Survival Guide, Esq.

4 ABA Journal Survival Guide, Esq. articles.

Professional success is not achieved through participation trophies

Lawyers, especially new practitioners, are not rewarded for simply showing up. And since the learning curve from law student to lawyer is steep, most of the feedback you’re likely to receive the first few years of practice is critical. Therefore, it is important to challenge yourself regularly and to find security and confidence from within.

Oct 1, 2024 2:20 AM CDT

Good lawyers don’t only point out problems, they offer solutions

Understanding how to give an unfettered opinion and drive the client’s decision-making can make the difference between great lawyers and those seen as just OK. With smart guardrails, you shouldn’t be afraid to loosen the strict restraints on your opinions—because at the end of the day, your client wants to know what you think.

Aug 1, 2024 1:50 AM CDT

Early career success can come from developing your ‘ownership mindset’

Ownership mindset. Is it the secret to success, or something everyone talks about but no one really knows what it means? Maybe both. The purpose of this installment of Survival Guide, Esq. is to demystify the concept of ownership mindset as well as provide a few practical tips on how to cultivate and demonstrate it.

Jun 1, 2024 2:10 AM CDT

Unwritten Rules: What they expect you to know on Day 1 but don’t tell you

It’s time to open up the clock and show you what your managers expect you to know when you walk in the door on Day 1.

Apr 1, 2024 1:30 AM CDT