The legal profession demands precision and excellence from the outset. Young lawyers are trained to be meticulous, efficient, and thorough. However, mistakes are inevitable, especially early in your career, and handling them effectively is crucial for growth and maintaining professional integrity.
Act Immediately When You Identify a Mistake
The first step in addressing a mistake is prompt disclosure. As one of my early mentors taught me, most issues can be resolved if caught early. If you realize you’ve made an error:
- Disclose it immediately to your supervising attorney.
- Don’t wait to see if it goes unnoticed.
- Avoid denial or cover-ups.
Timing is critical, especially for mistakes like missing a litigation deadline or accidentally disclosing privileged information. Early disclosure minimizes the risk of compounding the problem.
Seek Guidance if You’re Unsure
If you’re uncertain about whether you’ve made a mistake, consult a trusted mentor or colleague for a second opinion. While it can be helpful to brainstorm potential solutions, prioritize prompt disclosure over exhaustive research if the matter is urgent.
Reflect and Prevent Future Errors
Once the mistake has been addressed, take time to reflect on what went wrong. Identify whether it was preventable and implement measures to avoid similar issues in the future. Use the experience as a learning opportunity to strengthen your practice.
Learn and Apply the Lesson
Mistakes can also be valuable teaching moments. For example, early in my career, I failed to confirm a court reporter for a deposition. Although the error caused a slight delay, my supervising partner used it as a learning opportunity rather than a reprimand. To ensure it didn’t happen again, I created a preparation checklist that included confirming a court reporter.
By taking ownership of your mistakes and responding with integrity, you not only resolve immediate issues but also establish a reputation for accountability and growth. Even if all supervisors aren’t as understanding, demonstrating a commitment to learning from errors will strengthen your career in the long term.
