Devin Zimmerman: 4 things that helped me survive my first year on the job

This month, a slew of new attorneys who successfully conquered the bar exam raised a hand and took the oath that officially launched their legal careers. There’s pomp. There’s pride. And there’s also likely some panic.

I remember that feeling. Even though I entered the admission ceremony as a second-career professional, I still felt an internal shift in responsibility, including the knowledge that a massive learning curve lay ahead that I needed to be willing to embrace.

I also knew I would occasionally make mistakes, with the ultimate goal needing to be to grow professionally. I’d already been a new professional once, and I could certainly do it again. With that knowledge in mind, here’s what has helped me fully step into the legal profession in my first year of practice.

Find your Yoda

Or Gandalf. Or Mr. Feeny. You get the point. Find an attorney in your practice area that is willing to mentor you. Or better yet, find a few. Seek out attorneys who are not only invested in your growth, but accomplished professionals that you work well with. Trust me, attorneys like this are out there, especially in your workplace. They will be willing to guide you because your workplace has a stake in your growth too.

It’s alright to be nervous

I remember after the first hearing I handled, I conceded to a partner I worked for that everything went well, but I sure was nervous when it started. And he, someone who has been practicing law for more than three decades, responded with a chestnut of wisdom that I think every new attorney should hear, “I still get nervous before every hearing I have. It means you care.”

That concession has stuck with me ever since and has even helped calm my nerves in more than one courtroom as I accumulate experience. It’s alright to be nervous folks. But if you prepare and put in the work, everything will be just fine.

There isn’t always a right answer

Most probably already know this on some level, but there simply isn’t always an answer when you’re asked to complete a research assignment.

Sometimes, a more experienced attorney asking you to see if there’s case law on an issue inherently means that it’s an obscure or unusual issue at play. So, there may not be any case law on the given topic.

When given a research project, you’ll often know if it’s straightforward (like gathering case law on standards for summary judgment). Start by asking how much time the assigning attorney wants you to spend researching to get an idea of how deep of a dive they want you to make into the depths of Westlaw. If you can’t find anything, follow up by letting the assigning attorney know what search parameters you used, and then find out if they’re interested in persuasive law from neighboring states.

Take every opportunity you can get

It really cannot be emphasized enough that a new attorney’s most important mission is to gain experience and learn.

Every new experience should be a new tool in your repertoire of skills, whether it be learning new case law, how to take a deposition, how to write a trial outline, or how to argue an issue before a judge.

So, when you’re undoubtedly tasked with handling something you haven’t before, jump at the opportunity. And be sure to internalize whatever critiques you receive so you know how to improve next time.

In closing, congratulations to all the new attorneys. Remember to always keep learning, improving, and growing in your new careers.

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Devin Zimmerman is an associate at Stoll Keenon Ogden LLC. Opinions are those of the author.