How to Navigate Firm Culture When Joining a New Team – Tips for Adapting Quickly and Making an Impact

​Starting a new role in a law firm, whether in risk & compliance, knowledge, or another business services function, can feel like stepping into a whole new world. Every firm has its own unique culture, communication style, pace, and unspoken rules. And while your technical skills may have landed you the job, your ability to read the room, integrate smoothly, and adapt quickly will determine how successful (and comfortable) you’ll feel in the first few months.

At Pembury Legal, we often support professionals navigating those early days in a new firm. Here’s our advice on how to adjust with confidence, add value early, and build the kind of relationships that help you thrive.

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1. Observe Before You Act

It’s tempting to jump in with ideas and solutions straight away, but take time to observe the environment first. Notice how people interact, how meetings are run, how decisions are made, and what the unwritten norms are.

Look for:

• How formal or informal communication tends to be

• Who has influence (it’s not always who you think)

• Whether the culture is collaborative or siloed

• How people give and receive feedback

This observation phase allows you to calibrate your approach, build trust, and avoid missteps.

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2. Build Relationships Early

In law firm culture, especially in support functions like risk, compliance, and knowledge, relationships are everything. You're far more likely to be effective if people know you, trust you, and understand your role.

Where Possible, Start with:

• Coffee chats with team members and key stakeholders

• Asking questions about their challenges and how you can support them

• Offering your help early, even before it’s requested

Don’t underestimate the value of informal conversations, these often lead to quicker collaboration and deeper respect down the line.

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3. Clarify Expectations

In your first few weeks, make it a priority to get clear on what success looks like in your role, not just according to your job description, but from your manager’s perspective and the wider team. Even if this was covered in detail during your interview, it's important to revisit it early on to ensure you're fully aligned and clear on expectations.

Ask:

• What does a great first three months look like in this role?

• Are there any quick wins or priorities I should focus on?

• How would you like me to keep you updated on progress?

This also helps demonstrate your proactive mindset and willingness to integrate quickly.

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4. Understand the Tone and Tempo

Different firms have different expectations around pace and urgency. US firms in London, for instance, may operate at a more accelerated pace than UK firms, this can affect how quickly you’re expected to respond to emails, complete tasks, or escalate issues.

If you're unsure, watch and learn, then ask for clarity if needed. It’s always better to check expectations early than assume.

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5. Find Your Value Add

In a new team, your first priority is to learn. But once you've got your bearings, think about where you can add value, either through your previous experience, a fresh perspective, or spotting something that could be improved.

This could be:

• Streamlining a process

• Sharing insights from previous experience

• Identifying a training gap

• Offering to lead on a small project or initiative

Being seen as a problem-solver early on will earn you credibility and show you're more than just your job title.

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6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Many people hold back from asking questions early on, afraid of looking inexperienced. But smart questions are a strength, not a weakness.

Try framing it as:

• “I’ve noticed we do X this way, what’s the rationale behind that?”

• “At my previous firm we did Y, keen to understand how it works here.”

• “What’s the preferred way of handling this here?”

This shows curiosity and respect for the firm’s ways of working.

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7. Be Patient with Yourself

Adjusting to a new culture takes time. You won’t know everything in week one, and no one expects you to. What matters is your attitude, openness to learning, and ability to adapt.

Celebrate small wins, reflect regularly, and give yourself space to grow.

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Final Thoughts

Joining a new firm is more than just starting a new job, it’s about stepping into a new ecosystem. By tuning into the culture early, building strong relationships, and showing where you can add value, you’ll be well-positioned to make a strong impact in your new team.

And if you’re considering a move or navigating your next step, Pembury Legal is here to support you in finding a firm where you can not only succeed. but feel like you belong.

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