When to Prioritise Progress Over Perfection: A Lawyer’s Dilemma

A Lawyer’s Dilemma by Nkhonde Fumbeshi

The old adage goes, 'Perfection is the enemy of progress.' In the legal profession, the stakes are high, and the expectation for perfection is often non-negotiable. Clients rely on lawyers to draft airtight contracts, craft compelling arguments, and navigate complex legal frameworks with accuracy. Yet, the demands of the job often require swift action to meet deadlines, seize opportunities, or respond to pressing issues. This creates a tension between the pursuit of perfection and the need for progress.

As lawyers, it’s critical to find a balance between these two forces. While perfection ensures quality and accuracy, progress ensures momentum and timely results. Balancing these forces is not just practical—it’s essential. '

Perfection in legal work is not just a goal; it’s often a necessity. A single oversight in a contract, court submission, or legal opinion can have far-reaching consequences for clients and cases. Accuracy, thoroughness, and compliance with legal standards l are non-negotiable in most aspects of the profession.

However, the relentless pursuit of perfection can sometimes become counterproductive. Over-editing documents, obsessing over minor details, or delaying decisions in search of the “perfect” solution can waste valuable time and resources. It can also hinder a lawyer’s ability to respond to evolving circumstances or tight deadlines. Spending weeks perfecting a court submission might result in a beautifully crafted document—but if it misses the filing deadline, its quality becomes irrelevant.

Progress, on the other hand, drives action. It ensures that tasks are completed on time, clients receive prompt updates, and cases move forward. In the fast-paced world of legal practice, progress often means meeting deadlines, responding quickly to client needs, and adapting to new developments.

Yet, progress without attention to quality can lead to errors, oversights, and diminished trust. Rushed work in the legal field can result in flawed arguments, ambiguous contract clauses, or missed opportunities for clients. Filing a hurriedly prepared motion may meet the deadline, but if the arguments lack depth or precision, it could weaken the case and harm the client’s position.

Tips for Balancing Perfection and Progress

1. Decide What Needs Perfection

Balancing perfection and progress in legal work requires thoughtful prioritization and strategic planning. Not every task requires absolute perfection. Assess the significance of each task and determine the level of detail it warrants. Routine matters may not require the same level of scrutiny as high-stakes litigation. Drafting a routine letter to a client may focus on clarity and timeliness, while drafting a precedent-setting Supreme Court argument may demand meticulous attention to detail.

2. Focus on the Main Parts First

Focus your perfectionist energy on aspects of a task that have the most significant impact. Minor details can be polished later, but the core substance of your work should always be solid. When drafting a contract, prioritize clear and enforceable clauses first before spending time on formatting or stylistic refinements.

3. Improve as You Go

Adopting a mindset of continuous improvement can also help. Deliver an initial version of your work to meet deadlines, then refine it as more information becomes available or feedback is received. Submitting a solid but timely legal opinion to a client, with a note that additional updates will follow based on further research or case developments, can ensure both progress and quality.

4. Work with Others

Collaborating with colleagues can also help balance progress and perfection. A fresh set of eyes can identify gaps, improve quality, and ensure timely completion. A colleague reviewing your draft court submission for accuracy and coherence can free you up to focus on meeting the filing deadline.

When to Prioritize Each

Finally, the balance between perfection and progress often depends on the specific circumstances. In high-stakes matters, perfection may take precedence, while time-sensitive situations may require a focus on progress. In emergency injunction applications, for instance, swift action may be prioritized over a perfectly crafted argument, with room to refine submissions later.

In legal practice, progress and perfection are not at odds—they are complementary forces. Progress ensures that tasks are completed, while perfection guarantees their quality and impact. These enable lawyers to deliver results that are both timely and exceptional. Understanding when to prioritize each and embracing a mindset of continuous excellence, lawyers can meet the demands of their profession with efficiency, precision, and confidence.

How do you balance the need for progress and perfection in your line of work?

Share your insights—I’d love to hear your perspective!