The possibility of doing work for the public interest. As an undergraduate I served in internships in government. The professionalism and work of the lawyers was inspiring. Before law school, I had obtained a generalist engineering degree. I enjoyed that curriculum, but I learned that I preferred working with words.
Participation was liberally backed by a New York law firm I joined. In the mid-1980s, lawyers starting with my New York law firm customarily joined the ABA, the New York State Bar, and the Bar Association of the City of New York.
A perfect benefit is the benefit. The ABA is awesomely huge with many functional redundancies. It provides a smorgasbord of excellent professional opportunities that can be tasted, rejected, and re-selected, even beyond a new lawyer’s current interests and responsibilities. It suits every lawyer.
Diligence and attention to detail for every law firm assignment. Hungrily accepting all assignments offered, and completing them.
Taking deserved credit for an idea that led to a great result after hard work was ironically just such a mistake. A junior associate’s role is to make other people look good. Selflessness is valued. A junior’s success comes from helping his or her many bosses (many partners and possibly senior associates) look better. This is the paradox.
Assume motivations are positive, at least until proven otherwise. Difficult partners may be trying earnestly to teach. Tomorrow is another day, hopefully with pay. Act as maturely as possible.
Think expansively but never underestimate present relationships for the future. Every present contact is potentially a client, or client source, ten years from now.
Well-done legal work, accomplished efficiently and independently.
I wish to back a clear public service, while continuing to serve present and future private and public clients with my firm, Charles Allen Yuen LLC.