Ten Lessons a Young Lawyer Must Learn
for Success and Happiness in the Practice of Law

~by Hon. William A. Klatt, Tenth District Court of Appeals

The practice of law is a demanding and challenging profession - and it can also be a very enjoyable and fulfilling one. Although law schools do a good job preparing students for the bar examination, there are some important lessons that are difficult to teach in an academic setting. Most of these lessons are not directly related to the study of law. Nevertheless, I believe they are critical to professional success and happiness. I have listed below ten lessons that I believe a young lawyer must learn to achieve success and happiness in the practice of law.

1. You have to take primary responsibility for your own professional development. Unlike law school where there is an established curriculum, there is no set curriculum once you enter the practice. Given the challenges lawyers face in meeting their day-to-day professional obligations, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to assess what knowledge or skills you need to develop or improve in order to excel in your chosen area of practice. A periodic self-assessment of your strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward becoming a better lawyer. The second critical step is to develop and implement a strategy to work on your weaknesses. Watch and learn from lawyers who are recognized for their competence and professionalism, and then seek out opportunities to implement what you have learned.

2. Remember, the practice of law is primarily a people-oriented profession. Work ethic, interpersonal skills and personal integrity are critical components for long-term success and happiness in the practice of law. A lawyer who works hard and can relate well to clients, colleagues, opposing counsel, judges and court personnel has the essential ingredients for sustained success. The smartest lawyer is not necessarily the best or most successful lawyer.

3. Although a strong work ethic is an essential characteristic of any good lawyer, you need to maintain a balance in your life. Too much of a good thing can have unintended adverse consequences. It is very important to develop and maintain the proper balance between your professional obligations and those obligations you have to yourself, your family, friends, and your community. There is no magic formula. Each person must find and maintain a balance that works for him or her. A lawyer with balance in his or her life is far more likely to cope effectively with stress and to consistently demonstrate the mental energy, judgment, and interpersonal skills necessary for long-term happiness and success in the practice of law.

4. Always treat your secretary, office staff, court reporters, paralegals, and court personnel with the utmost courtesy and respect. These people all have important jobs to do and a lawyer can learn a lot from them. Moreover, many a lawyer has been saved from embarrassment or worse, due to the diligent efforts of a secretary, clerk, or staff member. These people deserve your respect and support.

5. Good lawyers are problem solvers - not just problem identifiers. Few things will turn a client away more quickly than a lawyer who focuses on identifying all the obstacles that stand in the way of the client's objective, but fails to offer potential solutions to overcome those obstacles. It is also important to understand the context of the problem. A good lawyer recognizes that the context of the problem often provides clues to the solution. Fundamentally, clients want problem solvers.

6. A good lawyer is intellectually tenacious. Don't stop researching an issue until you are satisfied that you fully understand all the relevant points of law. A complete understanding will allow you to recognize nuances and to draw distinctions. Intellectual tenacity is an essential ingredient of effective problem solving.

7. A confident lawyer is more likely to be successful and happy. A chronically anxious, self-doubting lawyer is generally not very happy or successful. A good lawyer builds confidence by mastering the necessary knowledge and skills in a chosen area of practice. When you demonstrate justifiable confidence, you will attract clients, earn the respect of your colleagues and maximize your effectiveness as a lawyer. No lawyer is perfect and every lawyer makes mistakes - but a good lawyer does not let that fact erode self-confidence. Mistakes present some of the best learning opportunities.

8. Never compromise your personal integrity or your professional ethical obligations. Putting aside the obvious threat to your law license, nothing should be more important to a lawyer than a reputation for honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Although the legal community in central Ohio is large, it does not take long for an attorney to develop a reputation among lawyers and judges. Damage to your reputation can occur even more quickly and can be difficult to repair.

9. Set and maintain high standards for any written product that bears your name. Whether it is a letter, legal opinion, memorandum, pleading, motion, or brief, that written product is a direct and lasting reflection of your abilities as a lawyer.

10. Every few years assess whether you are getting all that you want out of your professional life. The practice of law offers a diverse array of professional opportunities and substantive areas. If you are not happy with your professional life, invest the time and energy needed to determine why, and if necessary, explore other practice areas that might be a better fit for your natural abilities and personality. You are more likely to excel in an area of the law you enjoy. Life is short - don't waste it doing something that does not take advantage of your natural interests and abilities.

A lawyer who learns these lessons is far more likely to realize success and happiness in his or her professional life.