Happy New Year! 2020 is officially over! The worst year we all can probably remember is now officially behind us and there is hope for a better 2021. While 2021 definitely got off to an interesting start, with vaccines rolling out, there is hope for an end to this plague. I, at least, am optimistic that, before the end of 2021, I will have held my newborn nephew, hugged my mother and engaged in a rigorous game of hide and seek with my other nieces and nephews.

For the moment, though, we are still ensconced in a virtual world. With this pandemic, workplaces have closed, litigation and depositions are now occurring over different virtual platforms, meetings are now all over Zoom, and in-office meetings have come to a temporary end. These sudden and unexpected changes to the way we practice law have affected all of us, especially young lawyers. Being a new lawyer comes with all kinds of complexities in a normal year, but even more so in this new virtual world. However, one thing that younger lawyers excel at is pivoting, changing direction and developing new career goals. To assist with that, I am providing the following New Year's resolutions for all young lawyers to assist with making 2021 the best year yet:

  • Take initiative!

Now, more than ever, it is more important for you, young lawyers, to take the initiative. Seek out a mentor, whether in your firm or not. Reach out to people who practice areas of law that you are interested in. Let the partners in your firm know what you are interested in and what you want to learn. Do you want more courtroom experience? Talk to a partner about how that can get that additional experience. Now is the time to take the bull by the horns and take charge of your career.

  • Along that same line, use the telephone!

Yes, the rectangular shaped device that you constantly use for all things except as a phone. Now is the time to use it. Call the partner you work for to ask questions, get advice, or to simply develop a relationship. Developing relationships with the people you work with is crucial for both workplace happiness and for your career at that firm. When you actively express interest in the work, people take notice.