Digital Byte: How to Cultivate Learning Opportunities with Seasoned Attorneys

One year ago, I was awaiting Bar results, not sure how to use my time in the United States. Craving to return to the fast pace of international tech innovation, I was searching for ways to apply my business skills, be on the forefront of innovation, and jumpstart my legal career outside of traditional U.S. practice arenas. Today, I write from Milan, Italy, with plans to take my J.D. around the world.

In this Byte, we’ll list some tips for exploring nontraditional practice opportunities while working in a traditional legal environment. I struggled working in traditional legal practice settings fresh out of law school because I felt as though I was not receiving opportunities to explore topics I was passionate about. With my experience studying in different countries, holding degrees unrelated to the traditional understandings of law, and working towards dual licensing, I navigated legal theories differently, comparing and critiquing arguments from perspectives that mirrored other jurisdictions and industries. This is how I overcame communication and stagnation challenges and built a great reputation with my colleagues.

1. Accepting the Truth. The truth is that I will never think like a traditional U.S.-attorney. If I am ever critiqued for such, where is the offense? Undoubtedly, the comment is correct - I am not the traditional U.S. attorney. However, this is not a weakness. With how isolated the United States remains in a global sociopolitical context, attorneys with interdisciplinary and international backgrounds bring valuable input where peers likely lack firsthand experiences.
2. Researching. Exploring independently was fundamental in assisting my seeking out of opportunities which aligned with my passions. I hopped onto the ABA website and went through the lists of different sectors, subsectors, and areas of practice. I found specialty areas which were never spoken of or offered in law school, topics which I had no experience in, and groups where I instantly knew I could quickly engage. My particular interests of artificial intelligence and blockchain were well-supported in U.S.-based groups and also within international organizations researching cross-border regulatory and ethical frameworks. It cannot be understated how important it is to know what you are speaking about when you are interested in topics that your immediate colleagues do not have a background with and cannot vet.
3. Building Support. Cultivating mentorship relationships wasn't about finding a single individual who mirrored my own experiences. While having a champion international tech innovation would have been ideal, I recognized that my unique background would be a great asset. I embarked on a comprehensive search, identifying potential mentors within my firm and through professional legal organizations like the ABA and local Bar organizations. I even reached out to individuals on LinkedIn if I had come across something they had published to my intrigue. My focus was on attorneys who demonstrated a receptiveness to novel ideas, such as those involved in emerging legal technology committees or who had published on innovation-related topics. I broadened my search to include individuals whose practice areas might not have initially seemed directly connected, but who shared a common ground with me, such as expertise in a specific industry or a dedication to young attorneys and lifelong learning. I was able to establish rapport and cultivate mentorship opportunities with a diverse group of seasoned attorneys, even those whose areas of expertise differed from my own, and I learned how to effectively communicate with colleagues from a variety of backgrounds.
4. Cultivating Community. Recognizing the importance of surrounding myself with likeminded individuals, I actively sought out communities that fostered my burgeoning interest in international innovative technologies. Technology-related seminars and CLEs became a regular part of my schedule, not just for the content, but also for the networking opportunities. I joined online forums dedicated to my interests, where I could engage with practitioners from around the world. I connected with members of the ABA and international legal associations in person as often as I could. These communities provided invaluable support and guidance, and more importantly, offered me practical opportunities to explore my interests. Whether it was volunteering for a committee focused on policy evaluations, co-writing short research pieces, or participating in hackathons designed to create innovative legal solutions, these communities provided a platform for me to learn, collaborate, and contribute.
5. Common Ground. I utilized my understanding of emerging trends to identify common ground with colleagues in different practice areas. We could then explore how legal technology or innovative approaches might benefit our clients. For example, my international background proved valuable when collaborating on cross-border transactions. This led to opportunities to contribute insights on international considerations or explore legal tech solutions for specific client needs. I gradually established a niche role for myself within our traditional legal practice setting. More importantly, this approach helped secure opportunities to work on projects that directly addressed my interests, and even to take on clients with matters requiring expertise outside our firm's typical practice areas.

We all need to learn to be our own advocates and speak for the things we want to accomplish in our careers. Don’t hesitate to reach out!