CBA Record March-April 2023

YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION: ADVICE FOR YOUNG LAWYERS

for billing. Two hours later, two other partners expressed their intense dislike for how I described my billing entries. What works for me is focusing on the project’s specifics, which encourages me to be as open and upfront as possible with clients and colleagues about billing. 5. Strive for a work-life balance that makes you happy, which is key to your success and to hitting a 1500–2200 billable hour requirement. Many lawyers feel guilty when they are not working. However, if we want to con tinue working to help others while meet ing our billable requirements, then we must consistently practice self-care. My

recommendations? First, consider work ing outdoors in the fresh air during nice weather when possible. Second, find a routine that works for you – for example, build in at least 30–45 minutes of exercise and/or meditation per day; dedicate time for family, friends, and hobbies; and then stick to that routine. When we fail to con sistently practice self-care we risk creating – or further fueling – depression, anxiety, and burnout. 6. Show your worth as an attorney outside of just good billing practices. Find other ways to contribute to the firm and to the legal practice while working to improve your billing. To help with

administration, consider joining a firm committee. To contribute to morale, con sider organizing a recurring coffee with colleagues outside your department. To help with marketing, consider authoring an article for the CBA Record or volunteer ing on a pro bono matter. Regardless of how you choose to contribute to the firm, never forget: you are more than a number, and you are more than a lawyer.

Paige Fox is an elder law attorney at Chuhak & Tecson PC, President-Elect for Illinois NAELA, and Co-Chair of the Young Lawyers Section Serving Our Seniors Committee.

Precise Advice: 5 Tips for New Attorneys By Aaron Kacel

are new to an organization. Some of the most helpful insights might come from assistants, paralegals, marketing profession als, and other staff. Being friendly with everyone at your office can also help you feel more connected. 4. Remember that building expertise takes time. When it comes to professional growth, prepare for a mara thon, not a sprint. You did not gain expertise in law school, and it does not develop overnight once work begins; it devel ops with each challenge you work through and each piece of constructive feedback you receive. Try to view every suc cess and every failure as providing you with information that refines your skills, strengthens your confidence, and improves your preparedness for similar work in the future. 5. Take all advice with a grain of salt. As cliché as it sounds, there is no magic formula for being a good lawyer. One size does not fit all. Every lawyer has dif ferent successes, struggles, and trajectories. What worked for others may not work exactly for you. While you should cer tainly consider what experienced attorneys suggest, try to find a version of their advice that makes the most sense to you.

1. Trust your instincts about your practice area. Early in my career, one of the most helpful pieces of advice I received was to trust my instincts about a practice area. Choosing a practice area is personal. Experimenting with dif ferent ones can help you learn what you like and do not like. At the same time, if you feel drawn to one area of the law, try to honor that inclination, even if it is less marketable or pres tigious. Regardless of where you work, your job will be chal lenging at times. Choosing a practice area that feels right to you can help you push through those challenges more easily. 2. Share your opinion. Another piece of advice I received was to not be afraid to share my opinion, even if unsolicited. The fear of being wrong about a question or problem unfortunately never goes away, even for experienced attorneys. For newer attorneys, this fear can lead to withholding analysis, suggestions, or recommendations and instead asking a more experienced attorney for their opinion or how to proceed. Most established attorneys would agree that they appreciate and are impressed by younger attorneys who take the initiative to share their thoughts, even if they sometimes miss the mark. Speaking up shows that you were

thinking about the issues and trying to solve them. 3. Do not overlook non-attorney relationships.

Another habit new lawyers should consider cultivating is get ting to know everyone at your office, not just the other attor neys. While it may seem obvious, your reputation matters among all your coworkers. This is especially true when you

Aaron Kacel is an attorney at Robbins Schwartz, where he focuses his practice on labor and employment law matters.

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