You’ve graduated from law school, passed the bar exam, and got the job you’ve always wanted. There is only one problem, you just realized you have no clue what you’re doing. No matter your class rank or how confident you seem – your work product will probably show your lack of experience, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be successful. The following practices will allow you to make a positive impact at your firm even though you might be young and inexperienced.
Surround Yourself with Smart People
If you’re young and inexperienced but believe you’re the smartest person at your firm, find another firm!! Being around smart people will make you smarter, it will make you up your game, and allow you to expand and challenge your own views. People who are smarter and more experienced will not only provide you good counsel at the beginning of your career, but truly smart people will be compassionate when you need help or make a mistake – which is almost inevitable as a young lawyer.
Be Reliable
There is nothing worse than a flakey person, especially in a law firm. If you’ve been entrusted with a task take it head on, be accountable and execute. If your boss, co-workers, clients or even opposing counsel can’t rely on you, you’ll never build a good reputation or be successful. When you prove to be reliable, you’ll get assigned more tasks and you’ll make clients feel more comfortable.
Bring something from your Generation to the Table
Make yourself an asset by bringing something unique from your generation to the table. You may not realize what all the mindless hours on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube have done to your brain. I’ve come to realize all the hours of scrolling made digital media and marketing come as second nature to me. Don’t downplay your knowledge or experience with digital media, instead use it as a tool and lend your insight whenever you get the chance. It will make you a unique asset beyond your work product.
Work Hard and Have a Positive Attitude
The importance of hard work is pretty obvious. Especially when you’re just starting your career. Be grateful and take all opportunities you are given, even if they require you to work late nights or weekends, because each opportunity is a chance for you to prove your dedication and determination. Complaining will only make you an unpleasant person, and an unpleasant task that much more unpleasant. Instead, build relationships, find things to laugh at, and try to spark creativity whenever possible. Being nice and having a positive attitude will not only allow you to build a good reputation, but in the meantime, it will make you more enjoyable to be around.
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be grateful if you’d help spread it by emailing it to a friend, or sharing it to Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Sincerely yours,
Great blog post! Just like in your personal life, surround yourself professionally with great mentors and inspiring examples. I look forward to your next post!
I agree, having solid mentors and surrounding yourself with the right people is so important. Thanks for reading Ashton!
Great read and very true! Being a young lawyer can feel overwhelming at times but working hard and maintaining a passion and willingness to learn will set you apart from others. Thanks for the advice!
Thanks, Alex! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
YES! Couldn’t agree more with all of this. Be reliable and intentional ALL the time in every step of the process. Love this inspiration. Awesome blog Carly!
Thanks, Morgan! I can’t wait to hear all about your experiences as an ADA. Let’s catch up soon!
Georgia Carlin, Your parents raised you right.
Great, insightful post. I look forward to future blogs. One tidbit – I wish I had kept a diary/journal of cases, people, experiences from the past 40+ years. From my days at UCLA. (University of Campbell, between Lillington and Angier); experiences as an Assistant District Attorney, the legal ‘legends’ that I have been honored to call partners, colleagues, friends; clients, court personnel, law enforcement, etc., ….I have been truly blessed. In my efforts to ‘keep up’ with technology I should have had more face-to-face contact. I texted instead of calling, I sent emails instead of visiting. I ‘liked and forwarded’ rather than using my own words and I regret this. In our adversarial world you always hear, “It’s not personal, it is just business”. We should start today to reverse that and remember, “It is not just business, IT IS PERSONAL.” What you say, cannot be unsaid. People will forget the facts and outcome of a civil, criminal, domestic, corporate case, but they will never forget how you treated them PERSONALLY. This includes clients, firm personnel, opposing counsel, judges, bailiffs, clerks, adverse parties, etc. As my parents told me, “act like we raised you right.”