by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Although most people will attest that the the first year at any job is the most difficult, young associates in Jacksonville’s legal community say that while proving to be challenging in its own right, the first year out of law school is equally as exciting.
Jason Gabriel is a 26-year-old attorney with the law firm of Edwards & Cohen. A University of Florida law school graduate, he stressed that his passion and excitement for the field grows daily.
“It’s been a really exciting time,” said Gabriel. “My first year has really allowed me to get a feel for the big picture. I’ve been given some challenging work, but I’ve also been allowed the flexibility to chase my own projects and see what I like.”
He added that working for a smaller firm — Edwards & Cohen retains five attorneys — may be partially responsible for the amount of flexibility he is allowed.
“We’re a small firm doing the work of a much larger firm,” said Gabriel.
When asked about the type of work he is typically assigned, Gabriel said that, while hard to define, the role of a researcher and, ultimately, a time saver to senior partners is a reoccurring one.
“I enjoy doing research for the senior partners,” he said. “It can be a bit scary because I’m entering unknown territory, so to speak, but I know that they’re depending on me.”
The learning tools for a new associate come in many shapes and sizes. While law school may have provided a solid foundation, it is these tools that will enable an attorney to build a career.
Michael Buckner has been a commercial litigator with the law firm of Holland & Knight for just over eight years, but he clearly remembers the importance of his first year.
“The transition out of school can be difficult for a new associate,” said Buckner. “I was lucky to be at a firm that was very supportive of young attorneys.”
According to Buckner, Holland & Knight partners young associates with more experienced partners in the firm. This mentoring program will expose the new attorney to a wide range of legal areas and experiences.
“The first year, and subsequently the years that follow, are responsible for bridging the gap between law school and the actual practice of law,” said Buckner. “You obtain good, broad experience. Experience is very valuable because you learn the things that they don’t teach you in school. I learned to keep track of my time and also the importance of billable hours. I learned to effectively use a legal secretary, too. It took me years to really understand the role of a secretary.”
Gabriel agreed.
“It’s all about learning the procedures,” he said. “In school, no one tells you where the courthouse is. You need to be able to ask questions of the people working around you. Like any job, you have to crawl before you’re able to walk.”
Both Gabriel and Buckner clerked for the firms where they work today. Buckner credits his clerking experience with helping him decide what area of law to pursue.
“Clerking made me want to practice law,” he said. “I would say that it is definitely a good indicator for a student because you’re in the field, but working full time lets you see the whole scope.”
Tim McDermott, who has been an attorney for 28 years, is the managing partner of Akerman Senterfitt, a firm with over 32 attorneys on retainer. While the first year for a young attorney is very important to future success, some firms don’t want to invest the time or the money required for young associates, he said. Rather, they are engaging in lateral hirings. In other words, a number of firms are looking for experienced attorneys.
“Some firms simply prefer hiring attorneys with a year or two under their belt,” said McDermott. “We find that, in some cases, a first-year attorney may not be as productive as we’d like.”
Another trend, McDermott said, is that the level of stress surrounding younger attorneys may be higher than it used to be for a variety of reasons.
“There’s more juggling now between family and professionalism,” he said. “Typically, 20 years ago, you would have had a male breadwinner. Now, we’re seeing both spouses working. I think many first-year attorneys are surprised by the level of productivity required of the job.”
McDermott added that while stress levels and experience desired may change, firms of any size are still seeking a certain caliber of person.
“Whether 2003 or 1973, we look for the same qualities we always have,” he said. “Common sense, competence, integrity, independence and sense of humor.”