Becoming a member of the bar is a memorable occasion marked by new opportunities and challenges alike. Early in their careers, young lawyers must navigate how the standards of professional conduct apply to their specific roles. Law school ethics class suddenly feels practical rather than hypothetical. The following discusses a few common early-career ethical challenges, including tips for how best to navigate these issues.

Competence

All attorneys, including early-career attorneys who at times may feel overwhelmed or unprepared, must provide "competent representation" to clients. The Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct say that competent representation requires "the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation." Thus, young lawyers must ensure they are adequately prepared and knowledgeable in their practice areas. This often means ensuring they have proper support from a more experienced attorney. Opportunities to "stretch" their skills, including on pro bono matters, should always be balanced with self-awareness. While it is good to dream big, we should also know when we have reached our limits and seek guidance or additional training if necessary. For example, if a lawyer is focused on civil cases, he or she may want to think twice before agreeing to take on a complicated criminal matter. That is not to say attorneys cannot venture outside their comfort zones, but proper support is needed to remain "competent" as required by the rules. Engaging in continuing legal education programs and seeking feedback from more experienced attorneys on an ongoing basis will help us maintain high ethical standards.