This is a message to the next generation of firm leaders because junior associates will eventually earn new business for our insureds.
Perhaps someday soon you will be handed the book of business to keep the practice thriving when the time comes for the owner(s) to pass the torch.
Seasoned attorneys must not only focus on growing new business but tending to the young talent we hope will nurture our legacies.
One of the highlights of my career is helping young lawyers, and my strongest piece of advice to them is to be really proud of the work they put out into the world.
If you make a commitment to something or someone, go all in.
Work to produce results that make you proud.
I hope the following career advice provides some inspiration to those just starting up, as well as encouragement for the rest of us to be a mentor for those starting to coast or wind down.
1. Focus on Creating Work You’re Proud Of
Law is a challenging profession. The days can be long, your workload may be heavy, and the issues can be complex. Even if you are stretched thin, take the time and put in the effort to create a product of which you can be proud. If it has your name associated with it, make sure you are not just satisfied, but proud of it. Your colleagues, judges, and other lawyers will take notice, and it won’t take long for your good reputation to precede you everywhere you go.
2. Join a Local Bar Association and a Task Force or Committee Within Your State Bar
Bar involvement is important to build your professional network, to sharpen vital skills like leadership, to learn how to collaborate, to build a team, and even how to shape policy. There are local, regional, state, and national bar associations, as well as law specialty associations, practice-related bars and affinity groups that provide these opportunities. You can forge lasting relationships while making a difference in the profession, your community, and your life. People need to know you. Getting involved leads to recognition and referrals. Many counties and metro areas have local bar associations that offer legal education, service opportunities, and camaraderie. The State Bar likewise offers numerous committees and task forces aimed at helping lawyers and their practices and shaping policy involving the practice of law. Practice-related bars and affinity groups are a great place for lawyers with similar practice areas, backgrounds and interests to serve together. Nonprofit legal groups such as Legal Aid Societies, Volunteer Lawyers Programs, and law-adjacent organizations also provide areas where lawyers can serve.
3. Get Involved in a Nonprofit or Community Service Organization
Volunteer work and board service matter to your professional life as well as feeding your soul as you give back to your community. Learning how nonprofits work, how they fundraise, how they fulfill their mission – all this experience enhances your skillset as a lawyer. Service on board committees teaches you about investments, accounting and personnel – all areas that improve your business acumen and law practice. Nonprofit service can also lead to for-profit board service. Choose an organization that resonates with you personally, where you want to make a difference.
4. Know That You CAN Have a Successful Law Career and a Personal Life
This is such a personal choice. And you will have to make choices. Many of your choices will be made based on your existing commitments. But it’s very possible to have a successful law career and a personal life. Know and stick to your priorities. Set goals that are important to you rather than for someone else because you are more likely to reach them. Remember – work-life balance doesn’t mean you necessarily work less. But you must work smart. You can make partner while raising toddlers. Your priorities at any given time should shape your choices, but don’t lose sight of the big picture – chart a path and follow it.
5. Ask to Go Along to Meetings, Seek Face Time with Clients, Ask for Practical Experience
New lawyers should ask to go along everywhere: to meetings, court, networking events. Get introduced to everyone. You need face time with clients, judges, and other lawyers. To the more senior lawyers reading this article: One of the greatest mistakes we make is assuming we are the only person worthy of communicating with our clients. Young lawyers, you need opportunities to assist on everything from the most mundane scheduling orders to the most critical strategy analyses. Ask to go to depositions, to interview witnesses, and appear in court every chance you can. Ask to argue a case; to make a big presentation; to explain a project or a system or a theory. A mentor should be there if something goes wrong, but it probably won’t. And if you get your head handed to you? You’ll learn from that mistake.
Most lawyers can remember the first deposition that we took, the first summary judgment motion that we argued, and the first trial witness who we examined. We learned from those experiences. Even in this age when clients often will pay only for one lawyer, it is in senior lawyers' interest to take our associates to court, even if we cut our own time. If we don't give younger lawyers the experience, how will they ever be ready when it is “their turn?" The same is true in any business: know-how comes from doing.
6. The Road to Success is Always Under Construction
Remember that it takes time to be a rockstar lawyer. Expertise grows with intense study, hard work, and handling cases. It can be grueling but is rewarding. You want to choose other commitments that enhance your law practice, not detract from it.
Be able to say no. Ask yourself: is this meaningful to me? If so, how? Will it help me grow, either professionally or personally? Is this the right time? Am I ready? Can I afford it? Is this a priority for me now? If the answer to any of these is no, take a pass. When you pick up a new time commitment, give one away. And don’t forget that involvement is only one piece of a fulfilling legal career – spend time with your family, take time to exercise; make time to practice your faith, and get adequate rest.
A successful legal career is a balancing act, no matter how you approach it.
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About the Author
Sharon Stuart, President & Claims Counsel
Attorneys Insurance Mutual of the South
Sharon D. Stuart devotes her practice to civil trial work and arbitration, leads the way for our insurance company, and advises on numerous boards, committees, and associations.