When I decided to leave teaching and go to law school, I chose to attend Northeastern University School of Law. Although there were many factors that played into this decision, primary among them was Northeastern's co-op program.

During my three years of law school, I had four excellent co-op experiences. I interned with Judge Barbadoro at the federal district court; I worked at a small civil rights law firm in Boston; and, for two quarters, I was an intern at Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, where I am now an associate. Before joining Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, I clerked for Judge Duggan at the New Hampshire Supreme Court. The lessons I learned from these varied experiences and my clerkship have helped guide me through my first year as a practicing attorney. I have learned to:

1. Listen more than I talk. When you are a new lawyer, it is tempting to try to "prove yourself," by explaining everything you know about the law. If you do this, you could lose out on the essential lessons that the more experienced lawyer you are working with can teach you. Whether it is information about a substantive area of the law, an explanation about legal strategy, or a tip about how to communicate effectively with clients, there is always something to gain from listening to (and watching) the more experienced people around you.

2. Take advantage of opportunities. New lawyers should use each new assignment as a learning experience - not just to learn the law, but also to learn more about your new colleagues. It is critical for new lawyers to make an effort to get involved in projects that they are curious about. If you have the opportunity to work on a new and challenging project, you can showcase your skills and, possibly, find an area of the law that interests you.

3. Be diligent. As a new lawyer, you feel pressure to complete assignments quickly. It is, however, just as important to do them well. First, make sure you understand the assignment. Don't be afraid to ask a silly question. If you are being asked to research a topic, be thorough. Don't just read the case law. If there are secondary sources available, they may help shed some light on a new and complex area of law. When it comes time to draft a memorandum or explain what you have learned to another attorney, be sure that you have a solid and reasoned analysis to back up your conclusion.

New lawyers should look at their first year of practice as a time of learning and growth. This is, however, easily forgotten when the new lawyer is faced with the pressures of pleasing superiors and performing tasks quickly. Hopefully, the more experienced lawyers that you work with will recognize this period of learning and growth and help guide you through this unique and challenging part of your career.

Marla B. Matthews practices at the Concord law firm of Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell and is a member of the Professionalism Committee. Members of the committee regularly writes articles for Bar News to encourage ongoing dialogue on professionalism issues. Comments are welcomed. Contact the author at matthews@gcglaw.com or Joseph N. Laplante, chair of the Professionalism Committee, at joseph.laplante@usdoj.gov.

Home | About the Bar | For Members | For the Public | Legal Links | Publications | Online Store
Lawyer Referral Service | Law-Related Education | NHBA•CLE | NHBA Insurance Agency | NHMCLE
Search | Calendar

New Hampshire Bar Association
2 Pillsbury Street, Suite 300, Concord NH 03301
phone: (603) 224-6942 fax: (603) 224-2910
email: NHBAinfo@nhbar.org
© NH Bar Association Disclaimer