You are not invisible – act responsibly

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The majority of new law school graduates are in their mid-to-late 20s, a mere decade into adulthood, and possibly still trying to figure out what that means. But now it’s time to go act like a “lawyer.” Although you have been through the training to be a lawyer, you may not have gotten your mind around the responsibilities that come with the title.

Before I share my incredibly valuable tips on what it means to be a responsible lawyer, I will tell you why this is important.

The importance rests in the realization that “you are not invisible.” Whether you know it or not, Milwaukee is a tiny community and people are aware of what you do. Even though Milwaukee is not a tiny town, it is still small enough that everyone knows everyone else or at least knows a person who knows that person.

The point is that the moment you slip up and act like a fool, someone who can impact your future may be there watching. Whether you are stumbling down the sidewalk after a night of drinking or you blow off a project because you are leaving a job, these things can impact your career now or 20 years from now.

As your mother told you when you were entering middle school, “Your reputation is everything so guard it carefully.” Your reputation in the legal community and the community generally is important as it can help you get clients, it can provide opportunities for community leadership, it can impact a judge’s impression of you. Your reputation is best maintained by acting like a responsible professional.

So here are some things to think about as you proceed with your new practice:

1. Watch your alcohol.

At this point you have likely realized that being a lawyer involves networking. After all, the best way to get business is through word of mouth advertising. Getting out and meeting people is going to benefit your practice.

Getting out and about can come with a downside for some people, however. For the most part, where there is networking, there is alcohol.

Even when everyone around you is pouring drinks down their throats, limit yourself to one or two — or none at all. You cannot gauge everyone’s view of drinking and the person you slur your words to might be the one who could have been a great connection but who does not approve of your mass alcohol consumption. Why screw that up for yourself for a few extra cocktails out with a bunch of people you don’t know?

2. Be assertive, not aggressive.

Being assertive comes with the territory of being a lawyer. However, everyone seems to have a different style of assertiveness. Some lawyers feel a need to be a jerk in order to get their point across.

Invariably, some readers will disagree with me on this, but my experience is that you can be assertive and zealously represent your client without blowing up and holding a screaming match. Now, I have to temper this comment because there are absolutely times when this type of behavior is unavoidable.

However, the key as I see it is to avoid being this person every time you interact with your opponent. By being assertive, you will come off as calm, confident and in control. This type of behavior will ultimately garner more respect than the consistently unprofessional jerk.

Although this is perhaps a distinct concept, I will add it here as well — consider extending professional courtesies when you are asked by your opponent. If a deadline needs to be extended, agreeing to it will earn you a reputation of being reasonable. Be careful not to extend this into a reputation of being a pushover, though.

3. Take responsibility for your actions.

This is an easy one. If you make a mistake, admit it and do what you can to correct it. Most people can respect someone who admits to their mistake and corrects it. Trying to cover it up or pointing the finger will only hurt credibility.

4. Leave a position on good terms.

If you transition positions, make sure you leave on the best terms possible. Finish your responsibilities and make certain someone is aware of the status of all your projects. You never know where your career will take you, and it may even take you back to the place you left. Leaving a position is never easy, but at least leave your coworkers thinking positively of you. As I said, this is a tiny community. Eliminate any chance that your former boss could be talking to a potential client about the mess you left behind.

While I could easily go on to address appropriate attire, treating your assistant properly, being polite to your garbage man, and on and on, I will save these topics for future columns. Generally, though, the key is this: A lawyer is a professional. Act like it.