Being a new attorney can be a challenging and stressful time. Inexperienced lawyers often realize that they have a dearth of practical knowledge upon graduating law school. Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain is common. For many new attorneys, this may be their first foray into the workforce. Not only will there be challenging work assignments, but many will suddenly face new economic responsibilities. Rest assured that all seasoned attorneys started off as greenhorns. In this article, members of the Young Lawyer Editorial Board would like to share some practical advice that they would have given to themselves when they were attorneys entering the workforce.

Always Follow the Golden Rule

It is easy to lose sight of the fact that respect is of paramount importance in an adversarial profession. Being respectful to everyone you encounter goes a long way and will generally make your life easier. Always show respect to your adversaries, court reporters and courtroom staff. The same holds true for members of your firm whether it be the managing partner or the mail room staff. Kindness and humility are key to a successful and enjoyable career.

Try Different Practice Areas When Given the Opportunity

Many new attorneys have a preconceived notion of the specific area of the law in which they should be practicing. What they fail to recognize, however, is that many attorneys may be pigeonholed only a few short years into their careers. It is unlikely that an experienced transactional attorney will later make the switch to litigator. A new lawyer may have more opportunities to try different areas of practice. Be open and enthusiastic to taking on work that exposes you to diverse areas of the law.

Know Who to Approach When Asking Questions

New attorneys often find themselves asking for help based on who is available and willing to help. We all have our limitations and it is important to recognize our own shortcomings to try to address them, but it is also critically important to understand that our co-workers similarly have their limitations. Try to identify the experts within your office in the most common aspects of your practice. Developing this type of network of experts will not only make you a better attorney, but also saves you time and gives you peace of mind when facing an issue.

Strive to Be a Better Version of Yourself

Many new attorneys, and even experienced ones, try to emulate others. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but it is not the best way to develop your skill set as an attorney. You need to find a style that best fits your own personality and abilities. What works for your courtroom idol may be downright awkward if adopted by someone else. Stop worrying about being like someone else and start working toward an improved version of you.

Understand When It Is Appropriate to Be a Zealous Advocate

Less experienced attorneys frequently assume that it is their responsibility to consistently be a passionate advocate for their client. Many wrongly conclude that every case event can be a deciding factor in the litigation. Knowing your audience is half the battle. Impassioned pleas are generally not appropriate at case management conferences, in discovery court or at oral argument before a judge. Having an inappropriate tone and demeanor may cause you to lose credibility. Save the courtroom theatrics for limited circumstances.

Find a Supportive Mentor

New attorneys often fail to take interest in gaining mentorship until it is time to seek out new employment. It is invaluable to have someone in your corner that you can go to for advice on career advancement, work relationships and how to be a well-rounded professional. It may be preferable to have a mentor who works outside of your law firm or area of practice. An ideal mentor is accessible, knowledgeable in her field, and well-connected in the legal community.

Take Control of Your Finances Early in Your Career

While everyone's situation is different, educate yourself about the basics of personal finance including what types of benefits you may have through work, such as investing in a 401k, along with any match that your firm may offer. Also take into consideration repayment options for student loan debt. Saving and investing even small amounts when you are just starting out can be an enormous boost for your financial health at the end of your career. It is equally true that failing to save anything early on can have a devastating impact in your later years. Take advantage of the decades that you have in front of you to allow compound interest to work its magic.

Conclusion

The end of the year is perfect time to reflect, self-evaluate, and set new goals for the upcoming year. Feelings of self-doubt are likely to fade as you become more acquainted with your new environment. We have all been in your shoes as a new attorney, and you too will someday look back and think about what you wish you knew then. Be patient, be practical, be kind and always be true to yourself.

The YL Editorial Board members: Leigh Ann Benson, Rachel Dichter, Scott Finger, Sarah Goodman, Thomas Gushue, Kevin Harden, Jae Kim, Kandis Kovalsky, Bethany Nikitenko, Rob Stanko, chairman; Jeffrey Stanton and Shohin Vance