N E W L AW Y E R S
F ebruary 2 0 1 8 · L AW TA L K 9 1 4
NEW LAWYERS
Some advice for new lawyers BY KATE GEENTY
Starting your legal career is likely to be an exciting, yet slightly terrifying, time. It’s important to remember that everyone has to start somewhere, and chances are the partner you’re reporting to also felt out of their depth when they first joined the profession. LawTalk asked some senior lawyers to reflect on some of the important things they have learnt in the course of their careers, and what they wish someone had told them when they were juniors. Here, they share words of wisdom and advice for lawyers who are just starting out.
Cameron Law, Partner, Environment, Planning and Natural Resources, Russell McVeagh, Auckland “Keeping calm and maintaining a sense of perspective is a helpful starting point. And always remain curious. It’s okay to not know the answer – the skill is in knowing how to work it out. “There will be times when hard work and long hours are necessary but in the down times get outside, exercise, spend time with family and friends. The law isn’t everything. “Pretty much everyone suffers from Imposter Syndrome where they fear that they’ll be exposed as a fraud or not measure up. You’re not an imposter or a fraud so don’t let those negative thoughts dent your self-confidence (it took me ages to work that one out). “As a young lawyer, I felt that I couldn’t be open about my sexuality when I was starting out in the profession. Law firms are better workplaces now and you have the right to bring your full self to work. “It’s about being calm and curious and being (or at least appearing) confident – everyone has moments of Imposter Syndrome. It’s also about being an authentic and nice person, who people enjoy working with and they trust to do a good job for them. Treat others with respect and courtesy and you’ll get much better 58
outcomes. “Lawyers should look to provide advice that is strategic. A combination of private practice and in-house experience has helped to give me a different commercial perspective, a strong work ethic and an understanding of how a client’s drivers may lead to a different outcome than what might appear best from a more purely legal perspective.”
Polly Pope, Partner, Litigation, Russell McVeagh, Auckland “Success as a lawyer starts and ends with understanding what makes good client service. Focus on learning what your clients’ expectations are in terms of excellent service and make sure you deliver that to them. Remember that when you begin practice in a firm your key ‘clients’ are likely to be your colleagues. “Be ambitious. Ask for feedback, seek out opportunities and always volunteer. “Find professional organisations and take every opportunity to build and expand your networks. Your peers today may be junior solicitors but in a few years’ time they may be your most important clients.”
Ben Paterson, Partner, Corporate advisory, Russell McVeagh, Auckland “Find an area of law (or business) that really interests you, keeps you motivated and challenges you. The work lawyers do isn’t cutting edge or exciting all the time, so it is really important that you enjoy what you do and it motivates you to keep going until the exciting work rolls back around. “Realise that things won’t happen immediately. There