For many attorneys starting their careers, surviving as a young associate implies living a life of servitude to the billable hour.
Don’t get me wrong: Billing and collecting are an important part of the job. However, it is only one part of achieving success as young associate.
Here are some of my favorite tips for surviving and thriving as a young attorney.
Don’t sell yourself short
You were hired for a reason. There is something that you did or said during the interview process that impressed the partners at your firm.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and tackle that big research project or volunteer to cover a hearing. If the partner trusts you, you should trust yourself.
Of course, this goes the other way as well — don’t overcommit yourself. You are in charge of the expectations people set for you and you want to be able to reach those expectations.
Start marketing yourself now
One of my favorite marketing and networking tips for young associates is to find a networking wingman, preferably someone slightly more seasoned than you to help you learn how to work a room.
It is also important that you start your A-list now. If you have not done so already, I urge you to take the time today to make a list of potential clients. This list can and should include your law school and college classmates. After all, these individuals are future business owners, in-house counsel, etc.
Take time at least once a month to reach out to someone on your list. You can take someone to lunch, write a letter or send them an interesting article that pertains to their business.
Build a good relationship with your assistant
Building a good relationship means more than saying “please” and “thank you.” A good attorney knows how to effectively manage their assistant, understands the importance of helping their assistant excel in their own career, and treats an assistant with respect and as an integral part of the team.
Hang out at the Bar
Get actively involved with The Jacksonville Bar Association, especially The Young Lawyers Section. Jacksonville has one of the most collegial Bar associations in the state, so take advantage.
Make a point to regularly attend meetings and work toward a leadership position. If nothing else, you will have surrounded yourself with Jacksonville’s best and brightest.
Two words: Community service
There are countless community organizations in Jacksonville seeking involved members, and most of them have young professional groups. These young professional groups are a great way to get involved in the organization and to start building your network.
Find a mentor and a cheerleader
A mentor is an invaluable resource that will help you navigate through your career. Your mentor does not have to be an attorney at your firm, but they should be someone you trust.
Ideally, your mentor should be someone who is involved in the same practice area as you or an area in which you would like to practice.
You will also want to find a cheerleader within your firm. Someone who will go to bat for you when it is time to make the big transitions from associate to senior associate and senior associate to partner.
Go beyond the basics
Don’t just hang up your hat up when you finish your basic CLE courses. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn.
Good attorneys know that continuing legal education is more than just a requirement, but a necessity to be successful. Jacksonville offers some wonderful local CLE events.
In fact, the Jacksonville chapter of The Federal Bar Association is hosting a CLE this month: 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. April 23. Check it out on their website jacksonvillefederalbarassociation.org for more information.
The Jacksonville Bar Association website also provides information on local CLE courses.
Don’t be afraid to speak up
Don’t be afraid to share your ideas on a case. It may be the missing argument the partner was searching for.
If not the partner or senior associate will likely explain why the idea does not work, and at least you will have learned something new from the experience.
Ask questions
No one expects you to know everything as a young associate and the only way you will learn is if you ask. If you are not comfortable asking the partner, find a more senior associate or call your mentor.
Sometimes it is about you
Sometimes you need to take a step away from the big project and spend some time outside, at the gym or at the spa.
When you return, you will have a clearer mind and may pick up on issues you didn’t see before.