Lessons learned from 20 years of being a lawyer

In?September 2004, I walked through the doors of Norton Rose (as it was back then) to start my career as a lawyer. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, I wandered into my randomly-assigned, first seat - CFT3 (corporate finance) - which set me on the path to becoming the lawyer I am today.

I remember that first week like it was yesterday. Coming from Liverpool, the big city of London felt a tad overwhelming. Meeting my cohort (see the photo! So young!), role-playing office life (none of us had a clue!), and one of our team members being sent home on dress-down Friday for looking like he was in a boy band ??. I also got yelled at for asking a question before researching it … but then got invited to lunch as an apology at the fancy fish restaurant across the street! And those memorable Thursday night drinks that had me rolling into work a bit worse for wear on the Friday morning ??. We live and (sometimes) learn!

So, I thought it would be fun (and hopefully helpful) to set out some of the lessons I've?learned over the last 20 years:

??. ?????????? ?? ???????? ???????????? ??????’?? ???????? ?????????? ?????????????? ???????? ???????? ???? ?????? ??????. It’s about being able to apply that law practically in a way that is useful to your clients' business. No client wants 10 pages of advice which is just a regurgitation of the law.

??. ???? ????????????????. I was once advised to be more “mysterious”. My greatest quality as a lawyer is my authenticity and relatability. People open-up to me about issues because they feel safe. It’s how I’m able to find out the stuff I need to know to help people and do my job properly.

??. ?????? ???????? ???????????? ??’???? ???????? ???????? ?????????? ????: “??????’?? ??????????. ???????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ???????? ???????????? ??????????”. When new contracts come at you - as they inevitably will - just read them with curiosity. Ask questions. If something doesn’t make sense - it probably is confusing to someone else too. Don’t be afraid to check.

??. ???????????????? ???? ???? ???????????????????? ???????? ???? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????. Forcing people of different personalities, different needs, different ambitions, at different points in their lives and careers, and with different experiences - is always going to be challenging. Not everyone is going to like you - and that’s ok.?

??. ???????????????? ???????? ?????????????????????? ?????????????? ???? ?????? ????????????. As lawyers we spend so much time with our colleagues that we become friends. But when the sh*t hits the fan (as it inevitably will at some point), you need people?who provide a neutral view and 100% have your best interests at heart.

??. ?????? ?????? ???? ?????? ??????????????????????. You don’t have to be at your desk 12 - 15 hours a day. You can take an hour lunch break. You can be a legal consultant and be successful. You can sleep without your phone next to your bed. You can ignore emails at 9pm at night. You can take uninterrupted holidays. You can have a weekend. You can manage client expectations. You can have a life outside of the office … and you should.

??. ???????????? ???????????????? are passionate and fun - but end up causing waaaaay more drama than you could ever anticipate! Be warned (not that it will stop you)! ??

??. ?????????????? ????????????????????. As an insanely ambitious junior who wanted to jump the ranks quicker than any of her predecessors, no amount of studying can outweigh the lessons learned from a bank of experience. It shapes us, it teaches us, it guides us. Be patient. Experience protects you.

??. ??????’?? ???? ?? ????????-??$$! No one likes being sucked up to (and if they do - well, question that). Treat everyone in the office with respect - not just your peers/superiors.

????. ???????? ???????? ????????????????????????. There are people in your career who will have a lasting impact on your career and your life (and I’m not sure they even know it). They will celebrate with you and support and guide you through difficult times. They are people you can trust.?

????. ?????????? ?????? ???????????????? ???????? ??????????????. Career / Job changes are inevitable. It’s rare to be in the same job for more than 10 years these days. When you want to move or change careers, your network is your best starting point.

????. ?????? ?????? ???????????? ??????????. If you can’t draft a Board resolution properly, no one is going to trust you with the glitzy joint venture agreement. Be patient, pay attention to detail and build up your skill set.

????. ???????????? ???? ???????? ?????? ???? ?????????? ???? ?????? ??????. You gain priceless cultural experience, jurisdictional experience and personal growth when you live and work abroad.

????. ?? ???????? ???? ?????????????? ?????????????? - ?????????? ???????????? ?????? ??????. What are the consequences? What are the potential repercussions? What’s the long-term impact? Try and see things from the other person’s perspective. If you are scared and panicking and acting out of fear - pause, talk it through with a counsellor or coach, and try and find a less extreme approach. If you are acting out of conviction - fighting against something that is just fundamentally wrong - burn the frickin bridge - but be prepared for the backlash. Actions have consequences.

????. ?????? ??????????????, ???????????????? ?????????? ????????????????. It’s how you address them and learn from them which is important. Remember that when you are the one making them, but also when you are the one discovering them. Don’t throw people under the bus to make yourself look better. Try and find solutions that support the team/business/client and keep people’s dignity intact.

20 years of law have taught me a lot more than just statutes and contracts! The lessons I've learned have shaped who I am today and I'm grateful for that. Long may I continue to learn and be curious.

?