Developing New Attorneys

Whether your new job is in a large firm or with a sole practitioner, you will have one or more attorneys who, whether they accept it or not, will be training you in the practice of law.  Make yourself indispensable to your supervising attorney(s.)  We encourage new associates to take on as much responsibility as they desire, working at their own speed to the extent possible and taking on new experiences and challenges continually.  The best way to get new experiences and try new things is to be around for the assignments when they come up.  (This advice also applies to client requests.)

When I first began practicing, a mid level attorney told me “ninety percent of practicing law is showing up in the right place at the right time.”  While that percentage might be a bit high, I understood his point.  From that moment, I made a point of stopping by his office, as well as those of several other mid level supervisors at the firm, at least once a day and simply asking them if I could help with anything.  That made it easy for them to utilize me, and I got more experience than the other new associates at the firm.  Remember that this is your career, and although the firm provides you with a job and a paycheck, it is up to you to learn the skills necessary for your own professional development.  Take every opportunity to do this, even when your supervisor seems under appreciative.  As much as you hope learning the practice and gaining experience will improve your position at the firm, that may not always be the case.  It will always, however, increase your knowledge and skill level.

Although your supervisor may forget to thank you for your hard work on a task from time to time, your work and dedication will likely be appreciated and rewarded in the long run.  If, however, your job is truly, continually thankless, look around for a new firm or position. This will be your current firm’s loss. In the mean time, make yourself attractive to the new firm by continuing to volunteer for new experiences every chance you get.  And remember this feeling when you become the supervisor!  A few “thank yous” sprinkled throughout your day will go a long way.

I realize what I’m recommending not exactly new advice, and it is not intended to be a shortcut to the top or a substitute for hard work and commitment.  But if you are right there, ready, willing and able to help each time your supervisor asks, it will not be long before she will expect you to be there and come to count on you.  At this point, your future at the firm is in your hands.  Demand what you need, keeping in mind, of course, your employer’s structure and limitations, and count on that supervisor to whom you have become indispensable to fight for your cause.