Tips from the Experts 

Whether you’re fresh out of law school or refining your skills in a new firm, there will be a learning curve. Your first few years as a law firm associate are all about setting the tone for a successful legal career. While your education has built a strong foundation, much of your growth will come from hands-on experiences.  

We asked a panel of law firm partners, law school faculty, and members of the National Law Review to weigh in on some common pitfalls to avoid as a new associate. Take these tips from the experts with you into your next chapter to help pave your way to becoming a respected partner. 

1. Not Asking Enough Questions 

Senior attorneys expect you to show your willingness to learn, so don’t hesitate to ask thoughtful questions rather than struggle in silence. You want to build a solid knowledge base early on, and that means seeking clarification on assignments or when drafting documents for court proceedings. Soak up as much information as possible from the seasoned professionals around you. Asking questions doesn’t just solve immediate challenges, it also builds your competence and confidence. 

2. Poor Time Management 

Time management isn’t just a buzz term in law firms — it’s a critical lifelong professional skill you need to master. Between heavy caseloads and tight deadlines, poor time management can lead to chaos. Start by identifying your most critical tasks and tackling them first. Knock out smaller tasks when you have windows of opportunity throughout the day, be realistic about your bandwidth, and refrain from taking on non-billable work when your plate is full. It’s far better to manage expectations and deliver quality work than to overpromise and under-deliver. 

Use tools like Calendly, Google Calendar or Clio to manage your commitments and avoid missing an important conference call or filing deadline. 

3. Disorganization 

In the same vein, nothing reflects more poorly on your credibility — and that of your firm — than being disorganized. Keeping track of deadlines and documenting your work meticulously is an essential aspect of the profession. Build logical digital and hard copy filing systems, maintain to-do lists, and track billable hours meticulously. Many young associates underestimate how important these organizational habits are to their long-term success.  

4. Unclear Communications 

Communication skills are paramount for interactions with clients, partners, and opposing counsel. It should be a priority to communicate clearly and concisely in person, via phone, or writing. Practice explaining complex legal issues to improve your communication skills and gain confidence in your delivery. Be responsive to clients and partners in a timely manner and ensure any requests for action or clarifications are easy to follow.   

5. Lacking Attention to Detail 

The legal profession revolves around details. It’s best to review everything — from research memos to briefs — thoroughly before submitting them. Do not rely on your supervising attorney to do your proofreading for you. The fastest way to tarnish your reputation early on is by submitting work filled with typos, misstatements, or incorrect citations. Follow any templates and sample documents provided by your firm for formatting legal documents to create polished end products.  

6. Failing to Build Relationships  

It’s a given that you should treat partners, senior attorneys, and opposing counsel with respect, but don’t forget staff members as well. Remember to build rapport with paralegals, assistants, and peers who are integral to your success. The respect you show will often come full circle when you need urgent research done or an extra set of hands in a pinch. Additionally, the relationships you build with your colleagues can be an important source of advice, encouragement, and camaraderie when challenges arise. Such relationships can make your work life significantly smoother and provide an invaluable network throughout your career.  

7. Confusing Busywork with Being Productive 

For new associates, billable hours are important, but the most valued associates are those who not only bill for their time, but also get the job done. Billable hours help measure output, but simply “being busy” isn’t the same as making meaningful progress. Pay attention to how experienced attorneys handle tasks, observe their efficiency and approach, and then mimic their actions. Becoming a “doer” who consistently delivers results will help set you apart.  

8. Difficulty Accepting Criticism 

There are things that you simply won’t know early in your career. Learning to value constructive feedback will help you grow as a mature legal professional and should not be viewed as a personal attack. Adopting a mindset of daily improvement and implementing suggested changes gracefully will help you become a more well-rounded associate and will be noticed by your mentors. 

9. Not Owning Mistakes 

Mistakes are bound to happen. It’s part of being human, and part of the learning curve. How you respond will speak volumes to senior attorneys and others within your law firm. Avoiding accountability creates mistrust. If you make an error, admit it promptly and offer a plan for correcting it. Ask for guidance from a more senior attorney if necessary for a valuable teaching moment.  

10. Not Conducting Yourself Professionally 

How you conduct yourself at work is related to building relationships and a solid reputation.  Be sure to dress as a professional, convey a positive demeanor, refrain from gossip, and only engage in ethical practices. The quickest way to earn the respect of colleagues and supervisors is to demonstrate a high degree of professionalism, integrity, and fair-mindedness in your actions.  

Sidestep Early Pitfalls with BARBRI  

This is a pivotal moment in your legal career that should be used to build enduring work habits and professional skills. The efforts you put in early will pay dividends throughout your journey as an associate.  

There are many useful resources to guide you towards success as an associate, including: 

• American Bar Association articles like 27 Tips for Becoming a ‘Superstar’ Associate  
• BARBRI LinkedIn community: Join for more professional insights to empower every step of your legal journey