CBA Record March-April 2023

YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION: ADVICE FOR YOUNG LAWYERS

St Mary’s University School of Law Takes Top Prize in Moot Court Competition

For the past 40 years, the CBA Young Lawyers Section’s Moot Court Commit tee has hosted an Annual Moot Court Competition to give law students the opportunity to hone their research, writ ing, and oral advocacy skills. The 2022 event was held at the Richard J. Daley Center and featured participants from 30 ABA-accredited law schools from around the country. Thank you to our many CBA members who served as volunteer brief graders and oral argument judges to give participants a real taste of courtroom practice. If you would like to get involved with the 2023 competition, please send

an email to yls@chicagobar.org. Pictured from left: Judge Diana Lopez, Circuit Court of Cook County; Judge Mary Rowland, United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois; Kathryn Cantu, St. Mary’s University School of Law; Haley Harvey, St. Mary’s University School of Law; Judge Martin P. Moltz, Circuit Court of Cook County; and Judge James Wright, Circuit Court of Cook County.

Precise Advice: 3 Pieces of Advice for New Lawyers by Kernisha Padilla

As I approach my tenth year of practicing law, I often wonder: if I knew then what I know now, how differently would this first decade of practice look? I ask what knowledge I could have gained faster, who I could have talked to more, and what if I had chosen a different practice area. Reflecting on that time, I want to take the chance to pass along my top three pieces of advice, which I hope are helpful in your journey as Being patient is key not only to maintaining your own sanity, but in effectively understanding the law. Patience means allowing yourself a breath and a pause to realize you are still growing and learning. You do not know everything right now. Remembering that, and remaining patient with yourself, is vital to success regardless of practice setting or area. Life and careers do not need to be rushed. 2. Actually Network No, really. I understand how tedious networking can be for many of us. The small talk and repeated re-introductions are daunting. However, remember that networking is not just about promoting your firm or finding a job. Networking is also about finding people who inspire you, motivate you, and align with you as a lawyer and person (and those who do not). a new lawyer. 1. Be Patient

There were many times when I felt unsure, not necessarily about the law, but about a stage in my career or life – and my network provided much-needed support. The real key is to network across many verticals, such as age, culture, practice area, practice setting, and so on. 3. Have Fun Lawyers are often viewed as serious perfectionists and worka holics. Since we play a vital role in society, we are frequently seen as leaders and exemplars who are expected to live flaw lessly. Although part of that sentiment is true, you can still have fun and enjoy life. Being a lawyer is fulfilling, and while we work very hard, we also need breaks to remind us that our work is impactful in ways we may not always see. Take the time to have fun and reflect on the hard work you put in. Living your life and enjoying the moment will make the intensity of the new lawyer role even more worthwhile.

Kernisha Padilla is Secretary/Treasurer of the CBA Young Lawyers Section and a Conflicts Attorney in the Office of the General Counsel at Latham & Watkins LLP. Her work centers around professional responsibility, ethics, and compliance.

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