If you are starting a new job in a law firm, you may have all sorts of feelings.
You may be feeling nervous and excited at the same time.
Or you’re a little anxious because you want to make a good impression.
I understand all these feelings.
That’s why I’m going to share with you the tips that helped me in my first-ever paralegal role that helped me make a good impression and thrive in the role.
Let’s dive into these tips.
1 – Not knowing is a strength – you’re a blank canvas
Not knowing everything is a strength because you are a blank canvas.
What this means is that everything new you learn is with a fresh perspective.
When I started my first paralegal role, I had no law firm experience. It was also a conveyancing law firm, so I didn’t have conveyancing knowledge.
But because I was a “blank canvas”, it was easier for me to learn all those things, such as how the applications, procedures, and processes work.
At my current law firm, it took me longer to understand their specific applications, procedures, and processes because I was carrying over my experience from my previous role.
So while having experience is an advantage, having no experience can be an advantage too.
RELATED: My Journey in Becoming a Lawyer at 23
2 – Ask the silly questions
90% of the time, the thing you want to clarify isn’t even silly.
You would rather have a moment when you would feel silly than be scared of that, take a guess, and get it wrong.
Most of the time, people in the workplace understand that you’re new and asking questions is reasonable.
In fact, the best time to ask all these questions is when you start your new job.
3 – Double-check your work
When in doubt, double-check your work.
Personally, for me, if I feel just a little bit of self-doubt, I will get it checked.
Again, it goes back to the previous point: you would rather have a moment of feeling silly than get scared of that where you guess and getting it wrong.
RELATED: 5 Tips for Starting Law School
4 – Don’t take feedback personally
There will definitely be feedback on your work. Also, expect to be corrected and to receive performance reviews.
The best thing you can do for yourself is not to take the feedback personally.
The earlier you do that, the easier it will be for you.
5 – Take initiative
If you want to make a good impression, taking initiative is your magic code.
Obviously, when you’re just starting, it’s hard to take initiative because you don’t 100% know all the processes.
There are still some small things you can do, like drafting an email, having a go at answering a client’s question (by doing research and discussing it with your supervisor), and whatever else you can find.
RELATED: How I Overcame Failure in Law School
6 – Show off your strengths
If you’re really good at picking things up or have good attention to detail, show off that strength.
If you’re really good at writing emails, show off that strength.
You gotta show off a little bit even in the small things.
If you have a skill that you do well at, make the effort to make it known.
When you show off your strengths and people see it, when you make a mistake/or something you need to improve on, your colleagues aren’t going to doubt in your ability, because they know the strength you have.
Chapter Wrap Up
These are the tips for if you’re starting a new law firm role:
- Not knowing is a strength
- Ask the “silly” questions
- Double-check your work
- Don’t take feedback personally
- Take initiative
- Show off your strengths
By doing 1-2 of these things, you not only make a good impression, but you can also thrive in the role and improve your skills in the process.
-Lauren 🙂
P.S I suggest reading these blog posts next:
- Resume and CV Tips for the Legal Field
- How I Make Time for Myself as a Lawyer
- 6 Simple Things that Make My Work Day Better
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi, this is Lauren! I’m a lawyer from Melbourne, Australia.
I failed 8 classes when I was in law school, got 3 High Distinctions in my last semester, and now I’m a lawyer. I know how overwhelming law school can feel.
That’s why I have created this little space for aspiring lawyers on my blog!
About laurenbarri.com: I create content on all things personal development, productivity, self-care, and habits! There is also a law to lawyer hub specifically for those who want to be lawyers and thrive in law school.
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