When you are a first-year associate in a big law firm the way is fraught with booby-traps. Here are 17 tips to help you become an excellent attorney.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Jay Harrington.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

• (00:00) - Intro
• (00:56) - Being Busy is No substitute for being productive
• (01:11) - Stop making excuses
• (01:28) - Work on your writing skills
• (01:40) - Learn how to use a calendar
• (01:49) - You have no idea how much senior partners value good associates
• (02:04) - You have no idea how much partners detest bad associates
• (02:14) - Understand business and learn from your clients
• (02:27) - You’ll never develop clients sitting behind your desk
• (02:45) - Eight years will go by faster than you think
• (02:58) - Be serious, but don’t take yourself too seriously
• (03:06) - Treat your colleagues with respect
• (03:19) - Take vacations
• (03:31) - Don’t be afraid to say no
• (03:52) - Don’t hide from that notorious partner
• (04:17) - Get out of your silo
• (04:40) - Prep your family or significant other
• (04:58) - Stay confident

Additional Resources:

Building Your Network: You’ll Regret Not Starting Sooner

Building Confidence: Strategies for Lawyers

Business Development Starters for Law Firm Associates

Music is "You Can’t Deny It" by Dr. Delight

There’s an old saying, “Law is a jealous mistress.” After two of my own divorces and representing hundreds of divorce clients, I used to joke that I knew many ways to screw up a relationship but not very many ways to make them a success. Now I have a better idea of how lawyers can have successful relationships.
 

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Gray Robinson.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

• (00:00) - The Science of Love
• (01:23) - Time Management
• (02:01) - Love Languages
• (02:44) - Communication
• (02:57) - Safety

Polyvagal Theory: A Science of Safety
5 Love Languages
5 Ways to Leave Your Lawyer at Work

Music is "Storyteller" by Shimmer

If you’re not increasing your legal fees regularly, you’re taking a pay cut. Here are five essential steps to ensure your annual legal fee increases are thoughtful, fair and easy to implement.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by David Skinner and Karen Skinner.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

• (00:00) - Why fee increases are a necessary part of your business practice
• (01:11) - Building fee evaluations into your annual planning process
• (01:48) - How to approach calculating fee increases
• (02:46) - How to communicate fee changes to clients
• (04:05) - Reinforce your value with every client interaction
• (05:10) - Start now

Additional Resources:

When Potential Clients Ask About Your Fees

Do You Dread the Annual Planning Process? 5 Ways to Make It Easier

Small Firm Hourly Rates by State and Practice Area

Music is “Pillar” by Shimmer

Non-engagement letters are exactly what they sound like: the opposite of an engagement letter. Here’s why sending them is a very good idea. 

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Megan Zavieh.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

• (00:00) - Intro
• (00:44) - Defining Non-Engagement Letters
• (01:39) - The Unsuccessful Interview
• (03:34) - The Never Consummated Relationship
• (04:37) - The Difference Between Non-Engagement and Disengagement Letters
• (05:22) - Writing Non-Engagement Letters

   
Music is Treehouse by Andy Ellison.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by David Hunter.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

Are your meetings helping or hurting your firm? Try these five strategies for making your meetings more efficient and valuable … and see how much time you save.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by David and Karen Skinner.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Charity Anastasio.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

The personality traits that make you a good lawyer do not make for a good personal life. Here are five strategies to help you hit the off switch and “leave your lawyer at work.”

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Jamie Spannhake.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Paul Walker.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

“That’s 110% accurate,” said the attorney. I mentally groaned.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Theda C. Snyder.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

Most of us assume more is better — the more experience we can show, the more impressive our bios become. Instead, heed the “Presenter’s Paradox.”

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Katherine Hollar Barnard.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Ivy Grey.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is my law firm worth?” you’ve probably wondered about ways to boost its value. Here are the two most important factors that determine your asking price.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Brooke Lively.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

Lawyers who struggle with organization and focus may be dealing with executive functioning disorder — often a symptom of attention deficit disorder. How can law firms and leaders help their lawyers meet expectations and reach their full potential?

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Wendy Merrill.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Camille Stell.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

Even the most junior lawyers are expected to supervise colleagues and staff. How does that work out when you are still learning your job — and the ways of your new firm? Here is some much-needed advice from Meyling Ly and Fernando Llaguno on leading teams as a young lawyer.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Meyling Ly and Fermin Llaguno.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

When it comes to generative AI for lawyers, it’s less of a “what” problem and more of a “how” problem. From developing policy to exploring new uses, focus on the value, not the fear.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Mark C. Palmer.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

Objection! An aggressive legal writing style and public displays of righteous fury don’t win court cases.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Ivy Grey.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

Not growing fast enough? Here are five common things that can slow your growth and stall law firm profits.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Brooke Lively.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

As a lawyer, time is one of your most valuable assets — but it’s also a limited resource. In this edition of Ask the Experts at 2Civility.org, Mark C. Palmer tackles effective time management methods for lawyers that can boost productivity while meeting the ethical duty of diligence.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

Signs there is a trust issue in your law firm — and ways to make it disappear.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

The new identity crisis for law firms isn’t philosophical; it’s digital. Here are five key areas where firms should focus their efforts to reduce identity risk, protect data and avoid litigation.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Michael Maschke, Sharon Nelson and John Simek.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Katherine Hollar Barnard.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Jay Harrington.

Click here to read the full article. For more really good ideas, head over to Attorney at Work.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Marsha Hunter.

Click here to read the full article.  Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

More Great Tips for Polishing Your Presentation Skills (Online and Off)

• “How to Look Them in the Eye” by Marsha Hunter
• “Confidence Is Personal: Public Speaking Tips” by Chris Graham
• “How to Be a Better CLE Panelist” by Ruth Carter
• “Need to Communicate Complicated Stuff? Talk About People” by Chris Graham
• “Pro Tips for Creating Masterful Presentations”
• “Five Ways to Boost Your Confidence with Clients, Judges and Everyone Else” by Caren Ulrich Stacy
• “Stop Rough-Drafting and Learn to Speak with Precision” by Marsha Hunter

Confidence is ultimately more important than talent, resiliency or even intelligence for having the life you want. Without confidence, it is almost impossible to make decisions, define your career, lead others, complete tasks well, or have a fulfilling life outside of work. What’s more, lack of confidence and self-doubt are the common denominators of burnout, stress and anxiety.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Gray Robinson.

Click here to read the full article.  Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Camille Stell.

Click here to read the full article.  Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

Successfully leading a law firm requires adopting a CEO mindset that is at odds with your lawyer brain. It can also mean sacrificing your own practice for the overall good of the firm. That’s the managing partner’s dilemma.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Wendy Merrill.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

By tidying up your tech stack, you can set the stage for a more productive and profitable year. Follow these law firm tech cleanup tips to keep your digital workspace humming smoothly all year-round.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Danielle DavisRoe.

Click here to read the full article.  Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Ruth Carter.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

Revitalizing talent development and career advancement strategies can propel midsize and smaller firms into the next decade.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Gene Commander.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

In-person meetings may seem like a relic, but many clients prefer face-to-face contact. Besides, showing up in real life when your competitors are leashed to their screens could be the advantage you need: There is nothing like meeting in person to build client relationships. Here are Sally Schmidt’s expert, start-to-finish tips for mastering client visits.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Sally J. Schmidt.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

Microsoft Copilot has definitely gotten better since Danielle DavisRoe’s 2024 review, but there’s still a ton of growth potential for the GenAI assistant. Here’s what she found year-over-year.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Danielle DavisRoe.

Click here to read the full article.  Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Jamie Spannhake.

Click here to read the full article.  Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

Don’t believe legal AI myths. Get the facts about artificial intelligence in your law firm and make informed decisions.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Danielle DavisRoe.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas. 

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Gene Commander.

Click here to read the full article.  Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

Additional Resources:

Talent-Driven Law Firm Mergers: A Smart Growth Strategy for Firms of All Sizes

Leveraging Agile Career Strategies to Retain Women Lawyers

Law Firm Talent Development: Rebooting Career Advancement Strategies

AI in Law Firms: The AI Revolution in the Business of Law

For many Baby Boomer men, retirement can feel more like a loss than an opportunity, but there’s a positive upside to proactively planning the next chapter of your life. Practice management consultant Camille Stell offers a guide.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Camille Stell.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

Additional Resources:

Five Reasons Lawyers Avoid Retirement

Five Ways a Sabbatical Can Help You Assess Retirement

Using Design Thinking to Plan Your Retirement

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Theda C. Snyder.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Jess Jordan.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

Clients appreciate when their lawyers take a businesslike approach to rate increase discussions. Here are tips for creating opportunities to deepen your relationships.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Sally J. Schmidt.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

Additional Resources:

Annual Legal Fee Increases: 5 Ways to Make the Process Easier by Karen and David Skinner

Don’t Be Afraid to Raise Your Legal Fees by Roy Ginsburg

Be Reasonable, People! AI’s Impact on Legal Fees by Mark C. Palmer

SOPs are detailed, step-by-step instructions for completing tasks that occur regularly in your practice. Creating law firm SOPs might seem daunting at first, but it’s a straightforward process that pays off significantly in the long run.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by David Skinner and Karen Skinner.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

Before entering into another loosely defined client relationship, consider these five smart upgrades to your client engagement agreements.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Jared Correia.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Roy S. Ginsburg.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

Six business development activities to get your practice off to a running start.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Sally J. Schmidt.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

• (00:00) - Changes in Associate Business Development Trends
• (01:41) - Pay Attention to Internal Marketing Efforts
• (02:34) - Manage Relationships
• (03:40) - Create Your Own Experience Database
• (04:46) - Become Active In An Organization
• (06:08) - Show What You Know
• (07:21) - Get Comfortable With Branding Yourself

Flat fees only work when you manage the work well. That’s where these legal project management tips come in — to ensure flat fee profitability.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by David Skinner and Karen Skinner.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

Being aware of the obstacles is the first step in planning for life after law.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Camille Stell.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

• (00:00) - Intro
• (00:27) - Loss of Identity
• (01:12) - Reluctance to Leave Your Firm
• (01:52) - The Fear of Transitioning
• (02:25) - Inertia
• (02:54) - Lack of a Succession Plan

In his latest book, Richard Susskind’s goal isn’t to sell hype or pour cold water on everything — it’s to replace fuzzy impressions with crisp mental models. Make sense of AI’s impact on the legal profession. Our review explains how Susskind’s book provides clarity for perplexed lawyers.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Jerry Lawson.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

• (00:00) - Disclaimer
• (00:13) - Intro
• (01:33) - Chapter 1
• (02:15) - Chapter 2
• (03:23) - Chapter 3
• (04:45) - Chapter 4
• (05:28) - Chapter 5
• (06:11) - Chapters 6 and 7
• (06:59) - Chapters 8 and 9

How do you design compensation plans that are good for your law firm and the new hire? Follow the wise counsel of the rule of thirds.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Brooke Lively.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

• (00:00) - Intro
• (00:03) - Chapter 2
• (00:44) - The Many Approaches to Law Firm Compensation
• (01:06) - The Rule of Thirds
• (01:31) - Breaking Down Your Attorneys By Revenue Groups
• (02:03) - Common Pitfalls of Traditional Compensation Models
• (02:26) - Designing a Compensation Plan That Works
• (03:01) - There's No Magic Formula

• Black-Box Compensation vs. Percentage-Based, Variable Associate Compensation Plans
• 5 Ways Your Law Firm Compensation Plan Is Failing You
• Book Review: Everything You Need to Know About Modern Attorney Compensation Plans
• How Are Law Firm Owners Paid? Total Compensation vs. Salary
• Lawyer Compensation: Taking Your Firm From Good to Great and Enhancing Firm Profitability

While many of us grew up to the tune of “quitters never win and winners never quit,” we know that’s not exactly true. After all, the world is full of inspiring tales of quitters who’ve come out on top. But how do you know when it is time to quit your job? Consider these six signs.

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Joan Feldman.

Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.

• (00:00) - Intro
• (00:52) - Your Job is Disappearing
• (01:34) - The Rock Star Life Gets Old
• (02:44) - You're Working For The Worst Person In The World
• (03:36) - Your Job Is Making You Sick
• (04:36) - You're Better Than This
• (05:31) - You're Going Nowhere Fast

Have You Hired a ‘Terrorist’? 4 Kinds of Law Firm Employees

This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.

Adapted from an article by Andrew Raines.

Click here to read the full article. Head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.