more evident to me than in November 2016. This, in turn, can spur immeasurable growth, both for an individual attorney and for the firm as a whole. ![]() The affinity towards one another makes it easy to develop organic and meaningful relationships that allow for raw and vulnerable conversations.īy supporting affinity groups and encouraging participation, a firm creates an environment where attorneys feel included and empowered to make an impact. Although they may feel imposter syndrome in the office, it is easier to overcome within the affinity group. Frequently, members have similar stories and backgrounds and they deal with many of the same stereotypes and stigmas in their personal and professional lives. So what is an affinity group and why is it important?Īn affinity group is simply a group of people with similar characteristics and a natural liking or sympathy for one another.Īt Skadden, we have 10 affinity networks:Įach group meets regularly, hosts speakers and events and provides mentorship. I felt connected and empowered, and I hadn't even officially joined the firm. We ate, laughed, and organically developed bonds with people who had similar stories and backgrounds and who would face similar challenges over the course of our careers. ![]() We talked about how to be your authentic self and still be successful at the firm we shared stories about exciting projects and interesting cases we discussed finding work-life balance and ways to avoid burnout and we discussed the stress of the bar exam and being nervous about receiving results (and I vividly remember a recent graduate, and now close friend, cry and embrace his partner mentor after learning he passed the California bar that weekend). The former chairman and CEO of a major media company imparted wisdom during his keynote that I still pass along to my mentees: "Be the person other people want to root for."Īnd although both of these speakers and the other distinguished panelists were insightful and inspiring, the most impactful moments were those with my peers in conference rooms, around dinner tables and even on the dance floor - a group of young Black attorneys itching for success. ![]() This conference was my introduction to the power of professional affinity groups, and it shaped my career in ways I never could have appreciated at the time.Ī Skadden alumnus, who was at the time a global head of a top tier investment bank, discussed the importance of beginning to build your reputation on day one. In the fall of my third year of law school, having already accepted an offer to join Skadden upon graduation, I was invited to attend the firm's first Black & African American Attorneys Affinity Group conference. Affinity groups at large firms are critical to the success of individual attorneys as well as to the firm as a whole, particularly as we move away from Webex and Zoom and return to the office. Failing to do so, however, may hinder your growth and lead to burnout. NovemWhen you're tracking your life in six-minute increments and are focused on accumulating billable hours, acquiring stretch assignments and seeking business development opportunities, it may not seem advantageous to invest time and resources into internal affinity groups.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |