After over 30 years of teaching and mentoring new lawyers (including my own kids), I’ve compiled some suggestions for success in the practice. This list includes some of the highlights of my tips for building superstars of the bar. 1. Be humble. Many recent law school graduates have an inflated opinion of their knowledge and value. My former boss and mentor, Susan Loggans, referred to this as “young lawyer disease.” I’ll let you in on something…you ain't that good. There’s a reason we call it the “practice” of law. Few are so gifted that they get it out of the blocks. Passing the bar is the beginning of your journey, not the end of it, so be humble and learn the art and science of the practice before you even think about crowing.
Thanks for sharing this! I’m curious re: point #1, “Many recent law school graduates have an inflated opinion of their knowledge and value.” How have you seen this misplaced ego manifest?
Ha! Funny.
Number 5 makes me think of a meme that’s been going around:
Associate: I have a probl-
Partner: There’s no such thing as problems, only opportunities.
Associate: Ok, I have a malpractice opportunity.
5. Don't bury your mistakes. <- This is always the first thing I teach my new AS.
10. Keep perspective. <-- This is certainly something I'm working on.
Thanks for sharing this! I’m curious re: point #1, “Many recent law school graduates have an inflated opinion of their knowledge and value.” How have you seen this misplaced ego manifest?