As a new associate, you're new to your firm and your profession. You can barely remember where the bathroom is, and yet you know you need to focus on the endgame: Becoming a great lawyer and impressing the partners. Here, veteran attorneys give advice to new associates.
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Joe Coniglio, Greenberg Traurig LLP
“Say 'yes.' Be open-minded. As a new associate, if you’re not already committed to a specific practice, be open to work in various areas. When you are approached to work on a project, say 'yes.' Learn. Embrace opportunities to learn from more experienced lawyers, both partners and associates — improve your lawyering skills each day. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. It’s not only about billing hours — engage. Participate in firm initiatives. Go to the optional business development lunch-and-learn. Volunteer for the community ‘day of service’ project. We want well-rounded lawyers who are engaged in all aspects of firm life.”