University and law school should have taught wannabee lawyers a few things at least. Amongst them you’d hope for a bit of case analysis, some litigation techniques and legal research skills, but they normally overlook one important area: the practical realities that exist within a firm.

Cynisism aside for a minute, most new associates love being lawyers, or at least should for a while , and generally their first and foremost goal is to become a great lawyer. Over the years they will learn some vital lessons that will help them on the way to that goal. Some quickly; others through trial and error.

In pursuit of learning some of these lessons they might want to take a look at this piece "Tough Love for New Associates " written by a lawyer (as it happens from Texas) for lawjobs who has drawn upon the most important lessons he believes has helped him along the way. This is not the usual sort of stuff that careers wonks give; some examples…

Perfection

Associates should always strive to provide the partner with perfect work. Here is a little secret: You will fail miserably numerous times. But do not be disheartened if the partner says your perfect brief is complete and utter trash. Keep striving for perfection, and the criticism will lessen.

Whingers

Some associates complain ad nauseam about partners who criticize their appearance or yell at them. They whine about the long hours the partners demand and are indignant that partners refuse to listen to their ideas regarding a case.

Don’t be one of those associates.

Being the Nike man

In firms, those who make the rain also make the rules. Associates who want to make their own rules should become rainmakers themselves.

Being your own Winston Churchill

Everyone works better when morale and spirits are high. Not surprisingly, partners want morale to be up at the firm. Many associates, however, are entirely self-absorbed and pay constant attention to how they are feeling after having two bad days in a row. Get over it.

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