January 19, 2007
Now that the class of 2006 lawyers have been in place for at least a quarter, I’m curious…
From the new lawyer side, what’s been your biggest lesson? What gaps have you observed between your skills and knowledge on your first day of work and what the firm expected of you? What would you do differently if you had the opportunity?
From the not-so-new lawyer side, what have you observed about the 2006 class of new lawyers? Did you expect more of them than they were able to deliver and, if so, in what area(s)? What would you recommend that law schools, law firms, and/or new lawyers do differently to minimize the gap (if any) between your expectations and what new lawyers were able to deliver?
This is a conversation that I’ve been having with numerous new lawyers and more senior firm personnel recently, and the comments I’ve received are fascinating. I won’t share the comments (yet), because I’d really appreciate hearing from some readers. Please, either leave comments here on the blog or email me via jfb AT lifeatthebar.com. (You may, of course, remain anonymous.) I’ll use what I learn not only in working with newish lawyers but also for preparation of a presentation that I and 3 colleagues will be making at the NALP annual meeting in April entitled “Facilitating a Successful Transition from Student to Lawyer.”Â
I look forward to your comments. Thanks in advance for participating!
Welcome back!
it’s been a while since my first day at the firm, but i’ve seen plenty of problems with new assocs. they need to ask more questions about assignments, not pretend they get it or know it all. maybe they’re scared or afraid somebody will figure out they aren’t worth $125K, but it comes off as arrogant and yet clueless.
bigger problem is that new lawyers don’t get the need to understand business. they don’t know what clients care about and they cn’t talk about the business effects of the legal issues. not sure of the answer, but thats something new lawyers need to understand they day they start.
Thanks, 4th year. I appreciate your insight.