Young Lawyers Q&A

A diverse panel of lawyers and other professionals from Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis answers a few select questions in this recurring column, advising young lawyers about their career, professional development, office politics, business development, pro bono work, relationships with mentors and colleagues, and more.

Here is this month's Q&A on (1) doing quality work, (2) getting courtroom experience, and (3) drinking at business meals:

Question #1: What are some secrets for delivering quality work products as a brand new associate, in response to assignments from partners? I know it will be a “work in progress” for a while, but what can I do to produce useful work even in my first few months?

JONATHAN B. SKOWRON: When the partner is giving you the assignment, don't end the conversation without getting an answer to two key questions: What exactly is the question they want answered? What format do they want it in—memo, brief or email?

CLAUDIA RAYER: How about a third question—What is the deadline? Also, take careful notes and then summarize what you understand to be the expectations. This gives the partner a chance to correct any misunderstandings or add more detail to the instructions.

NICOLE LEACH: Ask as many questions as possible and keep the partner up-to-date on your progress.

DAVID ROBERT STRUWE: I would add that it is crucial to always do thorough research.

LAUREL GIFT: Proofread. Proofread. Proofread. Don't give the partner a reason to doubt the thoroughness or accuracy of your research. And don't be shy about asking questions you perceive to be basic.

JULIE MEYERS: Simply put, always write the piece as if it were a final draft that will be going to the client since, in essence, the partner is your client for all intents and purposes.

ALBERT S. DANDRIDGE III: Be humble. The partner does not care how smart you think you are, he/she just wants the assignment done correctly.

JONATHAN W. HUGG: Keep a diary about your assignments, including your thoughts on lessons learned, what you think you did right, and what you could improve. The act of self-analysis will lead over time to maturity as a lawyer.

Question #2: I need more courtroom experience. What is the best way to get it as a young lawyer?

SKOWRON: Pro bono! It's a great way to get courtroom experience, often much earlier than you would with billable work. Find a local landlord-tenant clinic, or take on a prisoner's rights case, and off you go.

LEACH: I agree that pro bono work is likely the best way. Plus, you can always find time on a slow day to go to the local courthouse and watch public trials.

RAYER: Pro bono work is not only good for your development, it also benefits the community and serves the “higher calling” of the law.

MEYERS: An opportunity often overlooked is to sit as an arbitrator for a day through a court-operated compulsory arbitration program. You will get the benefit of seeing a case presented from the perspective of a decision-maker and observe how the attorneys try their cases.

GIFT: You can seek court appointed work through court-sponsored programs or agencies. Also, why not consider working for a time in a prosecutor's office—that's what I did—or a public defender office?

STRUWE: Join the JAG Corps. As a former Army JAG, I was “thrown into the fire” right out of law school, having to first chair prosecute felony level cases in Afghanistan and throughout the United States.

Question #3: What is the best approach to drinking alcohol when invited by partners to lunches and dinners with clients? The meals often end up being more social than business, but it's hard to know how to “fit in” when some partners get loose and others stay buttoned up.

DANDRIDGE: You are always on display, so do not do anything that would take you out of your comfort zone and who you are.

SKOWRON: I agree, drink or don't drink as you please. Just remember that no one wants to hire the lawyer who's slurring his speech.

HUGG: I believe it's foolish to drink any alcohol with clients or prospects. The occasion may feel social but it is always business. Do not overestimate your ability to remain in control of yourself.

RAYER: No matter what anyone says, drinking is never mandatory.

STRUWE: I enjoy having a drink, but whenever around co-workers at a work function, I will remain professional. Be courteous and friendly, but definitely don't drink just to fit in. Life's too short to always be worrying if you fit in.

GIFT: Partners should not make you feel pressured to “fit in” by drinking and if they are it may be an issue to take up with your supervisor or HR department. That being said, take cues from the client manager about whether it would be appropriate to have a drink with dinner. Drinking at lunch time presents other issues—such as competency should you plan on returning to work —and should be avoided.

Email your questions for next month's column to [email protected]. If selected, questions will be published anonymously; your name and firm/business name will not be published.

Schnader's Q&A panelists include: Albert S. Dandridge, III (Philadelphia partner, 1978 law school graduate); Laurel Gift (Pittsburgh partner, 2000 law school graduate); Jonathan W. Hugg (Philadelphia partner, 1994 law school graduate); Nicole Leach (Philadelphia associate, 2015 law school graduate); Julie Meyers (Chief Marketing Officer, 1986 law school graduate); Claudia Rayer (Director of Human Resources); Jonathan B. Skowron (Pittsburgh associate, 2009 law school graduate); David Robert Struwe (Philadelphia associate, 2011 law school graduate).