Where Are You On A Scale of 1 To 10?
Being a newly qualified lawyer (in fact this applies to any lawyer seeking to make their way up the chain of command), does not exonerate you from already taking control and ownership of the trajectory of your legal career. In fact, not doing at an early stage, is likely to not only to result in your career rudderless and without purpose but is also likely to negatively impact on (assuming this is your ambition) reaching the holy grail of partnership.
So what are the pitfalls that many young lawyers should avoid or at least seek to minimise if they are to ensure a long, fruitful and successful legal career?
Tip No. 1: Be Inquisitive
The way of success is the way of continuous pursuit of knowledge. ― Napoleon Hill
Far too many young lawyers refrain from asking questions due to a misguided belief that they should ‘know it all’ and for fear of appearing ‘inferior’, ‘stupid’ in front of their peers and senior partners . However, not asking questions and not being absolutely clear on the scope of what, on what your senior partner requires you to do, on timeframes and clients’ expectations, is likely to be far more costly than asking a clarifying question.
Don’t do yourself a disservice by thinking you know the answer or trying to guess what your senior partner want from you. Learn from and seek the knowledge from your more experienced senior partners.
What is more likely to be damaging to your career trajectory? Asking a question and ‘possibly’ getting some ‘raised eyebrows’ from peers (but then being in a position to deliver what was asked for to the satisfaction of not only your senior partner but also the firm’s client) OR not asking a question and making a big blunder and a potentially irreversibly damaging mistake that costs the firm a client?
I know which option I would choose.
Tip No. 2 : Communicate Clearly & Effectively
Be clear in your communications with peers, senior partners, clients. Ask questions, seek clarification, relate back what you understand the issue to be, what you are being asked to do before you embark on a matter.
In this way, you are less likely to make potentially costly or time-wasting mistakes and are more likely to be able to work more productively, effectively and deliver what is required timeously. From a senior partner’s and client’s perspective, there is nothing more frustrating than constantly having to send work back because you did not, at the outset, have a clear understanding of what was required and did not communicate clearly as regards, for example, the issues, timings, costs etc.
Tip No. 3 : Don’t Wait For Your Performance Review to Get Feedback
Don’t wait until it is performance review time to then get feedback on how well (or not well) you are doing. Be on the front foot – proactively ask for feedback after each task, each matter – and then be prepared to accept and learn from any suggestions, mistakes you may have made. Don’t take negative feedback personally – rather see it as an opportunity to learn and to do better the next time.
In this way, you are more likely to advance ‘through the ranks’ quicker and make less mistakes along the way, but also you will not be subject to unpleasant surprises come performance review time.
Do not wait: the time will never be ‘just right’. Start where you stand, and work whatever tools you may have at your command and better tools will be found as you go along. ― Napoleon Hill
Tip No. 4 : Build Your Network
And start from day 1. Keep in touch with your law school / university colleagues, your peers who may have trained with you and subsequently left the firm, clients, mentors etc. This network will prove an invaluable support base and helpful sounding boards when you are needing guidance or advice as you progress through the ranks or as you grapple with questions that will arise as you go down your career path.
Young lawyers are often-times too focused on the ‘here and now’ and ‘getting the work done’ as opposed to having a long term focus. A legal career is a long term one. Building a strong support structure, and potential client base, takes time – so it is never too early to start.
Tip No. 5 : Be Accountable. Be Responsible
Take ownership of work given to you, of matters you are working on. Be responsible for delivering on time, for being proactive, seeing what you can do ‘outside’ and beyond what is expected of you.
In this way you are not only likely to be given more responsibility, more autonomy over matters, but are also likely to distinguish yourself from others, make yourself an indispensable part of the department and ultimately the firm, ensuring the longevity of your career.
Rarely have I seen a situation where doing less than the other guy is a good strategy. – Jimmy Spith
