New lawyers entering the profession face a number of challenges. In addition to a lack of jobs and an uncertain economy, there is the added stress of staying safe during a global pandemic. New lawyers are not the only ones feeling the pressure. Everyone is being asked to “pivot” as we move through these “unprecedented” times. Even though our lives look very different than they did a year ago, our careers will extend beyond this time in history. Whether we are in-person or virtual, maintaining our professionalism will help us build our careers.
Recognize that no matter where you are in your career, there is always something for you to learn. Be confident but not arrogant. Ask questions when you don’t know something. Seek advice. Show respect to everyone, including staff. Remember that some of the people at the bottom of the pay scale know more about the inner workings of the firm or organization than those at the top. Pretend you are the anonymous CEO on Undercover Boss. Show appreciation for the help you receive and take time to say thank you.
When you meet in person, look away from your screen. If the meeting is virtual, turn on your camera. Make eye contact — it signals that you are paying attention. Turn off your cell phone notifications during meetings. Don’t look at incoming messages on your watch — it makes people think you are bored. If you are truly listening, you are in a better position to ask clarifying questions and get things right. Listening also means accepting constructive criticism with gratitude and a genuine effort to improve. Respond without being defensive.
This includes proofreading emails, especially the ones you type on your phone. Maybe your client or colleague doesn’t notice typos, but do you want to take that chance? Check to see who is copied and what you have attached. The internet is full of examples of autocorrect blunders, unfortunate “reply all” messages and embarrassing mistakes. While these might be hilarious when they happen to other people, spend a little time before hitting send to make sure it does not happen to you.
This may mean that you redefine what success means to you. Of course, having money helps, but if you are not making your dream salary, do not view that as a failure. There are other metrics to measure happiness and success. If you are in a miserable job, or if you have found something else you love more, don’t be afraid to move your career. We have all learned how to do things differently in the past year. Have confidence in that and use it to your advantage.
If you receive a voicemail, avoid responding with an email. Use that person’s preferred communication method. Even if you do not respond substantively, let the sender know you received the message. Be civil when you respond. Don’t put anything in an email that you would not want to show up as an exhibit to a motion for sanctions filed with the court. When in doubt, pick up the phone.
Find a system that works for you. Use technology to keep track of “to-do” lists and set reminders. Do not over-commit yourself. This is how you demonstrate that you are trustworthy and competent. Turning down work is scary, but accepting work and doing a substandard job is even worse. Do not skimp on time you need for your physical and mental health. If you ignore things like downtime, exercise and sleep, you will start making more mistakes, becoming impatient with colleagues and eventually something will break down.
Make sure you have three to five “go-to” outfits that fit well and make you feel confident. Even though many offices are now “office casual,” you may still need more formal clothes for meetings with clients or going to court. Like it or not, studies have shown that the formality of clothing not only influences the way others perceive you, but how you perceive yourself. It also influences your performance. In one experiment, wearing formal business attire increased abstract thinking, which is important for creativity and long-term strategizing. In another study, subjects who dressed up negotiated more profitable deals.
Everyone makes mistakes. Trying to cover it up will only make your colleagues think less of you. Avoid making excuses or blaming someone else. Apologize and focus on fixing the problem.
Because it is your life. It is your personal brand. That means being honest and building your credibility. Don’t burn bridges. You never know when you will need to cross them again. Don’t make faces or roll your eyes in the courtroom when opposing counsel is speaking. It is not attractive, and someone will notice. Be courteous on the phone. Very little is “outrageous,” so don’t use that term lightly. If you find yourself starting a sentence with the phrase “with all due respect,” stop talking. Be kind to strangers because you literally do not know who they are. In your career, it is not just who you know, but what you are known for.
Bar associations and non-profit boards are a great place to build your career network. The CBA’s Young Lawyers Section is a ready-made way to meet other attorneys just starting out in their careers. When you get involved in a bar association or join a non-profit board, you can find a mentor outside your firm or organization, and explore a different direction for your career. Serving on a non-profit board lets you develop new skills like marketing, budgeting and strategic planning. Joining a bar association or a board will provide opportunities to socialize, demonstrate leadership, give back to the community and feel more connected to others in your profession.
Let’s face it. Most of us are not in the career we imagined during our first year of law school. We will get past the current hurdles. Things will get better. Maintaining focus on these things we can control will help us not only survive, but also thrive.
Grace Royalty is a Career Law Clerk to the Honorable Michael R. Barrett, United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. She serves on the CBA’s Professionalism Committee. Since 2017, she has taught Legal Ethics as an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law.