First Year Advice

What do you remember about your first year practicing law?

My first year is a blur.

Although I had three years of clerking under my belt, there was so much I didn't know.

Especially around discovery--a place new litigation associates spend a lot of time.

I also was uncertain about switching from having one boss to having many bosses--from mid-level and senior associates to partners.

Then there was the question of competition: were my co-associates my friends?

What would I say to Emily, the first year associate, today?

👉 Breathe. It's a job. There are people around who can and will help you. It is okay to not know what you're doing--no one else knew what they were doing in the beginning either.

👉 Don't lose yourself. Keep up your hobbies. Keep up your relationships outside of work. Take time for yourself.

👉 Being seen is a real thing, but so is finding what works for you. Pick an in-the-office and work-from-home schedule quickly and stick to it.

👉 Watch and listen. To partners and senior associates giving you work, but also to everyone around you. What positive things are you hearing and experiencing? What negative things are you hearing and experiencing? Who seems genuine? Who is only concerned for themself?

👉 Take the feedback. Learn from it. And figure out: Who is trying to mold you into another version of them, as opposed to teaching you to be a good attorney in your own right?

👉 Figure out who you do and don't like working with and what topics you do and don't like working on. There won't be much you can do about that right away, but eventually you can and you'll want to be ready to make those decisions.

👉 Build credit. You build credit by being available, meeting deadlines, asking good questions, attending firm events. Once people know you do good work and are committed to the firm, you can start cashing in on that credit.

👉 Get to know the other associates--at your firm and at other firms. Maybe they'll be work-only friends, but some will be lifelong friends. It is important to have relationships with people who are in the trenches with you and can relate to your experience.

👉 Network--internally and externally. Business and client development is not a switch you can magically turn on once you approach or make partner. Start practicing those skills immediately.

Really, this all boils down to this: take it all in. There's so much to learn. There are so many opportunities to learn from and grow. There will be highs and lows every step of the way. Enjoy the ride and be true to yourself. You got this.

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