Do you have what it takes to be a successful lawyer? Katharine M. Chen, associate director of the Career Planning Center at Fordham University School of Law, breaks down the attributes—other than legal knowledge and skills—that lead to success, including:
- Keep learning and stay curious.
- Become familiar with your clients’ businesses and business models.
- Seek out mentors, both inside the workplace and outside, expanding your network and increasing your knowledge.
- Become a mentor, and share your experiences with someone else.
- Expand your circle of friends, and establish connections with non-lawyers.
- Hone your people skills, and your ability to read situations effectively.
- Make sure you’re tagged with the appropriate label, by being proactive in getting the kind of work you want.
- Learn all the office skills required by your employer.
- Focus on both your strengths and weaknesses.
Even as a law student, working on these competencies can help steer you on the right path. As Chen states, “Whether the markets are up, down or sideways, and the economy is good or bad, your goal is to have your own professional development plan to acquire or hone the competencies that are critical to your continued success, allowing you to move forward continually.”
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