How Rookie Lawyers Can Avoid Big Mistakes
Most new lawyers make some mistakes, but some are worse than others, such as throwing huge tantrums, hiding errors and sending flaming e-mails.
Steven Bennett, a partner at Jones Day and the author of The Path to Partnership, offers advice to new lawyers on how to avoid these pitfalls in a National Law Journal article.
His recommendations:
Don’t cover up mistakes. Hiding a mistake can magnify the error and prevent it from being corrected. It also may give your supervisors reason to question your judgment.
Don’t abuse the staff. Hurtful words, screaming tantrums and inappropriate physical contact or intimidation are big no-no’s. Your reputation will be harmed and staffers will make your job more difficult. Bad behavior could also result in lawsuits. Learn to “play nice,” and if you blow up at someone, make sure you apologize.
Don’t badmouth clients and higher-ups. Your words may get back to those you criticize. Others who hear your tirades may wonder if you are making similar comments about them.
Don’t write angry words in an e-mail, and don’t respond to a “flaming” e-mail in kind. Assume your e-mail will be forwarded to others.
Don’t drink to excess. Social occasions with colleagues or clients should still be treated as business meetings.
Bennett sums up his recommendations with these words: “Everyone makes mistakes. Lawyers are no exception. What distinguishes a learning experience from a career-ender is whether you can focus on the words ‘professional responsibility.’ Act like a professional. Take responsibility for your actions.”
