Daunting & Rewarding: Advice for Young Lawyers Beginning Their Careers
In every profession, beginning a new career naturally brings excitement and anxiety. Whether you are a surgeon performing your first surgery or a lawyer arguing your first trial, young professionals will always have the drive to be the best. The problem is that most young attorneys enter the legal profession with a limited understanding of what they are embarking on. More specifically, most young attorneys do not know what they should be doing early to set themselves up for future success.
So, the question remains: “As a young attorney, what should I know about the legal profession to set myself up for success?” Fortunately, experienced attorneys in Northwest Ohio are usually always willing to help newer generations of attorneys. Specifically, some of Northwest Ohio’s experienced and reputable attorneys have offered their advice on the following questions to help guide attorneys to the promised land.
■ If you only had one piece of advice to offer young lawyers to help start their career off right, what would that advice be?
Be Selective: Most young attorneys starting out willtake any and all cases that come through the door. While balancing bills, income, and building your practice, make sure you are taking care of yourself as well. Being selective early will allow you to control the pace and future of your practice, but you will also be more satisfied with your practice and your career choice.
Communicate Effectively and Honestly: Building trust with your clients should be a priority. Communicating frequently with your clients and setting reasonable expectations early is a must. Trust is built not only by your success but also by reputation. If you over-promise and under-deliver, your reputation and your practice may suffer. Make sure to return every call and maintain communication as your clients are relying on you. Returning their calls quickly as possible will show your clients that they can be confident in your services.
Network: Networking, even in a growing virtual world, is still important. As a young attorney, find a mentor that you can talk to about legal matters and questions. Finding someone you trust and who is willing to help you develop and grow as an attorney can help you early in your career and will set you up for future success.
■ What has been the most significant change in the practice of law during your career? And, if applicable, what advice would you offer young attorneys to help prepare themselves for similar changes?
Virtual Practice: The biggest changes to the practice can all fall under the umbrella of “Technology”. Years ago, before COVID and Zoom, almost everything occurred in person. While we may live in a remote world, including having court appearances or trials via Zoom, social interactions still should reign supreme. Not including the actual technical changes, attorneys tend to use the lack of in-person appearances as a safety net. From not being fully prepared or failing to develop relationships with others. Be prepared to negotiate or discuss all aspects of
your case at every meeting or hearing and listen and engage with others as you can learn something about your case, the law, or how a particular attorney or judge handles a specific issue.
Active Involvement: Every attorney has CLE requirements. It is mandatory. But, taking the initiative and staying updated on recent developments in your area of law will set you apart from others. Immerse yourself in your practice. Watch trials and other hearings. Being well-versed in your practice area will make you more confident. If you notice a change in settlement or plea offers, there might be a reason for this. Take the initiative and look into it. You may not be able to bill for the extra work, but it will create necessary habits for you to best protect you and your practice.
■ What has been the most satisfying part of your career?
Helping Others: While every attorney has a different story and experience, and every one of us wants financial success, every seasoned attorney will tell you the same thing about the most satisfying aspect of their career – knowing they made a difference. The job will feel thankless at times. But, that feeling will always be the exception to the rule. Regardless of the area of
law that you practice, you make a difference and that will always stay with you. Whether you practice family law – helping those in some of the hardest and most emotional moments of their lives, criminal defense – protecting those who had a lapse in judgment or the truly innocent, who were falsely charged and need help, or immigration law – assisting families to stay together
and build a better life for themselves, you make a difference. Each attorney learns from their own experience. Making a difference and helping your clients pick up the pieces and put their life back together will stay with you forever.
Special thanks to Colleen Dooley, Esq., William Meyer, Esq., Jerome Phillips, Esq., and Kurt Bruderly, Esq. for their input and dedication to their clients, young attorneys, and the practice of law itself.
