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Tips For Success As A New Associate

Graduating from law school and entering the legal field can be difficult.

Whether it is navigating a new firm or stepping out of your comfort zone, there are a number of unpredictable challenges.

Law.com recently spoke to experts at Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis about three challenges newly law grads often face including: partner compensation, organizational skills, and developing relationships as an introvert.

CURIOSITY ABOUT PARTNER COMPENSATION

For many new associates, there may be curiosity behind compensation between equity versus nonequity partners.

However, experts say, new associates should focus their efforts on learning how to be a lawyer rather than compensation politics.

“While it is always good to have information, your first priority after graduation and joining a new firm is to learn how to become a good lawyer,” Albert S. Dandridge III, a partner at Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, tells Law.com. “You do not want to be perceived as being too far over your skis.”

Other experts say your reputation as a new associate is critical.

“Work hard and develop a reputation for being good at your job,” David Robert Struwe, an associate at Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, tells Law.com. “With respect to paying attention to who is who in the hierarchy of the firm, just treat everyone the same, whether it be the janitor or the chairman.”

ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS

The legal world can get chaotic if you don’t have strong organizational skills. Experts say it’s important to take an organized approach in order to avoid mistakes and increase productivity.

Chelsey Lambert is Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Smokeball, a provider of practice management software for small law firms. In an article for Above The Law, Lambert says attorneys should focus on budgeting their time if they want to increase productivity.

One tip Lambert suggests is getting used to the practice of using a calendar that’s built for your schedule.

“There are many calendar options for busy attorneys, but you’ll need one that will easily integrate into your existing system,” Lambert writes. “For example, if you’re someone who communicates mostly by email, an electronic calendar will make it easy to add appointments that were scheduled via email. Also, online calendars offer easy access for multiple people from anywhere in the world.”

Jonathan B. Skowron, an associate at Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, uses a multitude of calendars to stay organized.

“I use my Outlook calendar, a desk calendar and a wall calendar to keep track of deadlines,” Skowron tells Law.com. “I also try to get another person (like a paralegal) to keep track of key deadlines as well. It sounds (and is) a little crazy, but it’s better than missing a deadline.”

DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS

Stepping out of your comfort zone to connect with others can be difficult, especially if you’re an introvert.

Still, experts say, relationships are critical in the legal world. If you want to network successfully, it takes effort.

“It is important to overcome your fears about networking with work colleagues,” Julie Meyers, CMO at Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, tells Law.com. “Start by going to lunch with either a junior or senior associate who can show you the ropes, and build from there.”

Additionally, experts say, even the small gestures can go a long way.

“Drop by the office of a person you want to meet and express an interest in their work,” Osazenoriuwa Ebose, an associate at Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, tells Law.com. “When you feel ready, ask them to lunch. Be purposeful and I think you’ll be pleased how easy it is to feel connected with others in your firm.”

Sources: Law.com, Above The Law

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