Spring into the Profession:
Randy Gordon Shares Essential Tips for a New Lawyer from a Partner's Perspective
Randy Gordon visited campus on Thursday, April 3, 2008. Mr. Gordon is a Washburn Law graduate and partner in the trial section and anti-trust group at Gardere Wynne in Dallas, Texas. He recently completed a five year term as the Professional Development Partner at Gardere, a position in which he oversaw the training and mentoring of new attorneys. In addition to several other scholarly and practice-based presentations at Washburn Law, Mr. Gordon met with a group of second- and third-year students and provided advice for entering the profession as a new attorney or summer associate. A la David Letterman, Mr. Gordon provided ten tips for new attorneys.
- Treat Senior Attorneys like Your Clients:
A new attorney's first client is the attorney with whom s/he is working. Make time for your colleagues and be respectful of their time. For example, always respond to inquiries promptly and remember to turn off your cell phone in meetings. - Treat Staff with Respect:
Staff can make or break a new attorney's career. Be nice because it is a good way to behave AND because it is important to the success of your career. If you have never worked with support staff, observe how other attorneys treat staff. You can always ask staff directly to help you understand the roles they play. - Act like a Lawyer:
There is a fine line between confidence and cockiness. New attorneys should not be timid nor should they act as if they have all the answers. - Understand the Projects You are Assigned:
Make sure to ask enough questions when you are assigned a project. You should fully understand the goal of the project and the assigning attorney's expectations. Take notes when projects are assigned and confirm your understanding of the parameters of the project. Take initiative if you see an angle to the project that may need to be tweaked. - Be Aware of Expenses:
Generally speaking, clients do not mind paying attorney fees, but they hate to pay expenses such as those charged for electronic research. Take advantage of opportunities for complimentary use of and training on Lexis and Westlaw. - Remember that Someone is Relying on Your Work:
Use independent thought when working on projects rather than blindly relying on forms or research previously completed by others. Your reputation is on the line as well as the reputations of your senior attorneys and the law firm. - Turn in Your Best Work:
Always turn in final-quality work — even if someone asks you to prepare a "draft". You should never turn in to senior attorney something that is not the best work you are capable of doing. This relates to treating partners like clients. - Don't Miss Deadlines:
At some point in your career will be given what appears to be an arbitrary deadline - meet it! There may be reasons about which you are unaware for the deadline such as internal review, client review or amended court schedules. If you must miss a deadline, communicate with the assigning attorney as soon as you realize the issue. Do not do a disappearing act! - Don't Blow it at a Social Event:
It should go without saying that you should not get drunk and hit on a colleague's significant other or throw up in a swimming pool. If you are unsure of social expectations, touch base with a mentor or more senior associate. - Project a Positive Attitude:
A good attitude is critical for a new attorney. The work can be very stressful, but do your best not to project bitterness and despair. Visit with your mentor or a senior attorney if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Mr. Gordon responded to many good questions from students and concluded with a final bit of advice, "You will have to work hard as a new attorney, but when you come out of the tunnel a few years down the road, you will be given a choice whether you want more money or more time. Hang in there! I promise you the law will be a very enjoyable profession.
Mr. Gordon's presentation was part of the Professional Development Office's "Spring into the Profession" series. The programming series provides graduating students with practical advice for entering the legal profession. While the programs are targeted at third-year students, all students are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Posted April 14, 2008
