Today I ran across Dennis Kennedy’s article, “Twenty Lessons for Lawyers Starting Their Careers“, on my way to look at something else. It rings so true, even 7 years after publication, that I encourage you to read the full article published in the ABA Law Practice Management’s Law Practice Today. I could write my own comments from my 20+ years experience but his are spot on.
An overview of Kennedy’s lessons for lawyers starting their careers as associates in law firms:
- Learn the culture.
- Start the search for a mentor.
- You get all the feedback you ask for.
- Write for the right audience.
- Learn the lines of gossip and be careful.
- The first 6 months will be physically exhausting.
- Be yourself – within reason.
- Attitude matters.
- Learn your place in the pecking order.
- Trivial-seeming projects are given to you for a reason.
- Make life a little easier for older attorneys.
- Don’t turn in rough drafts.
- Make the IT people your friends.
- Learn the best ways to get to talk with individual lawyers.
- Speaking at client meetings.
- Report back after a few hours.
- The two year rule.
- Think about Tom Peters’ resume rule.
- Keep developing networks.
- Get involved in the firm.
Read Kennedy’s full article and consider how you might use this advice as a new law firm associate.
If you would like personal coaching for a strong start in your legal career, please contact me.