Advancing Your Legal Career

This is an extended version of an article prepared for the Georgia Bar Journal. In this version, we delve deeper into the topic and provide additional insights from our respondents. DEE

I am frequently asked for advice on how to advance one's career in the legal profession. With so many talented and hardworking attorneys competing for a limited number of positions, it can be difficult to stand out and succeed. I usually remind those asking that I may not be the best source for guidance, although I have been fortunate in the roles and opportunities (legal, quasi-legal and business), that I have personally held. What I do know is that some things never change. Career development in the legal profession requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to continually learn and adapt.

Still, this discussion has come up several times over the past few months. It happened once with an attorney who is originally from Folkston, Georgia. It happened again over lunch with a leader in the attorney placement field. Finally, it happened as part of the Corporate Counsel Institute in December. It was the presentation and discussion at that seminar that led to additional analysis and discussion with those directly involved with this process at varying points and with unique perspectives.?

To get started, I solicited help from my old friend (like, back to my YLD days old), legal recruiter, networker extraordinaire, legal matchmaker, and South Asian Bar Association of Georgia (SABA-GA) President-Elect Waqar Khawaja, Esq. and his friends over at SABA-GA. Their practices vary across the Atlanta metro area. The respondents included:

?·?????? Gautam Reddy , a partner at Kilpatrick Townsend and president of SABA-GA

·?????? Suhail Seth , a partner at Polsinelli

·?????? Zain Haq , an associate with Kilpatrick Townsend and SABA-GA Board member

·?????? Parth Matalia , an associate with Jones Day

·?????? Nithya Amaraneni , counsel at Cousins Properties and SABA-GA Board member, and

·??????Rahul Garabadu, ACLU voting rights attorney and SABA-GA Board member ?

The questions and answers follow. Some of the questions went to multiple participants, and others went to specific respondents based on their individual backgrounds. Enjoy!

Q. How can lawyers stay up-to-date on developments in their field, and what are some ways to continually learn and grow as a professional?

Gautam Reddy: There are so many online resources now for attorneys to stay up to date on recent case law, statutory, regulatory, or other updates.?Of course, for Georgia updates, there is the Georgia Bar Journal.?There are websites like Law360 that you can subscribe to where you get a daily update of developments, which I like to scan every morning.?Many law firms have blogs focusing on different legal fields that put out great content on a regular basis. There are also listservs that send out updates on meaningful developments.?I’ve found that if you do a bit of digging and asking around, you will find resources to stay on top of most every legal field.

In addition to online resources, joining a bar section or professional organization related to your practice area is a great way to organically stay up to date.?These organizations often host CLE events and panel discussions or publish newsletters that often touch on recent developments.???

In terms of continually learning, I think it is crucial to be consistently self-critical in a healthy manner.?For example, look back at your written work product, or a transcript of a deposition you recently took, and so on, and analyze what you did well and what you could have done better.?Keep a running notebook or document of lessons learned so you do not make the same error twice.???

Parth Matalia: There are a few ways to stay up-to-date with developments in the field, including the obvious ones of subscribing to practice-specific newsletters or joining state bar organization. One way I find more engaging is to follow accomplished and insightful attorneys in the field on Linkedin who post often about their area of law, especially if they are active. This may sound old school, but another unique way is to find interesting blogs for your field. At least in the IP world, there are a surprising number of non-law firm affiliated blogs out there that are reliable and interesting.

Nithya Amaraneni: I find it extremely helpful to subscribe to and read articles from the myriad of publications available out there whether it’s Law.com, JD Supra, or articles from law firm practice groups. Some of these are paid subscriptions but if you’re firm or company is willing to pay, definitely jump on the chance. Another way to learn and grow is through CLEs. Personally, I like the CLEs from Strafford, which are all virtual and can be found on-demand as well and also cover a broad number of topics.

Q. What strategies can lawyers use to advance their careers within their current firms or organizations?

Reddy: For those that are new in their current firm or organization, go above and beyond to make a great first impression.?It cannot be underestimated how much of an outsized impact that first impression can have on key decision-makers.?From there, it is important to find a champion(s) in the firm/organization that think highly of you and will advocate for you and push for your advancement.?Obviously, this goes hand-in-hand with doing good work and being pleasant to work with.?????

Suhail Seth: First and foremost, define what “advancement” means to you. Once you do that, you can work off of it and create a set of goals and course of action to get there. Above all else, do your work and do it well. In fact, not just well, but exceptionally well.

Firms and companies advance people who both will represent them positively and will add value to the organization. Value will mean different things at different places, but for most organizations, this will mean business growth and profitability. Ask how you can contribute to either/both in addition to doing your work (and doing it well) and act accordingly.

Finally, the people making hiring and advancement decisions usually like to hire/advance people whom they “like to work with.”?So I would recommend developing and honing your interpersonal skills – communication, team work, diplomacy and self-initiative – to name a few.

Rahul Garabadu: Keep an open mind about the types of work you’re given, especially as a new attorney. You will often find that the most interesting legal tasks don’t always look so interesting at first blush. But by staying open to tasks early on in your career, you can cast a broad net, and then make a more informed choices about how you want to specialize in your field.

Q. How can young lawyers set themselves up for success early in their careers?

Reddy: I think it is important to develop good habits early on.?This includes time management, answering e-mails promptly and generally being responsive, being communicative about deadlines, billing your time promptly (for those of us in private practice).?These are habits that, once established early, will serve you well throughout your professional career.?Another way to stand out as a young lawyer is to show initiative and ownership of the tasks/matters assigned to you.?Do not be afraid to think creatively and offer your own thoughts and suggestions as you dive deeper into an issue.???

I think it is also important to begin getting involved in a few organizations that interest you and begin planting the seeds for your professional network.?A targeted approach works better than a shotgun approach here.?It is better to be an involved member of a few organizations than to spread yourself too thin by trying to join every organization you hear about.?Also, do not neglect to network internally within your organization.?That is often the most efficient way to progress early in your career.???

Q. What are some ways that lawyers can gain leadership skills, build a book of business or client roster, and advance in their careers?

Seth: Although both are important for development and advancement, I think leadership skills and building a book of business are two separate things and should be discussed as such.

When I think of leadership skills, I think of those skills that allow attorneys to develop themselves, to lead their own work, and to take on more responsibility as they progress and lead projects, cases, and teams. You want to develop leadership skills so that you can add value to your firm/organization and your clients. These skills will also prepare you for future leadership roles and success throughout your career. I suggest finding a mentor (either within or outside of your firm/company or both), take on more responsibility (or offer to) on projects, learn how to think strategically – i.e. see the big picture, identity the problem/issue, map out the steps needed to fix the problem while anticipating potential issues and determining the best use of resources); work on your communication skills; and be willing to give and take constructive feedback.?

It’s cliché, but business development comes down to networking. As with all skills, networking takes time and development to perfect. Some may be natural at it (but not perfect) and others may not be as well equipped. It takes getting out of your comfort zone, putting yourself out here and a lot of patience. At the end of the day, “networking” will lead to client development by virtue of relationship building – which takes time. Sure, some might a hit a home run on their first at bat, but more often and likely than not, networking is akin to planting a seed and waiting for it to bear fruit. You will have to “nurture” your plant but if you put in the work and effort, you will eventually see it pay off.

Finally, one characteristic/trait that I think is conducive to being an effective leader and networker – authenticity. Be authentic.

Q. What are some resources and organizations that can provide support and guidance for lawyers seeking to develop their careers?

Seth: American Bar Association and State Bar Association. In addition, your state bar association will have practice area committees/subcommittees that you can be a part of. This is a great way to meet, exchange ideas and learn from peers in your practice area.

Zain Haq: Bar organizations are great places to start. I've found that lawyers are, for the most part, willing to go out of their way to help others. Joining a bar organization allows you to meet lawyers with common backgrounds and/or interests and to develop a network of lawyers that can help you get to where you want to go. It can be very fulfilling to be in a room with like-minded people all striving toward a common goal.

Matalia: State bar associations are a great way to help develop careers. Building strong relationships is one of the main driving forces in career development. Although we are all smart and hardworking attorneys, sometimes it’s just more efficient and fruitful to be able to talk to someone who has experienced what you are experiencing. What I find most helpful about bar associations is the intimacy they provide - something that I don’t feel when I am otherwise in a sea of attorneys at a general networking event.

Q. What are some common challenges that lawyers face in their careers and how can they overcome them?

Haq: For many lawyers, figuring out the area of law that you love does not happen right away, and it takes a few tries to find something you truly enjoy. Unfortunately, the law does not give you much time to find the area you want to build a career in. The best way to find what you love is by trying new things and talking to as many lawyers in different areas as possible. Not only will this give you insight into what different lawyers do on a day to day, but it will grow your network which will make it easier for you to pivot career paths if you so desire.

Q. How can lawyers who want to switch practice areas or move to a new firm best position themselves to do so?

Haq: The answer is cliché, but it’s the truth: networking. People hire people they know and like. People recommend people they know and like. If you can make meaningful connections at the firms you're pursuing and/or with lawyers practicing the type of law you want to practice, you substantially increase your chances of becoming a competitive candidate. Building genuine relationships with others is the best way to achieve career satisfaction.?

Amaraneni: No matter where your path takes you, one of the most important things to do is to work hard and learn as much as possible. While employment law and real estate might seem like complete opposite practice groups, if you have a good foundation in being a lawyer with base skills the transition is smoother. The same goes for moving from a law firm to in-house. I made the transition about a year ago and have loved every minute. I found the transition to be seamless given my knowledge of my practice area and the skills I picked up by working very hard as an associate in a large law firm.

Waquar Khawaja: To position themselves for a move to a new practice area or firm, lawyers can develop a niche by focusing on a specific area of law and becoming an expert in that field. Networking is also crucial, by attending industry-specific events, joining professional bar organizations and going out of your way to connect with people in your desired practice area or firm. It also doesn’t hurt to also build a strong reputation as a dedicated lawyer, willing to go the extra mile in raising your hand to assist in any way on matters outside your practice area, publishing articles or attending relevant conferences. Don’t be afraid to manifest; people can sense and appreciate the enthusiasm of those speaking their goals into existence. Additionally, stay current with the latest developments in your desired field. Furthermore, being proactive and reaching out to firms or recruiters that specialize in your desired practice area to express your interest and qualifications can increase your chances of success as well. Lastly, consulting with a mentor or experienced legal recruiter to help you establish a clear and effective plan to achieve your career goals.

Q. How can lawyers balance their professional and personal lives, and what are some strategies for maintaining that proverbial work-life balance?

Matalia: Everyone operates differently, so different techniques work for different attorneys. I think what worked well for me is to seek out good attorneys to work for who I know will respect my time. One of my top priorities as a job-hunting law student was to find out (as much as it was possible) what kind of people I would be working for and whether their work style would fit with mine. For me, at least, I am willing to go the extra mile for attorneys like that when it does come time to buckle down.

Amaraneni: From the moment I accepted my full time offer at Troutman Pepper (Troutman Sanders at that time), I knew it was going to be a grind. As someone who has always had a robust social life, I knew I would have to make time for my friends and family. It’s important to find the balance between being a team player and having boundaries in the workplace because when you are a young associate one of the most important aspects is getting enough experience in the work without getting burned out. I found it helpful to schedule dinners and fun events with friends in advance and made myself promise to keep at least one day of the weekend free of work!

Garabadu: Work hard, but also make sure you try to maintain firm boundaries between your professional and personal life. That means not checking your emails when you’re on vacation, or making sure that you get some fresh air or take a break from the computer screen even on the busiest of days. There will be periods in your career where you have to work hard, but if you don’t get a chance to recharge and refresh, you won’t be able to bring your best self to work.

Q. What types of career paths are available to lawyers, and how do they differ from one another?

Khawaja: You've got a lot of options when it comes to career paths. Sure, you can go the traditional route of working at a big law firm or in-house, but there's a whole bunch of other paths you can take as well. A lot of lawyers go into public interest, where you can work on issues that really matter to people. Lawyers also end up becoming judges, going into academia, working in government, compliance, mediation and arbitration, legal technology or you could even become a legal recruiter, like me! And let me tell you, working in a legal adjacent career can sometimes have you interacting with more lawyers than most practicing lawyers ever have the time to do! My advice is to keep an open mind and explore all the possibilities. Keep an open mind to all the possibilities and explore the options that align with your interests, skills, and goals.

As a legal recruiter, my advice especially to young lawyers regarding the various types of career paths available would be as follows:

• Research and explore your options: There are many different types of career paths available to lawyers, and it's important to research and explore the different options to find the one that aligns best with your interests, skills, and goals. Ask around with colleagues who may already happen to be in the space you’re curious about. Be sure to consider potential for advancement, work-life balance, and your personal non-negotiables.
• Network and gain exposure to different views and potential opportunities: Taking the advice to “ask around” a step further, building a strong network and gaining insights from practitioners across different areas of law can help you to understand the pros and cons of different career paths, and also increase your chances of finding the right fit.
• Decide when to specialize or diversify: Decide whether you want to specialize in a specific area of law or diversify your skills and experience. Specializing can provide more job security but diversifying can open up more opportunities (going in-house can require wearing multiple hats!). Seek advice from a trusted mentor or professional legal recruiter to evaluate your specific circumstances and objectives.
• Consider the work-life balance: No surprise here but many legal career paths are demanding and require long hours. It's important to consider the work-life balance that you desire, and to choose a career path that aligns with your personal and professional goals.
• Keep an open mind: Keep an open mind about different career paths and be open to unexpected opportunities as they arise. Sometimes the best career path is one that you least expect.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a career path that you are passionate about and that aligns with your interests, skills, and goals. With the right mindset, research, and guidance, you'll be able to find the right fit for you.

Garabadu: No two career paths are the same in the legal profession. I went to law school interested in public international law, but ended up working much closer to home because of threats to democracy in my own backyard. I used my summers and clinics in law school to explore what I wanted out of my legal career. These practical experiences helped shape my career in ways I could have never imagined.

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Whether you are just starting out in your legal career or are looking to take the next step in your professional development, I hope that these insights will be helpful to you. Be sure to let us know! If you find the information interesting or if you have additional tips, I would love to hear from you.?[email protected] | DEE .