The following was written by retired lawyer Shona Compton:
I’ve been a research lawyer for 36 years, and in no particular order, here are 10 things I can pass on to younger lawyers starting out.
- Park your ego at the door. You have much to learn from your colleagues. Be open to constructive criticism and new ideas. My supervising partner reviewed and edited every opinion I drafted during my first six months at the firm (thank you Chris Woodbury). It made me a better research lawyer.
- Remember that two brains are always better than one. Collaboration with colleagues will invariably result in a better product.
- Treat staff with the respect they deserve. You are just a cog in the law firm machine. Everybody has an important job that contributes to the success of the firm.
- Cultivate a mentor. I forged a lifelong relationship with my mentor (thank you Dave McCutcheon) who offered sage advice throughout my career.
- Email can be dangerous and distracting. Resist the urge to check it every five minutes. Proofread your emails before you send them and with difficult communications exercise the 24-hour rule. You will likely soften the tone when the heat of the moment passes.
- Embrace change. Legal research was paper-based when I was in law school. Electronic research was a game-changer. Adaptation required by modifications to search platforms was often frustrating but I accepted the change as a positive step forward.
- Take care of yourself. Practising law is stressful and a sedentary job. Regular exercise and a good night’s sleep are invaluable.
- Stay home when you’re sick. It’s not a badge of honour to drag yourself to the office spewing germs. We have hybrid work. Take advantage of it – your colleagues will thank you.
- Practise with respect and courtesy. There will be a time when you will need co-operation. As my mother always said, “you catch more bees with honey.”
- Find hobbies and outside interests that bring you joy. I know too many lawyers whose identity is based on “what I do.” There is life after law!
Thank you: Shona Compton (shona.compton@gmail.com)