Many new lawyers fall for the misconception that someone — a law school, firm, or mentor — will teach them everything they need to know to succeed in law. This myth can lead to stagnation, missed opportunities, and dissatisfaction with the profession. Instead, early-career attorneys should proactively shape their own growth and development.
Here are three key strategies for taking charge of your legal career:
1. Seek Out a Mentor
A good mentor can provide invaluable insights into the legal profession. As a young lawyer, you may not realize what you don’t know. Sharing your experiences with a mentor — both within and outside your workplace — can help you contextualize and evaluate your professional journey. Mentors can offer guidance, share lessons from their own careers, and provide perspectives you might not have considered.
2. Request and Process Feedback
Feedback is essential for growth, yet it’s not always readily offered in the fast-paced legal world. Actively seek feedback on your work, particularly when reviewing changes or comments on your documents. If something is unclear, don’t hesitate to request a meeting to understand the rationale behind edits.
Receiving feedback requires an open mindset. Use constructive criticism to improve, rather than taking it personally or dismissing it. Conversely, if feedback is consistently unavailable or supervisors show no interest in your development, consider whether your current environment is conducive to growth.
3. Create a Skills Checklist and Pursue Opportunities
Develop a checklist of skills and experiences you aim to acquire, tailored to your practice area. For instance, litigators might include taking a deposition or cross-examining a witness, while employment lawyers might list handling labor audits or defending wage claims.
Actively seek opportunities to check off items on your list, ensuring you broaden your expertise and build a strong foundation. As you gain experiences, document them in a “Done List” to track your progress and accomplishments.
Final Thoughts
Taking ownership of your career requires intentionality and effort but can unlock opportunities and lead to a fulfilling legal career. By finding mentors, embracing feedback, and building your skillset, you can move confidently toward success in the legal profession.
