Coming up on my 30th anniversary in law, I’ve found the word “practice” aptly describes my career. This milestone got me thinking about what I’ve learned over the course of three decades, both as a lawyer in general as well as a woman of color in the legal profession. Now is as good a time as any to share those lessons learned:
1. Don’t take criticism personally. Especially when just starting out, young attorneys won’t know everything. Actually, they won’t even know most things. That will be a new feeling for most lawyers, since they are typically overachievers who have excelled academically most of their lives. But the rigors of high school, college and even law school don’t hold a candle to practicing law. Many of the skills that bring success in academia do translate well to the professional world—discipline, resourcefulness, an ability to go for long stretches without a good night’s sleep—but the real world doesn’t distribute grades. Feedback is rarely instant, and there’s not always a “right” answer. Often, there’s just a “better” answer.
This content has been archived. It is available through our partners, LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law.
To view this content, please continue to their sites.
Not a Lexis Subscriber?
Subscribe Now
Not a Bloomberg Law Subscriber?
Subscribe Now
LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law are third party online distributors of the broad collection of current and archived versions of ALM's legal news publications. LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law customers are able to access and use ALM's content, including content from the National Law Journal, The American Lawyer, Legaltech News, The New York Law Journal, and Corporate Counsel, as well as other sources of legal information.
For questions call 1-877-256-2472 or contact us at [email protected]
