There is a lot to learn when starting a legal career, but oftentimes lawyers don’t receive much guidance as to how to navigate through the early years, according to four attorneys who shared what they wish they’d known when they entered the profession.
The lawyers offered their insights during an episode called “What I Wish I’d Known” on the ABA podcast Young Lawyer Rising, which covers issues pertinent to young lawyers, from newly minted attorneys to lawyers 10 years into practice and beyond.
The panelists shared what they have learned since leaving law school. Here are six tips for newcomers to the profession:
- Be assertive. Silvia Mansoor, a litigator at Foley, Baron, Metzger & Juip in Livonia, Michigan, advised young lawyers to be diligent and speak up for themselves, something that is not necessarily taught in law school. “You don’t have to wait for things to be handed to you,” Mansoor said. If there is a case you want to work on or an assignment you’d like to have, “ask for it.” Dani Borel, a partner at Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, agreed that being assertive makes a difference and added that young lawyers should seek opportunities to grow their confidence and skills.
- Ask for help. Use your partners as resources, said Jessica Arena, a local government attorney in northern Virginia. They’re there to answer your questions. It’s OK to ask for help, especially when you quickly find yourself in a courtroom with little to no experience, she said.
- Find a mentor. Seek out a mentor even if one is assigned to you, and find someone you’re comfortable with, Arena said. It’s often tough for a new lawyer to know when to speak up or when the work environment is toxic, said podcast host Sonia Russo, a health care fraud prosecutor in Denver. A mentor can help give perspective. Also, it’s best to have mentors in different areas of interests, especially if they are outside of your work area or “chain of command” so that you can speak more freely, Borel said. And show interest in what your mentor is doing — don’t just focus on what you can get from him or her, Mansoor said.
- Wisely assess your time. Borel said one of the top mistakes she sees at her firm is younger associates not fully assessing their time. Young attorneys should “be upfront” about their workload and their ability to meet a deadline. “An early ‘no’ is better than a ‘yes’ and a late product,” she said.
- Set boundaries. The panelists suggested that young lawyers protect their time and have a designated start and cut-off time, but also be careful about responding to calls after work hours. Also, if your boundaries are not respected, don’t be afraid to professionally confront someone about it. Do not compromise your ethical, moral or health-based interests. By designating your text for friends and family and email for clients and coworkers, is an example of setting boundaries.
- Recover from mistakes. Taking on a new career is not without making a few mistakes. The panelists said the best way to recover from errors is to stop thinking about them, own up to them, and find solutions. Also, don’t overanalyze the situation — others have probably forgotten about the mistake.
For more tips and advice, check out the episode “What I Wish I’d Known” on the Young Lawyer Rising podcast, sponsored by the Young Lawyers Division.