Strong relationships are critically important when becoming a “center of influence” and and ultimate rainmaker.
The first step to becoming a “lawyer of influence” is mastering the art of building strong relationships. For junior associates - there’s no better place to start than with the key partners at your firm.
Here are a few steps to get you you started-
1. Accept the fact that as a junior associate the partners at your firm are your primary clients.
2. Focus on your client and do you best to meet their needs and goals!
3. Never miss a deadline (even if it requires an all-nighter).
4. Immediately return calls and emails from partners and outside clients.
5. Take time to clearly understand your partners’ expectations and objectives for each assignment. Believe me, getting started on a project before you have a clear picture of what the partner expects is a recipe for disaster. Regardless of your level of discomfort, it is much better ask lots of questions upfront so that you are clear about the task at hand. You want to avoid (whenever possible) having to go back and clean up errors caused by your misundertandings and wrong assumptions.
6. Develop great attention to detail. Only turn in your absolute best work to partners, regardless of any assurances that your draft will be considered just that -a draft. Once you hand your work product over to your partner (or the client) - it is no longer a draft … reallly … .
7. Ask for additional support when you need it. Do not wait until the last minute and you are pressed for time to ask for help.
8. Be flexible and willing to “pitch-in” as necessary when needed on big (or small) projects.
Admittedly … following the tips above will not lead to greater work-life balance. They will, however, help you develop strong relationships with your key partners. And, strong relationships with key partners will certainly serve you well.
We’ll write and post a few realistic work-life balance articles for law firm associates over the next several weeks.
Until next time … Take GREAT Care!
Coach TC
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Hi,
Just wanted to say I have to agree with everything stated here, and I sure could have used these pointers few months back when I started work as a Junior Associate.
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