Done differently.

"What is one thing you would have done differently as a junior associate?"

I see this batted around a lot.

Honestly, parts of my first years at a firm are very, very blurry.

It's a fast moving and changing role.

One thing I implemented with time, but wish I had done sooner is:

🌟 Have a matter intake checklist (and process). 🌟

When assigned to a matter--whether for one-off research or to assist for the long haul--open a new file (on paper or virtually, however you keep track) and consider:

🟢 Matter Name

🟢 Matter Number

🟢 Case Name, Number, and Jurisdiction

🟢 Partner Reporting To

🟢 Senior/Other Associate(s) on File

🟢 Client's Role (Plaintiff, Defendant, Respondent, Appellant)

🟢 Opposing Party and Counsel (and Their Role)

🟢 Upcoming Deadline(s)

🟢 Existing Pleadings (and Procedural Status)

🟢 Legal Issues at Play

🟢 Elements of Each Claim

🟢 Outstanding Questions

Weekly, Bi-Weekly, and/or Monthly return to this checklist for all pending matters, and:

🔵 Confirm the matter's status.

🔵 Update as needed.

🔵 Close out (but save in a "closed" file) matters you're finished with.

These materials can become your:

🟣 Vacation memo;

🟣 Safety net--the thing you fall back on when overwhelmed and worried about what you're missing; and

🟣 A list of what you've done (and for who) ahead of annual reviews.

Of course, transactional and litigation attorneys will track different items, but those adjustments can occur without changing the gist of the habit.

Do you keep a matter list or intake file?

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