Advice for My Younger Self About Working as An Attorney
Embarking on a legal career can be both exciting and daunting for young attorneys. This article offers valuable advice for those starting their journey in the legal profession, drawing on insights from seasoned experts in the field. From collaboration strategies to effective time management and the importance of empathetic listening, these tips will help new lawyers navigate the complexities of their chosen career path.
- Collaborate with Other Attorneys to Accelerate Growth
- Listen Carefully and Manage Time Effectively
- Slow Down and Prioritize Empathetic Listening
Collaborate with Other Attorneys to Accelerate Growth
I would advise my younger self to work for other attorneys, either part-time or as a contractor. I started my own firm immediately after law school. I would not change that decision because I would not be as knowledgeable about the business side of the legal industry without starting early and being forced to learn. However, when I first started, I was reluctant to work for anyone else. Now, I collaborate with other attorneys and firms, even working as an independent contractor. I've learned a lot from other attorneys, which has helped me improve my own business, and I have been able to maintain my independence. I would advise my younger self that this collaboration is possible and will accelerate your growth as an attorney.
Listen Carefully and Manage Time Effectively
Ask extra questions early on. Do not assume you know the whole story. People often omit essential facts, which may dramatically change the outcome of a case. Listening effectively makes you a stronger advocate.
Take better care of your time. Earlier in my career, I attempted to handle everything myself. Delegating sooner would have allowed me to progress more quickly and avoid burnout. Treat time as a valuable tool.
Remain steady, not reactive. This work has both highs and lows. I've learned to keep my emotions under control, particularly during trials and negotiations. Clients trust you more when you remain calm.
Relationships are more important than winning. Judges, clients, and peers remember how you treated them. Long-term respect usually outweighs short-term success.
Slow Down and Prioritize Empathetic Listening
If I could talk to my younger self, I'd keep it simple: Slow down. Listen more.
When I first started practicing law, I was eager to prove myself. I thought success meant having the right answers and delivering them quickly. However, I've learned that the real value in this work doesn't come from how rapidly you speak—it comes from how attentively you listen. To clients. To judges. Even to opposing counsel. The best results begin with understanding what's truly being communicated.
In the beginning, I believed that being an excellent personal injury lawyer was all about legal skills—writing a compelling brief or winning a challenging negotiation. And yes, those skills are important. But what truly makes the difference is empathy. It's being there for your client in a way that conveys, "I see you. I hear you. We're in this together."
Some of the most valuable lessons come from the most difficult days—the cases that didn't proceed as planned, the moments you wish you had handled differently. You learn, you improve, and you continue moving forward.
This profession isn't easy. But it's significant. And what I've come to realize is that the quiet moments—those where you simply sit and listen—often end up being more meaningful than any courtroom victory ever could.
