Law school is over and you’ve finally secured your first job – but now what? Getting to this point may have seemed like a marathon and yet your entire career still lies ahead. There are many questions to still be answered and many unknowns that have not yet been encountered. I understand firsthand how difficult the early-career uncertainty can be to deal with, which is why I’ve compiled following list of early career tips for young lawyers. I based the points I outline here on my own experience as a lawyer, looking back on what I wished I had known when I first started my career. The tips, in no particular order, are as follows:
Build Relationships Early And Often
Always Ask Questions
Treat Your Profession As A Business
Build Relationships Early And Often
Lawyers never know when a contact made years ago may become useful. The law community tends to look out for one another and thus relationships can serve early lawyers favorably. Not only is the benefit of learning from other experienced professionals gained, but also the possibility of opening up future career advancement. Top notch talent is always sought after and making connections ensures that a young lawyer will be considered for promotions at a variety of firms.
Always Ask Questions
The field of law is not only extremely difficult but it is changing virtually every single day. For this reason alone, asking questions frequently is of the utmost importance. Senior lawyers will be able to provide insight that goes far beyond the law books required for schooling. As the length of a career increases, a young lawyer can in turn answer the questions of the new generation of law professionals.
Treat Your Profession As A Business
Lawyers are always seeking to represent more clients. Thus, even though a young lawyer may be employed by a specific firm, it is important to treat the career as its own business. This includes frequently increasing marketability through additional education and certificates. With any luck, a young lawyer will someday start their own firm and truly be in control of a business which is self funded.
Career success in the field of law is determined by a variety of factors. While nothing is ever guaranteed, the probability of success as a young lawyer can be greatly increased if the above listed tips, as well as many others, are taken to heart and acted upon immediately upon beginning a career.