Set the Tone: MoFo’s Success Strategies for New Associates
The transition from law school to practice can be daunting, but it’s also packed with opportunities to build your reputation, expand your network, and accelerate your growth. As a new associate, you’ll be surrounded by talented colleagues, robust mentorship, and training resources designed to help you thrive. By developing strong habits, actively seeking feedback, forging genuine relationships, and consistently demonstrating initiative, you’ll set yourself apart and lay the groundwork for long-term success. The choices you make now will shape your trajectory, so lean in and make every day count.
Below are the tried-and-true tips from Morrison Foerster partners Ali Connaughton, Matt Ferry, Ryan Keats, Purvi Patel, Bita Rahebi, and members of our Attorney Recruiting and Attorney Learning & Development teams.
What are habits you recommend first-year associates develop early in their careers, and why?
As a first-year associate, developing the right habits early can set the tone for your career. Start by asking thoughtful questions; never leave a meeting or call without a clear understanding of your assignment’s deliverables and deadlines, as well as the bigger picture. This not only helps you avoid mistakes but also demonstrates genuine engagement. Embrace a growth mindset by staying curious, humble, and open to feedback; your willingness to learn will accelerate your professional development. Proactive communication is key: regularly update supervising attorneys on your progress and workload to build trust and manage expectations effectively. Aim to finish assignments ahead of deadlines when possible, as this shows independence and gives you more control over your schedule. Organization is essential, so establish routines for tracking tasks, entering your time, and managing your inbox; consistent organization frees your mind for substantive client work and boosts efficiency. Don’t hesitate to use the firm’s professional development resources or seek guidance from mentors and peers; everyone is learning, and support is part of the journey. Thinking ahead and anticipating what senior lawyers might need sets you apart as a reliable team player. Finally, be comfortable with discomfort; growth means stretching beyond your comfort zone, so take every challenge as a sign you’re progressing as a professional. Building these habits now will lay the foundation for a successful and rewarding career.
What advice would you give to first-year associates about building relationships within the firm?
The best way to build relationships is to show up—literally and figuratively. Come into the office and take advantage of impromptu conversations with colleagues and partners; these moments spark mentorships and friendships that can shape your career. Don’t just stick to your practice group; connect with peers, mentors, and business professionals across the firm. Attend firm events, join committees, and participate in affinity groups to expand your network and meet attorneys at all levels. Be proactive: knock on doors, introduce yourself, grab coffee, and ask thoughtful questions. Even if you’re an introvert, put yourself out there; any initial awkwardness fades quickly as relationships form. Make time for informal check-ins and show genuine interest in others’ work and lives; being approachable and authentic goes a long way. Remember, practicing law at a firm is a team sport, and supporting your colleagues helps everyone succeed. Above all, be professional and kind, but also get to know people outside the office. These everyday interactions and connections will lay the foundation for a strong, collaborative network that supports your growth throughout your career.
How can first-year associates effectively seek and incorporate feedback into their work?
To grow quickly as a first-year associate, make seeking feedback a regular part of your workflow. Don’t wait for feedback to come to you; proactively ask supervising attorneys for specific, actionable input after each assignment. If you don’t receive feedback, schedule a brief meeting to discuss your work and how you can improve. When you receive edits, run a redline and ask about changes you don’t understand; learning different attorneys’ styles will help you adapt your work product. Approach feedback with curiosity, not defensiveness; view it as a tool for growth, not criticism. Document key points from feedback so you can reference them for future assignments and avoid repeating mistakes. Go beyond “How did I do?” and ask targeted questions like “What’s one thing I could have improved?” or “How was my client communication?” Show that you’re implementing feedback by applying it to your next project; this demonstrates initiative and reliability. Embrace the discomfort that comes with constructive criticism; it’s a sign you’re learning and evolving. Ultimately, open communication and a willingness to learn will help you build trust, improve your skills, and set you apart as a proactive, growth-oriented attorney.
How can first-year associates make the most of mentorship and training opportunities?
To make the most of mentorship and training, be proactive and intentional from day one. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; reach out to mentors and peers, set up regular check-ins, and come prepared with questions or goals to discuss. Treat every interaction, whether formal or informal, as a chance to learn: grab coffee, join office events, and participate in training sessions with genuine curiosity. Build trust by sharing your interests and challenges, and follow up on advice you receive. Take advantage of mentors who can offer candid, practical guidance. Remember, every attorney brings a unique perspective; embrace different working styles and use feedback to refine your approach. Make time for as many training and networking opportunities as possible, both in-person and virtual; you never know what insight will pay off later. Treat mentorship and training as investments in your career and actively apply what you learn to your daily practice. The more you engage, the more you’ll grow, and soon you’ll be able to pay it forward to others. Your initiative and openness will set you up for long-term success and help you build a strong, supportive professional network.
How can first-year associates demonstrate initiative and add value to their teams?
To stand out and add value as a first-year associate, embrace an ownership mindset and always look for ways to go beyond the task at hand. Don’t wait for work to come to you; raise your hand, offer to help, and proactively ask about the case, the client, and the strategy. Stay engaged with matters even after submitting assignments by following up on next steps and showing interest in how your work fits into the bigger picture. Actively participate in meetings, summarize key takeaways, and circulate them to your team to keep projects organized and moving forward. Anticipate what’s needed next, flag potential issues early, and communicate your status regularly to keep colleagues informed. Treat every assignment as an opportunity to deliver client-ready, error-free work, and tailor your deliverables to the needs of your internal or external clients. Seek feedback on every project, keep a running list of lessons learned, and review it often to avoid repeating mistakes. Be resourceful and thoughtful with your questions, demonstrating both curiosity and diligence. By consistently showing reliability, initiative, and a willingness to contribute—even on small tasks—you’ll build trust, support your team’s success, and accelerate your own professional growth.
Remember, your journey is what you make of it. Show up with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn. Build connections across the firm, embrace feedback as a tool for growth, and take ownership of your contributions—no matter how big or small. The more you engage, the more you’ll gain, and soon you’ll be the one guiding new associates on their own path. Invest in yourself and your team, and you’ll find that the rewards go far beyond your first year.
MoFo is a destination law firm for talented and ambitious attorneys who value collaboration, teamwork, and commitment to excellence. We are known around the world not only for delivering innovative yet practical client service but also for serving as an incubator for our top-notch talent. Explore MoFo To-Go for an in-depth look at our Summer Associate Program, discover the opportunities awaiting you, and embrace our core values.