a hometown discount at a law firm? 🤔

A HOMETOWN DISCOUNT. What is that in law? 🤔 Most of us are familiar with what that is in sports - the beloved superstar chooses to stay in their hometown earning less money than they could have earned elsewhere. Why? Because in a league with a salary cap, less money spent on your superstar means more money to spend on your other players, and a greater chance to win.

It's a show of loyalty and a commitment to winning that endears the superstar to their fans.

But I've had a few questions lately with partners at firms where the subject of a hometown discount comes up. A hometown discount in law is where you've grown up at a firm (perhaps even summering and articling there), and where you're now a partner, and where some people still see you (and treat you) as if you're the junior you used to be.

"I've seen partners need to go elsewhere in order to be respected as a partner," one said. "I need to respond to that senior partner right away," another said. "Why?" I asked. The response was hometown discount to its core: "I always have, since I was a junior working for him."

What do you think? Have you seen a hometown discount where you work? Is it a celebration of loyalty and commitment like it is in sports? Or is it an example where others' perception of you hasn't grown to keep up with your capabilities and responsibilities?

And most importantly, how do you reset the context (without having to leave where you're at) so that others treat you appropriately?

---

This was today’s email. Like it? Join here: