17 Things I Wish I Knew as a First-Year Associate

What this episode covers

When you are a first-year associate in a big law firm the way is fraught with booby-traps. Here are 17 tips to help you become an excellent attorney. This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.Adapted from an article by Jay Harrington.Click here to read the full article, and head to Attorney at Work for more really good ideas.(00:00) - Intro (00:53) - Being Busy is No substitute for being productive (01:08) - Stop making excuses (01:25) - Work on your writing skills (01:37) - Learn how to use a calendar (01:46) - You have no idea how much senior partners value good associates (02:01) - You have no idea how much partners detest bad associates (02:11) - Understand business and learn from your clients (02:24) - You’ll never develop clients sitting behind your desk (02:42) - Eight years will go by faster than you think (02:55) - Be serious, but don’t take yourself too seriously (03:03) - Treat your colleagues with respect (03:16) - Take vacations (03:28) - Don’t be afraid to say no (03:49) - Don’t hide from that notorious partner (04:14) - Get out of your silo (04:37) - Prep your family or significant other (04:55) - Stay confident Additional Resources:Building Your Network: You’ll Regret Not Starting SoonerBuilding Confidence: Strategies for LawyersBusiness Development Starters for Law Firm Associates Music is "You Can’t Deny It" by Dr. Delight

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How long is this episode of Attorney at Work Today?

This episode is 5 minutes long.

When was this Attorney at Work Today episode published?

This episode was published on April 28, 2025.

What is this episode about?

When you are a first-year associate in a big law firm the way is fraught with booby-traps. Here are 17 tips to help you become an excellent attorney. This episode of Attorney at Work Today is brought to you by Answering Legal.Adapted from an article...

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