Being a successful attorney requires a number of different skills in varied areas. However, from my many years of experience I would give two overriding pieces of advice on how to become successful. First, become an expert in your practice area. Second, start building your practice from day one. The first piece of advice may seem obvious but many people take it for granted and don't put the work in to become an expert. Law, like other professions, is incredibly specialized. Those who succeed are not only good at many things they're also the best in one or two things. Being the best not only ensures that you're the best possible attorney for your client but also sets you up for a steady flow of referrals from clients and colleagues that will keep you working and successful for many years. This leads to the second point - being good at what you do isn't enough. You must build your practice or business. You're only as successful as your ability to attract and keep clients. That should start the day you get out of law school. It may seem early but it's never too early to start. By your 6th or 7th year in practice people will start judging you less on your ability to get the job done then on your ability to generate business and at that point it's hard to first start building a practice. Start from the very first day.
I would have started building my practice from day one. I had to reinvent myself halfway through. It worked out well and I became successful but it would have been a lot easier, and less painful, if I had started earlier. The other thing I would have done is I wouldn't have moved from a big firm to solo practice without a plan. The idea of bringing in business, getting work out the door and getting paid sounded great; but I didn't have a plan and without a plan you cannot be successful.
What is your advice for current law students on how they can prepare for their future careers now?
Not to beat the theme to death, but you can never start too early to become an expert and build a practice. Join student groups. Take CLE classes. Network with fellow students. Intern or work for experienced attorneys who can act as mentors. All of these things will help you become an expert and build a practice.
