The first year of practice is challenging. As the calendar year comes to an end, many first year associates will take a breath during the holidays to reflect on their first few months of practice. Here are five key areas of self-reflection for the new year.
1. Stress less
One of the challenges of first-year lawyering is managing the fear of the unknown. Each new deadline, client email and procedural hurdle can seem like a journey into unfamiliar terrain. You are not alone. Your peers, colleagues and mentors have tread the path before you. They know when an email from opposing counsel is mere bluster. They know which new issues raise red flags and require urgent attention. Developing this same sixth sense is part of becoming a more confident, effective junior lawyer. Leaning on your colleagues during this process is essential, but it takes time. They can quickly de-escalate your most irrational worries as well as shed light on important and pressing issues you may have missed. The key is to seek guidance soon and often in your formative months. Your peers and mentors have gone before you – they are ready and willing to pay it forward. All you have to do is ask.
Workload is a well-known stressor for new lawyers. It is easy to find yourself a victim to the Goldilocks effect: either too busy or too idle – rarely just right. It may be trite, but bears repeating: enjoying the downtimes is key to thriving in the busy seasons. Those slow days and weeks are important for business development, career planning, and self-care. Savouring the downtimes makes the busy seasons easier. When things are hectic, think back and remember it is only temporary.
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