"Your attitude will go a long way in determining your success, your recognition, your reputation and your enjoyment in being a lawyer."
- Joe Jamail
On January 13, 2023, Texas gained a new lawyer and I had the honor of watching her take her oath from the Honorable Tonya Parker of the 116th Judicial District Court, Dallas County, Texas. This young lawyer has continuously excelled, despite the ups and downs life brought her...and developed a heart of gold. I am excited to see her advocate for those who can't advocate for themselves.
Welcome to the Bar HGB!
A Few of My Tips for New Lawyers:
Befriend a more experienced attorney in your area of law.
You need someone in your life who is willing to help you, mentor you and introduce you to people. Be cautious in who you choose for this -- you want someone with a good reputation in your local law community. There is nothing wrong with piggy-backing off their credibility.- Learn how to sell yourself and your skills to potential clients.
Every single consultation that you have with a potential client is not only your chance to help someone with a legal problem, but it is also their interview of you, much like a job interview. - Humble yourself and never stop learning.
After everything you've been through, its hard not to feel like you know it all. To some extent, that is true. As a recent law graduate and Bar examinee, you probably know more law than you will ever know in your legal career. However, you know little about the actual practice of law. Realize that and be open to criticism from lawyers and judges.
Also -- keep in mind that with legislative sessions every two years, opinions from appellate courts coming out daily, and the changing of rules -- your legal education constantly and consistently changes. - Take care of your client.
It is important to remember that this is a very serious and sometimes emotional time for your client. At times, their behavior may seem rash and illogical -- your job is to be the objective, reasonable one who guides them in the right directions and calms them down at times. You will have to do some hand holding and will have to talk them off the ledge at times. - Seek work-life balance.
This is a very difficult, demanding job. Set boundaries. Take time for self-care. Unplug at times. Spend some downtime each and every week doing things, besides law, that you love, with people you love. - Collaborate and network.
Spend time with your colleagues, get to know your colleagues and meet new colleagues at all times. The other attorneys, their support staff, the Courts and the their staff are not your enemies. They are your friends and will help you when you are in a pinch, but only if you've taken the time to develop that relationship. - Social media is an excellent way to show people the best parts of who you are.
Befriend your colleagues on the appropriate platforms, share with them things about you and don't be afraid to brag on yourself (humbly) when you have a successful result for your client.
Its also a good idea to publicly on your colleagues and support them in their career. You may be opposing counsels at times, but more importantly, you are colleagues. - Charge fairly for your work.Your work has value. Your time has value. Your knowledge has value. Your experience has value. You should adequate charge for it. Ask around. Your legal community will help you determine your rates.
- Cultivate your skills.Do things to make yourself a better lawyer. Get involved in speaking events, write about topics in your area of law, attend luncheons and other CLE events, etc.
- Watch other attorneys in action and watch Judges conduct their Court.Watching others will teach you more than you can ever imagine. You can also prepare yourself mentally by sitting in the Court you are going to practice in and watch how the Judge and the Court staff treats others.
