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When you are in the trenches of your 1L year, it can be hard to understand how the endless hours of reading, book-briefing, and outlining will apply to real legal practice. But there are many steps you can take as a law student to set yourself up for success as a practicing lawyer—including adopting certain habits and mindsets and seeking out specific learning experiences.
In Vault’s most recent Annual Associate Survey, we asked law firm associates how they felt law school prepared them for practice and what advice they have for law students in preparing for life as an associate. Read on for some of their advice.
"Be open to practice areas that weren't on your radar if you click with the people."
"Ask questions, even if you're scared to do so. It will freak a supervising attorney out of if a young attorney doesn't ask anything. It means they're probably not doing the assignment correctly."
"Organization is key. Learn to keep your own calendar and have an excel spreadsheet of all of your cases and deadlines. Juggling litigation work can be hard, so you need to be as organized as possible."
"Communicate with partners as much as possible (but not in an annoying clingy way)—let them know if you anticipate not meeting a deadline, if you are having trouble with something, if you are overloaded with work, etc. Also, read daily legal newsfeeds to see what topical issues are being discussed—occasionally the court opinion you just read will be applicable to a situation a client is in and the partner will be impressed you are familiar with recent precedent."
"Take ownership of your cases and be as proactive as possible. You'll build a good rapport with your partners and get better experience early."
"Be willing to accept new opportunities when presented and do not hesitate to ask for the same."
"Work hard; when receiving assignments, get at least: client/matter billing information, due date, type of work product expected, approximate number of hours to spend before checking back in with assigning attorney; write down your time immediately upon stopping work (do not wait); take good notes; know all the facts for your case."
"Find a group of people who can make any given field of law interesting to you rather than finding a field of law and hoping you get along with those people."
"You should be indifferent and unbothered while pretending like each matter is your top priority. Don't die at your desk. Say no to things. Not too much, but don't always say yes."
"Read the room. Partners are often of a different generation. Try to mirror their communication styles and expectations for how associates behave. It will not necessarily be noticed that you meet those expectations of decorum, but it will always be noticed if you are obviously 'Gen Z' or out of touch with traditional professional codes of conduct."
"Do the easy/simple tasks well—show you are a safe pair of hands."
"More communication is better than insufficient communication. Know your strengths and have confidence when appropriate, but also know when to ask for help. You have not been a lawyer yet (or for long), so willingness to learn (and not acting like you know everything) will take you far."
"Talk to as many attorneys as you can, review all feedback and comments you receive, and ask questions."
"Network and stay in touch with the folks. Your next opportunity may come from them."
"Explain your value proposition to people. Know what you bring to the table. Be willing to say yes to things but also understand your goals and how the work is going to help you achieve those goals."
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