3 Easy Success Tips For New Lawyers
Today we’re beginning a series of posts that do not address fashion and style, but rather professionalism in a larger context. One of our readers suggested the topic and we believe it’s a great idea. After all, when it comes to success in the workplace, demeanor and attire go hand in hand.
So, we will endeavor from time to time to share our thoughts about how to survive and thrive in an office setting in ways that go beyond fashion and style. We hope you enjoy the series and, as always, we welcome your feedback and ideas- please do so either by commenting below or by emailing us at [email protected].
Today, we’re sharing three easy steps to help you succeed as a new lawyer (and for the new seasoned professional, these tips will serve as a worthwhile refresher!):
There are so many factors that contribute to our success as lawyers. Some are nuanced and others are more straightforward. You can be sure, however, that being an impressive lawyer in the first weeks and months of your career has little to do with your substantive abilities. (For the most part, you will likely not be expected to facilitate a complex merger or file and argue a motion for summary judgment, anyway.)
Instead, the impressions you make on your colleagues will center on the intangibles – your ability to assimilate and integrate into your office, your understanding of your role as a new lawyer, and your ability to learn quickly.
These intangibles can be expressed in a variety of ways. Here are three easy ways to demonstrate that you are positioned to become a constructive, productive, and successful member of your legal practice from day one:
1. Don’t Show Up Empty Handed
As a new lawyer, you never want to go into a meeting or another attorney’s office without a legal pad and a pen in hand. In fact, you should probably not leave your office (unless you are headed to lunch or to the restroom) without paper and a pen. You always want to be in a position to take down an assignment when the opportunity arises, and impromptu conferences that result in assignments occur regularly.
2. Offer Support
Above all, your role as a new lawyer is to act in a supportive role for the more senior attorneys you are working with. From day one, while you may not be adept at all of the technical nuances of your practice, you can demonstrate your willingness to contribute meaningfully by being as supportive and helpful as possible. Show that you will do whatever it takes – stay late, come in early, run down the street to the courthouse, etc. – in order to help your colleagues get their work done quickly, efficiently, and correctly.
3. Adopt This Mantra
No project is beneath me. Repeat: No project is beneath me.
Entrepreneurs are responsible for learning every aspect of their business, from payroll to website development to sales and marketing. Knowing your business inside and out is the best way to retain control, manage operations, and run things successfully.
For lawyers, the exercise should be no different. Welcome any assignment that is given to you, no matter how simplistic or seemingly unimportant. Regard every assignment as an opportunity – an opportunity to learn, to grow, to understand more about your legal practice. If you tackle each and every project you are given with zeal and energy and enthusiasm, in no time you will be assigned to more complicated projects and will be entrusted with more responsibility.
There is a steep learning curve from new lawyer to experienced practitioner. There will be some inevitable ups and downs along the way. But, the sooner you can identify the little things that will make you great, the small things that will make you impressive, the sooner you will become an integral member of your legal practice.
Want more practice tips and advice? Check out the guidebook that Desiree published on the topic, Thrive: A New Lawyer’s Guide to Law Firm Practice.
For our more seasoned professional readers, what tips do you have to help those just starting our in their careers?
Cheers,
Team HOM
The post 3 Easy Success Tips For New Lawyers appeared first on House of Marbury.
