Patrick W. Zalman, associate with Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm in Fort Lauderdale.

I've been practicing law for over five years, and have been fortunate to learn critical lessons from some excellent mentors that have become the foundation upon which I am building my career. I understand many lawyers of my generation have not had the benefit of these lessons; however, they are essential for success. For the benefit of my fellow "millennial" lawyers at the dawn of their legal career, I have grouped these lessons into the following five pillars: networking; personal accountability; managing client relationships; framing client expectations; and proper work-life balance.

Networking

Networking is the life blood of business success, plain and simple. While in law school, I was an intern at my current employer, Haliczer Pettis and Schwamm. Early into my internship I learned the value of maintaining a network of professionals from a variety of fields and backgrounds. To this end, I maintained connections with the partners of Haliczer Pettis and Schwamm and, roughly five years after my internship concluded, I was contacted by the firm with a job offer. A year ago, maintaining my network resulted in an employment opportunity; now, burgeoning a network could result in the next big case for my firm. In fact, the success of Haliczer Pettis and Schwamm's transition from a defense firm to a plaintiff-oriented medical malpractice, personal injury and wrongful death practice has been the result of each firm member cultivating their network throughout their career. Certainly, this avenue of success warrants replication in any professional's career.

Personal Accountability

Personal accountability is essential for practicing law. As stated above, maintaining a network was the best advice I received for success in my career. However, the best advice I received regarding the practice of law was to always act like I am a solo practitioner. This advice holds true whether you actually have your own firm or are one attorney in a firm of hundreds of attorneys. I was told to always remember that it's my license to practice law and my reputation that I put forward in every case. This means being accountable for all aspects of your practice, including overseeing your assistant or paralegal, and following up with partners. For example, the motion you were drafting is not complete simply because you sent it off to a partner or client for review. You want to ensure it is reviewed, edited and filed before the deadline. Also, check with your assistant to establish that all exhibits have been attached to the motion. Finally, request that you review the filed version with an electronic filing stamp. Now you can feel assured that the job is done.

Managing Client Relationships

Managing client relationships is a key quality for both plaintiff and defense practices. This trait will certainly allow positive results with your current clientele but will also have the benefit of expanding your professional network. For example, a civil defense litigator will need to respond to emails from claim adjusters, general counsel, corporate representatives and the like. A rule of thumb is to respond to these emails within 24 to 48 hours; however the response should actually provide the information sought and not just a general "I will look into it." Simply responding to emails in a timely fashion can make a name for yourself within your client's organization. For example, the claim adjuster will end up discussing your case with their supervisor and then up the chain of command to a decision maker who may decide to request your individual services. Not only has your customer service brought your firm more cases, but it has made you an asset within the firm. The same customer service attributes apply to a plaintiff-oriented practice. For instance, a personal injury client may not need repeat service from you or your firm. However your former client may recommend you to friends, family and co-workers. In any practice a good recommendation has the potential to be worth more than the original case. Moreover, multiple recommendations may lead to a reputation in the community for excellent service.

Framing Client Expectations

Framing client expectations throughout litigation is pivotal for growing your reputation and building your network. As litigation progresses your legal strategy will often evolve as more evidence presents itself through discovery; this is only natural. However, you want the updates to your client to present realistic expectations to allow a fluid litigation strategy. For example, if you promise your client a huge payday you may develop expectations that factually can't be achieved for reasons outside of your control. The same is true if you promise a particular legal result, such as winning a particular motion; you may find yourself suddenly explaining why the court didn't rule in your favor.  It's important to be accurate and realistic in managing client expectations from the start of your case.

Proper Work-Life Balance

Proper work-life balance will allow you to appreciate the hard work and sacrifice you've made in developing a successful career. Above, I discussed four pillars for getting ahead at the outset of a legal career. The last pillar is centered on your own well-being by maintaining a healthy work-life ratio. I once asked my firm's managing partner, Jim Haliczer, how he managed to establish a successful business and perpetuate a close relationship with his then college-bound son. He told me that he attended every one of his son's events from birthday parties to scholastic activities, but while he was at the office he was completely focused on his practice to allow time to attend those familial events. Family has always been a priority of mine, and that advice has helped me to balance my career ambitions with my family life. Sure, I often put in long hours, but I plan ahead to guarantee that I'm home for dinner, or available for weekend get-togethers. I am currently focused on achieving my goals for the next five years of my legal career, and I expect to learn additional lessons as my experience practicing law broadens. However, the five pillars I have  discussed above will always be the foundation upon which I can achieve professional and personal success.

Patrick W. Zalman, an associate with Haliczer Pettis and Schwamm, focuses his practice in the areas of personal injury, civil rights, employment litigation and business litigation.