As many know, being a new lawyer is tough and the transition from law school to law practice can be abrupt. While the practice of law does not have the artificial difficulty built into it by the curve, where you are constantly competing with classmates, the practice of law presents many more challenges. The practice of law is stressful and law school does not prepare future lawyers for the long hours, business demands, and the high-stakes decisions. When you're dealing with real live issues there's a lot more pressure than turning in a 20-page legal brief or preparing for a mock trial competition. Especially in the realm of family law, my day-to-day includes advocating on behalf of my clients most important pillars of their lives: children, finances, and emotional well-being.

To combat the stressors from the practice of law, and regardless of the area of law, a new lawyer should remember these following five tips not taught in law school.

• Find a mentor
• Develop your own style
• Improve your soft skills
• Practice civility
• Get involved with your community

Find a Mentor

You may be the smartest and best new lawyer, but every lawyer needs a mentor. Even if it is someone who reminds you to practice humility. For new lawyers, a mentor can be a partner at your firm, a law professor, or another attorney you may have connected with at a local bar association networking event. Regardless of who that mentor is for you, that role should not be arbitrarily filled. A new lawyer should strive to find an attorney or group of attorneys who share common interests and provide professional guidance tailored to your needs.