Lawyers Who Launch

Your reputation in the law is important to your future success.  We are sharing seven considerations for you when thinking about the type of reputation you are looking to build.Establish your expertise.As a new attorney it is your job to learn your chosen practice.  You are not going to be an expert in those early years but that is okay.  As you learn others around you will notice your dedication and diligence.  This will help you build that reputation for expertise as to expand your knowledge.Maintain professionalism.Professionalism is vital to your reputation and that applies to anyone you interact with professionally.  Most attorneys interact with some of the same people on a regular basis so keep that in mind.  Examples include being punctual and respectful of others' time.  Be courteous and do not talk down to others.  People pay attention to how you treat them, as well as those around you so consider this as you decide how you want to present yourself and interact with others.Demonstrate your work ethic.Be responsive to inquiries.  Return phone calls and emails promptly.  Be consistent in your work so that clients and colleagues know that you are dependable.  Practice your communication skills.Consider ways to highlight your stronger skills but do not be shy to work on those skills that you are not as comfortable with to become a well rounded professional.Network.Networking is one of the best ways to build a strong legal career and it is absolutely tied in with your professional reputation.  Engage with your local community.Many attorneys are well known for their civic engagement.  What kind of work, committee or organization can you join and devote time to?  A natural place to look is something that fits within your practice area.Create and maintain your online presence.Craft a thoughtful bio for your firm's website.  You can then use this bio to create an engaging profile for LinkedIn. LinkedIn can be a great place to hone your professional reputation to a wider audience.A strong professional reputation takes time and effort.  But with a thoughtful plan and a commitment to excellence your reputation will help you achieve your goals.LWL Design Shop on Etsy use code LWLPOD for 15% off your purchaseNothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

This week we are addressing a common summer question for those of you entering law school this fall - what do I need for law school???Physical Items:1. Tech - a lightweight laptop is a necessity.  Many law students also opt for tablets for note taking, scheduling, planning, and more.2. Noise cancelling headphones - these are a must to help you concentrate and get through long study sessions.3. Portable charger - this will ensure that no matter where you are sitting in the library you are charged and ready to go.4. Traditional back-to-school essentials - sticky notes, pens, and highlighters are a classic law school staple.5. School bag - you should get something study and comfortable to carry around all of your essentials.6. Study templates from our Etsy shop!  Use code LWLPOD for 15% your entire purchase.  Things to consider as you begin law school:1. Familiarize yourself with the curriculum by reviewing the structure, schedule, assignments, and required reading.2. Develop strong reading and analytical skills.3. Understand the Socratic method.4. Create a study schedule.5. Utilize your school's available resources.6. Build a strong network.7. Improve your legal writing skills.8. Stay organized and manage stress intentionally.9. Embrace a growth mindset.10. Remember your goals.LWL Design Shop on Etsy use code LWLPOD for 15% off your purchaseNothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

We are gearing up for a summer filled with vacations, day trips, and time spent with family and friends.  So, of course, we are considering how we can actually disconnect when we are out of the office, whether that is for an afternoon or for a week.  As an attorney, it takes more than just popping up your out of office response on your email. Especially in a smaller firm, there may be files or tasks that you are the point of contact, decision maker and advisor.  To be able to disconnect when you are at the office, and truly have a physical and mental break, you need to plan. Here are ten easy steps to help you plan to disconnect.1. Plan ahead.  To the extent you can, schedule this time out of the office in advance so that your staff, clients, and colleagues know that you will be unavailable and you can prepare your files accordingly.2. Review your files to organize and prioritize your open matters.3. Delegate.  Now that you have organized and prioritized your open matters, go through the tasks and decide what you can delegate to other staff members to get done before you plan to be away, or to work on while you are away.  Provide clear direction and as much information as you can, including relevant contact information for other involved colleagues, so that your staff is equipped to accomplish the work you have delegated to them.4. Set realistic boundaries.  After you have reviewed and organized your matters, you should have a realistic idea of what could occur while you are away.5. Schedule and automate tasks.  If there are any tasks that you routinely handle, schedule these beforehand.6. Clear your inbox.  Now, inbox zero is a scenario most only dream of, but prior to setting your out of office message, make sure you have gone through your email and responded to any outstanding inquiries.7. Inform Staff, Colleagues and Clients.  Of course your staff should be advised of your out of office plans, but if you are actively working on a matter, a quick email to a colleague and client advising that you will be out of the office helps to set the expectation that you will not be available so that an outstanding matter can be dealt with prior to your leaving.8. Keep detailed notes.  You should be doing this as we work on files, but particularly before time out of the office, make sure that you have kept detailed notes so that staff will have all the information they may need to work on a file.9. Take care of personal matters.  Put your mail on hold.  Make sure your passport is up to date.  Schedule your transportation to and from the airport.  Book the pet sitter.  Make your dinner reservations. Take steps now so that your time can be as stress free as possible while you are away.10. Mentally disconnect.  This is the hardest of all the steps.  By empowering your staff and partners, you can give yourself permission to mentally disconnect knowing that they can handle the everyday questions or matters that may come up in your absence.  Preparation and communication is key to making your time out of the office truly disconnected. LWL Design Shop on Etsy use code LWLPOD for 15% off your purchaseNothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

Congratulations to all of the 2023 law school graduates!In honor of this huge milestone, we are sharing our tips to help you prepare and plan to study for the bar exam this summer.Tip #1 - Celebrate your J.D.Law school is a huge accomplishment all on its own.  Take some time to put the bar exam out of your mind, as well as wherever you are in your job search and just celebrate your J.D. You've worked hard.  You deserve to take the time to celebrate this major accomplishment before focusing on what will be your next accomplishment–passing the bar. Tip #2 - Make a plan for how you will study.Whether you use a bar exam prep class or use a self-study method, you should begin with your study plan.  Doing the practice exams were probably our least favorite part of study but they were absolutely necessary.Definitely schedule some time for practice exams.  Do your best to simulate what those actual testing conditions will be like.  Towards the end of your studying, take a full practice exam.  While you can't control everything around you, you can do your best to stick to your plan and minimize distractions.  At this point you should consider whether you can carve out time for events that will happen during your study period.  Will you be able to attend a friend's wedding?  How will you do that?  What does your study time look like around that specific event?If you are looking for some additions planning support for your bar exam planning, please check out our Bar Exam Study Planner on Etsy.  These eight templates will help you plan your entire study schedule, track your progress, and stay motivated to reach the finish line.Tip #3 - Prepare your family and friends.Unless they are lawyers themselves they will likely have no concept of what is before you or the work that needs to go into it.  It is definitely worth the time spent now to prepare them for what is ahead, rather than having to justify your time later when you are in the midst of studying.Since you have already planned out your summer and prioritized obligations you are able, if you so choose, to give them an insight into what your study schedule looks like.  You can choose to share what the materials are you are studying and what the exam looks like.  Chances are these people closest to you will at least give you the benefit of the doubt, even if they don't understand completely, that this is what you need to do to make it to the finish line.Tip #4 - Make a plan for post-bar fun.You will definitely deserve some down time after taking the bar.  It will be something to look forward to and you will be happy to have something fun after the bar.Let us know how your study planning goes!LWL Design Shop on Etsy use code LWLPOD for 15% off your purchaseNothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

Spring is here and summer is right around the corner.  This usually means a different pace of our daily lives.  The summer is a great time to network at any stage of your career.  Because of unique summer opportunties, you can simplify your summer networking and enjoy yourself while you do it. If you are in law school you likely have a summer position.  Even if you are taking summer classes, the flow of a summer session is entirely different from the regular school year.  For those of you taking the bar this summer you have a very different season before you.  Even if you are out and in practice, the summer can mean a different work flow, perhaps some time to take a breath, and maybe even a vacation.This interruption in your schedule to hopefully enjoy some beautiful weather means something else to us. This is the perfect opportunity for summer networking.  Because of the particular nature of summer, summer networking can look very different.  We always find that networking in the summer lends itself to more casual networking and in ways that you would not necessarily think to do it in other seasons.But before you decide where and when you will network in the summer, you must first think about why.  The first place we will start is with our networking goals. As we always say, networking is not about attending every meet and greet or networking event you are invited to. Networking is about relationships. Strong networking relationships are mutually beneficial professional relationships. As you start to develop a plan that works for you and your practice area, keep the goal of developing relationships into mutually beneficial networking relationships at the forefront.  For many established lawyers the answer to this question may be very easy.  But even established lawyers may not be proficient networkers, in fact many are not.  First determine why you are networking. That is, who are you seeking to connect with? Colleagues? Referral sources? Or prospective clients? Focusing your attention on your goals and then developing a plan for how you will reach that goal will save you time and energy because you will be able focus on actions that will serve you rather than simply trying to cast a wide net and see what happens.If you are a law student that is unsure about your path and you have a summer position then we have a very simple networking plan for you this summer.  Focus on networking at work.  The summer is the perfect stretch of time to focus on developing those relationships within your summer position.  Now it is time to consider how you will take advantage of all of the unique summer networking opportunities.  And remember you are not confined to networking at formal organized events.  The summer is a perfect time to reconnect with colleagues over a longer lunch at an outdoor cafe or making time for a round of golf during a slower week this summer.LWL Design Shop on Etsy use code LWLPOD for 15% off your purchaseNothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

Professional networking groups are an effective way to generate new business, refer leads to others, and generally network with local professionals.  But they can be intimidating if you do not know much about them.  We are breaking down professional networking groups, how they work, what to expect, and how to tell if it is right for you.What is a professional networking group?A professional networking group is a curated group of professionals that meet on some regular basis with the set goal of networking, most often for referrals.  This group is often vetted by profession and requires membership fees.  There will also usually be a regular meeting schedule.  A professional networking group may be a local group or may be a chapter of larger national or international professional networking group.How do professional networking groups work?Typically the president (or otherwise designated person) will open the meeting with any new business and introduce any visitors.  Then you go around and do a brief 30-second elevator pitch style introduction of who you are, what you do, and what is an ideal referral for you.  Next, you are given the chance to pass your tips.  Then one member has a chance to give a presentation about their business.  This helps the other members of the group learn more about them and what types of referrals they might be looking for.How do I know if a professional networking group is right for me?First, look at how much your fees are and how much one warm lead could earn you.  For most attorneys, this would be one or two referrals.  But if you are in an industry where it is going to take a lot of referrals to just break even, you want to be certain that joining a group makes financial sense.  Second, make sure you visit a few different groups and that they are made up of professionals that would likely refer work to you and that you can refer work to.  For an attorney, some of our best referrals come from attorneys in other practice areas.Benefits of Professional Networking Groups:Regularly scheduled networking with the intent being business generation.  Collaboration with other professionals.Professional development opportunities, such a speaking engagements.Enhance your networking skills.LWL Design Shop on Etsy use code LWLPOD for 15% off your purchaseNothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

For law students and lawyers new to practice, your resume will not be filled with legal experience.  This can leave you feeling anxious and frustrated with the job search process.  We are sharing resume green flags that we look for in our firms and how you can showcase these in your resume.Resume Green Flag #1 - Extracurricular ActivitiesInvolvement in activities, groups, or organizations outside of your class requirements can showcase a lot about your personality.  First, it can show the person looking at your resume that you can balance responsibilities and that you are a team player.  These extracurricular activities may also be a connection point with the person reviewing your resume.  A leadership role can also help you highlight your dedication to your commitments and leadership skills.Resume Green Flag #2 - Work History (non-law)The ability to obtain, maintain, and thrive in employment is something that potential employers absolutely look for - even if the specific experience is unrelated to the position you are applying for.If you had a role that was for a set period of time, clarifying that on your resume can also show that you fulfill obligations.Resume Green Flag #3 - InterestsInterests may spark connection points between an interviewer and interviewee with the same interest.  Even without that connection point, the interviewer is able to learn more about you, which can spark more genuine and illuminating conversation.What green flags do you have on your resume?Have a great day!Haley and AmyP.S. - Looking for a way to organize applications, interviews, and more for your job search?  Check out our Law Student Job Search Bundle on Etsy!  Use code LWLPOD for %15 off any purchase from our shop, including all of our amazing law school success bundles.LWL Design Shop on Etsy use code LWLPOD for 15% off your purchaseNothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

Mentor relationships (much like networking) is something that we all know we should be pursuing for professional success, but can often be anxiety inducing.  However so many of the same networking principles that we utilize can also apply to the search for your next mentor.But how to get started?  The first place to look is at your current professional network.  Is there anyone in your network with whom you would be interested in pursuing a mentor relationship?  No matter who you are you have a network.  You have friends and family, friends of people in your family.  You have had employers, coworkers, teachers, and professors.  These are easy places to look for a prospective mentor.What if you do not think that anyone you already know fits the bill?  Try looking one step out from your direct network.  Is there anyone in your school, ideal practice area, or general profession that you are aware of but maybe do not know?  If so, then look for a connection point.  Is there someone you know who could make an introduction?  Are they presenting at a conference that you are going to attend?  Is there a way that you could meet them in a professional setting to begin to develop that relationship?But maybe you are not sure who you would like to develop a mentor relationship with because you do not know what you are looking for.  Here are three simple ways to brainstorm to find your ideal mentor:1. Make a list.A simple list of qualities or attributes in your ideal mentor is a simply place to begin.  As you work it is likely that the person you are looking for will come into focus.2. Vision board.A vision board can be a great brainstorming tool to help you break through a barrier.  Whether with actual paper or digitally, a vision board can help you identify who you are truly seeking.3. Nurture your existing network.Select two or three people in your existing network.  For whatever reason you may not think they are candidate for your mentor.  But, developing your relationship with them may either change your view or help you learn more about them so you can connect to a prospective mentor in their network.As you grow, if you have the opportunity to become a mentor for someone else - take it!LWL Design Shop on Etsy use code LWLPOD for 15% off your purchaseNothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

When we think of networking we often think of events filled with eager networkers or exclusive networking groups.  These are great places to network.  But they are not the only way to network.Let's take a step back and simplify the process.  Here are three steps you can take this week to jumpstart your professional networking.Step #1 - Make a list.Make a quick list of at least nine people.  These should be people whom you already know a little bit - not strangers and not your best friend.  Do not overthink the list.  The ideal person is someone you have met but what to connect with more professionally.Step #2 - Identify three people.Again, do not overthink this.  Just commit to three names.  You will then write how you will connect with them next to their name.Some easy examples are:  reaching out about a milestone or celebration; scheduling time for a call, coffee, or lunch; see if they want to attend a CLE or other bar function with you; or interact with their professional online content.Step #3 - Connect.Decide when you will make the connection and DO IT!  Repeat each week until you are finished with your list.These three steps are such an easy way to make connections without spending a lot of time or thought worrying about the process.  You can use these three steps over and over again to reinvigorate your networking routine anytime that works for you.LWL Design Shop on Etsy use code LWLPOD for 15% off your purchaseNothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

Practical legal experience is a coveted resume builder for law students and recent law school graduates.  This week we are sharing a few opportunities for you to gain practical legal experience - all with a networking bonus.1. Legal ClinicMost law school have legal clinics associated with this schools.  This is a direct routine to experiences that you would not otherwise have in the classroom.  A clinic can also help you learn more about an area of law so you have a better idea of what you want to pursue after law school.2.  Mock TrialThe opportunity to compete on a mock trial team cannot be replicated anywhere else in law school.  Getting on your feet and arguing before panels and judges will give you that experience and a big resume boost.3.  Judicial InternshipWhile the most common way we think about law clerks in the courts is the year following law school, that is not the only path.  Many courts bring in interns for a year or a semester.  This is a front row seat to our justice system and will give you exposure like nothing else.4.  Law Firm ClerkshipWhether you spend a summer in a law firm, or maybe longer, law firm clerkships are a classic way to gain experience as a student.  The variety of clerkships vary from firm to firm - there is no one size fits all approach.  Consider you interests and reach out to local firms to see whether you are just what they are looking for.Networking Bonus:All of these opportunities gives you the chance to expand your professional network and work on your networking skills.  Interested in networking, but unsure where to begin?  Check out The Law Student's Guide to Networking - available on Amazon.LWL Design Shop on Etsy use code LWLPOD for 15% off your purchaseNothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

If you are a recent or soon-to-be law school graduate this information is for you.  As practicing lawyers who attended law school from 2007 to 2010, we know all about graduating during tough economic times because we graduated in the midst of the Great Recession.  Therefore, we know a thing or two about how to navigate a tough job market and taking the bar exam all at the same time.Here are five tips for recent (or soon-to-be) law school graduates to set yourself up for success after graduation, especially if you have not landed a full-time position yet.Tip #1 - While you are looking for a full-time position, consider other temporary options to help you build experience.Since you are just starting out you do not have a lot of practical experience yet.  Consider taking a part-time or temporary role to help you gain experience and build your resume while you continue to pursue full-time employment.Tip #2 - Remember that your career is not defined by your GPA.If you are someone that is concerned about whether their GPA is competitive enough - STOP!  Instead of worrying about what is behind you and cannot be changed, look forward.  Highlight skills and experience on your resume that is not reflected in your transcript.  Show your talents when given the opportunity.  Tip #3 - Networking!You should be consistently reaching out and checking in with your network.  Tell them what you are looking for and the types of connections you are looking to make with others.  Networking is the TOP way professionals land coveted positions.Tip #4 - Apply for a position even if it is not advertised.Send out your resume and cover letter to local firms or companies that interest you.  Smaller firm and business, in particular, tend to be more frugal with both time and money - advertising for job openings may not be their priority.  Get yourself out there in your local market and start making those connections.Tip #5 - Celebrate!Wherever you are in your professional journey, make sure that you are celebrating your law school graduation.  This is an amazing accomplishment and you worked hard to achieve it.  Don't let the bar exam or an uncertain job market deter you from celebrating this milestone and honoring yourself.Have a great day!Haley & AmyLWL Design Shop on Etsy use code LWLPOD for 15% off your purchaseNothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

This week we are talking about something important to everyone, no matter their stage of practice.  That is - your professional reputation.Your professional reputation is important to build and maintain.  We are sharing five things you can do to build a strong professional reputation.#1 Reliability Do what you say you are going to do.  Meet deadlines.  Communicate with your colleagues.  This communicates to others that you can be relied upon and that will go a long way to establishing a solid professional reputation.#2 IntegrityThe people you work with will come to learn whether you are someone that can be trusted or someone that will bend the facts.  Similar to reliability, can you be trusted to be forthcoming and trustworthy?#3  Avoid gossipDeveloping yourself as someone that spreads and feeds into gossip will absolutely hurt your reputation and impact other people's ability to trust you.  Instead establish yourself as someone that can be trusted to shut down gossip and keep private conversations private.#4  Showcase yourselfLet people know when you have reached a professional milestone.  Keep your network up to date on professional advancement and skills.  They will then come to look at you as a leader in your field.#5 Be supportive of everyoneYou should always extend the same kindness and courtesy that you do with a senior partner to anyone else you come across.  How you treat others really does matter to them and to your reputation.Your reputation matters!  Guard it carefully and mindfully.  If you are careful with it, it will help you thrive throughout your career.LWL Design Shop on Etsy use code LWLPOD for 15% off your purchaseNothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

In part two of the 2023 Summer Associates are Made in the Winter miniseries we are discussion the application process and networking.  These are two key aspects of a successful law school summer.The application process for summer positions varies widely depending on where you are applying. But how are you tracking your applications?  As you apply for positions you will save yourself so much time in the future if you keep track of where you are applying.  Hiring timelines for companies and law firms vary widely.  Keeping track of your applications will help you if that call comes months after you submitted your resume.  Getting yourself organized now will absolutely save you time and stress later.Tracking your applications will allow you to be aware at one glance of where you are in all stages of the process everywhere you applied.  Having this type of information at the tip of your fingers will make it easy for you to keep on top of your applications.  Tracking applications can also be valuable to you further down the road.  Next year when you are applying for another summer position, or even later when you are applying for attorney positions you already have your own personal database at your fingertips.  We love tracking applications for all of these reasons.  Our custom application tracker is just one of the valuable tools available in the job search bundle in our Etsy shop.  The time saved collecting all of this valuable information will make your job search more efficient and more effective.Networking, of course, is always at the forefront of our minds.  Think about how you can utilize your network during your summer job search.  Being able to reach out to a specific person or have your résumé forwarded to a hiring manager by a current employee can go a long way in making your application or résumé stand out from the stack.  Don't forget to reach out to your fellow law school classmates.  If a 2L or 3L is leaving an internship, they may be able to pass along your resume and offer a recommendation on your behalf.  If you are struggling with how to reach out to your network, consider picking up the phone or crafting an email just to loop them in with what you are currently looking for and ask if they may know of anyone hiring in that area of law.  What if you don't have anyone in your network yet to reach out to?  This may be especially true for first year first generation law students.  Take a step back and take out a notepad.  Make a list of everyone you know in law school.  List your professors.  List anyone you've met at a networking event.  Go back a little further and now include your college classmates, add your college professors, and now add any past employers–whether they were full time jobs or internships.  These are all people in your network that you can reach out to and start building a stronger connection with.  Ask them for help in your job search.  Let them know exactly what you're looking for and how they can help.  LWL Design Shop on Etsy use code LWLPOD for 15% off your purchaseNothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

We are back we a popular topic - summer associates are made in the winter!  In part 1 we will give you four simple tips to get your summer off to the right start this winter.Tip #1 - Start research opportunities that are available and interesting to you.You may not know what you want to do after law school and you may not know what you want to do this summer.  That's fine!  But you have to start somewhere.  Your summer job does not have to dictate the future of your career.  Especially if you are not sure about your path, be curious and flexible, ask questions, and take it all in.  There is something of value to be taken from any summer experience and the summer is the perfect time for exploration.  Once you start looking into your options, you want to make sure you have the tools you need to apply for those open positions.Tip #2 - Have all of your written application materials ready to go.You will want a well written resume and a cover letter draft.  You have time over winter break to put together a solid draft of a cover letter.  The cover letter cannot be finalized now because an effective cover letter will be personalized to each job you apply for.  While your cover letter should be personalized, your resume should be polished and ready to go.  If you do nothing else with your resume, ensuring that there are no mistakes or typos is critical.  Typos happen - but your resume is the one place it really should not.Tip #3 - Focus on your writing sample.Winter break and the beginning of the semester is the perfect time to finalize your writing sample.  Having a polished writing sample ready to go will help you stand out from the crowd.Tip #4 - Summer bucket list.Plan for fun this summer!These are the big things that you want to make sure you build into your summer, the things that need to be planned or coordinated otherwise they likely won't happen.  Allowing yourself to dream, and think, and plan a little bit about that long awaited summer break is also just fun.LWL Design Shop on Etsy use code LWLPOD for 15% off your purchaseNothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

We are nearly halfway through December and we are deep into holiday prep. If you're like us, you may feel like you are being pulled in a variety of directions - work, school, parties, holiday prep, and more.  This week we are sharing 5 steps to streamline and prioritize your to do list this holiday season.Step #1 - Make a dump list.If you think you need to do it, put it on the list.Step #2 - What can you eliminate?Take a harsh look at your list and decide what really needs to get done.  If it is not necessary then get rid of it. Step #3 - Ask whether this needs to be done now?Is there a deadline or a timing to this list item.  If so, you may need to keep it.  But if it can wait, then intentionally move it to a space when you have more time after the holidays.Step #4 - Delegate.Does this need to be done by you?  If not, DELEGATE!  Set measurable goals and deadlines so you can ensure it gets done, just not by you.Step #5 - Calendar the tasks that remain.Schedule time to do the items on your list and stick to it.We can't wait to hear if these five steps help you streamline your to do list this holiday season.LWL Design Shop on Etsy Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

This week we continue our quest to decrease stress and improving decision making.  That is why we are considering the seasonal decision fatigue and five simple things you can do to combat it right now.#1 - Make a dump list.Make a dump list of everything you have going on.  Big and little put it on there.  While you are making the list try to simply focus on getting it all out on the paper - don't think about it beyond naming it. #2 - Take your dump list and acknowledge what is actually timely or important.Going through this exercise is going to tell you a lot about the things you have going on and it might reveal something you did not recognize about priorities and where your attention does not necessarily need to be. For example maybe you can let go of something that has been bothering you but is not necessarily timely or important. Then that brain space can go to something else more critical.#3 - Make a list of 10 go-to dinners.This one is not necessarily for everyone, but if it is for you then it may change the game.  This list should be any 10 dinners - homemade, takeout, or some combination.  When you have a list of dinners ready to go in whatever format works for you then you can easily consult the list, or have someone else in your household consult the list, and make a choice.#4 - Schedule quality time and rest.Quality time and rest are very different but both fulfill us in different ways.  Quality time may be something that is not particularly restful, but helps us engage and connect with loved ones.  If your quality time is not restful, then you should also think of a way to carve out some time to rest and recharge.#5 - Acknowledge when good enough is good enough.It can be exhausting to make so many decisions, but the reality is we are often not choosing between something good and something bad, we are choosing between two good enough options.  And sometimes good enough, is just that, good enough and not worth thinking any more about.  That's the thing about low stakes decisions - they are low stakes, you usually can't mess it up so it is helpful to acknowledge that and lean into it.What are you going to try in this busy season?  Let us know!LWL Design Shop on Etsy Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

This time of year has suddenly become very busy for us and we have heard from many of you that the same is true.  That got us thinking about decision making, specifically big decisions.  Not every day is the same when decision making is concerned.  Here is a framework to help you decide whether today is a good day or a bad day to make a big decision.Question 1 - Am I making a reactive decision to a temporary problem?Being in the middle of a temporary problem is not always the best place to make a big permanent decision.  Before you make a decision you first want to identify whether you are reacting to a temporary problem?  If so, maybe that is a decision you want to hold off on until the temporary problem has resolved.Question 2 - Do I have enough information to make this decision?There are decisions that require a lot of information.  Do you have everything you need to know in order to make the decision?  If not, you cannot make the decision but you can make a plan to obtain the necessary information.  This helps prioritize what is going on and will help move you toward a decision, although probably not today. Be aware not to try to collect so much information that you develop “analysis paralysis.”  Rather, identify what you need to know and then seek it out.Question 3 - Am I feeling overwhelmed?Acknowledging that you are feeling overwhelmed can help you defer a decision that is just too important to make right now.  Maybe you have someone in your life that you could speak to about the decision to help you through it.  But trying to make a big decision amidst overwhelm can be challenging.  In that situation, consider deferring your decision until you get in a better head space.Question 4 - Is there anyone else that needs to weigh in on this decision?Many times big decisions impact the lives of others and they need to be a part of the process.  Open up to them and work with them, instead of getting in too deep in yourself.  This person might also offer you the perspective you need to agree on a decision. Question 5 - Am I too exhausted to make this decision?Similar to making a decision from a feeling of overwhelm, making a decision when you are tired or exhausted is not the best time. You don't have an accurate perception of the decision you need to make and its impact.LWL Design Shop on Etsy Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

Helping you build a strong professional network is the mission behind Lawyers Who Launch.  This may be surprising, but there are times when you may need to intentionally pause your networking efforts during a particularly busy season of life.Putting a pause on networking may seem counterproductive, but it is in fact the opposite.  We all have different seasons in our lives.  The timing, length, and reason for the season may all vary.  But sometimes you just do not have the time and energy to execute your networking plan.That's okay.Because you have been working on developing a strong professional network you have your network, even if you need to pause your networking plan.When you are in a season that could benefit from a networking pause you should give yourself the grace to actually do it.  We have five easy ways to engage with your network even when networking itself in on hiatus.Tip #1 - Email your networking contacts.Keeping in touch with your networking contacts via email is a great strategy for getting through your busy season, while still touching base on referrals or other news.  Use this technology to your advantage in this period of time.  Once you are through this season you can then engage with your networking directly through other means and reestablish the relationship you have built.Tip#2 - Make a phone call, not a commitment.There will be seasons when you do not have the space in your schedule to fit meetings, lunches, and events.  When that season hits perhaps you still have the space for a quick call with a networking contact.  Even if the call is to let someone know they are on your mind and you would like to schedule something with them in the future.  They will appreciate your time and thoughts and you are keeping that relationship going.Tip#3 - Share an article in your field on social media.Sharing helpful or interesting content on social media reminds your followers that you are someone that is keeping up to date in that field.  Your contacts will be happy to continue to look to you a source of reliable information.Tip#4 - Evaluation your commitments.Take a look at everything you have before you.  Perhaps there are other areas in which you could scale back.  Maybe now is the time to transition from a leadership role to a member in a group that you are involved with.  You may also look to refer some work out to your network.  Tip #5 - Ask for help.Because you have been building a strong professional network, remember that they are there for you.  If you need help reach out and ask someone.  Do you have someone you can refer a complex matter to?  Do you have someone with whom you could have a lunch to help you strategize a risky move?  Who can you rely upon in your network to help you in this season?A busy season is just that - a season.  Readjusting and refocusing is a part of life.  Utilizing these five tips can help you navigate such a season and come out better than ever.LWL Design Shop on Etsy Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

This fall Haley has spent time within her firm looking for summer associates.  Now that the interviews are done, she is sharing three lessons learned from her perspective as an interviewer.#1 - If you have the opportunity to interview in person - do it.Virtual interviews are part of our regular life and if that is all that you can manage that is fine.  However, if you have an opportunity to meet with a prospective employer in person take it if you can.  Virtual meetings will never be able to fully replicate the experience of being in the same room as someone else.  It is easier to make a connection with someone without the electronic barrier.#2 - What makes you stand out from the crowd?One thing that is important in Haley's firm is firm culture.  Therefore, learning more about the people they were interviewing, going beyond the writing sample and work experience, was an important part of their interview process.  Being able to learn more about the people as individuals, beyond their resumes, was important because they wanted to attempt a good fit on multiple fronts.  They loved discussing the quirky, less obvious skills and interests of the law students.#3 - It's not you, it's me.With so many stellar candidates but so few available spots, they knew they would not be able to extend offers to students that would have been a great fit.  Even if you felt you had an incredible interview, you might not have received an offer.  Don't let that discourage you from being you.  You will find your fit.  We'd love to hear more about your OCI experiences this fall!  Send us a message at haley@lawyerswholaunch.com and let us know!_____________________LWL Design Shop on EtsyUse promo code PODJOB for 15% off any bundle now until October 31, 2022_____________________Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

This week Haley brought some wisdom from a book to discuss.  She read “The Thin Line Between Cupcake and Bitch:  Taking Action, Driving Change, Getting Results” by Joni Wickham.  While there were many gems throughout the book, today's inspiration is one of Joni's 10 leadership sessions - know a crisis when you see it.In her book, Joni shared a framework for identifying a crisis.  The framework focuses on assessing the implications and severity of the situation to really identify whether something is a crisis.  The ability to discern a crisis is a valuable skill for attorneys to develop.As an attorney, many people will come to you with what they think is a crisis.  Being able to make that independent assessment when you are presented with a situation helps set the tone for the way it is handled moving forward.  Discerning a crisis is important because everything that happens cannot possibly be a crisis.  The panic of thinking everything is a crisis keeps you constantly on high alert and can be exhausting and inefficient.While every situation is different, Joni offers three questions for you to consider when you think you may be navigating a crisis:Is someone's safety at risk?Is an individual's or organization's reputation at risk?Is the mission of the organization or individual in jeopardy?This simple and straightforward framework is easy to utilize and can set you up for successful decision making.Do you think you know a crisis when you see it?  Keep the conversation going on Instagram @lawyerswholaunch and let us know!_____________________LWL Design Shop on EtsyUse promo code PODJOB for 15% off any bundle now until October 31, 2022_____________________Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

This week we are sharing four fall networking tips to help you kick off the year and set yourself up for success.Tip #1 - Prepare Before You NetworkTake some time to think about who you are and what you are looking for.  Write it down.  Practice it out loud until it feels natural.  You want to appear polished and not scripted.While you prepare think about some of the most obvious and common questions you may be asked.  Prepare for how you will answer them.Tip #2 - Follow Up with Your Networking ContactsYou already have a network of contacts that you can reach out to to help you on your law school journey.  Early in the semester is the perfect time to reach out to them and give them an update on what you're doing now, what you did over the summer and what you are looking forward to doing this semester or next summer.  Because you are prepared, you can tell your networking contacts what you are looking for. Also think about how you can follow through for your contacts.  Can you make a recommendation?  Do you have an interesting article to pass along?  The follow through does not have to be major, but a simply thought will be appreciated and remembered.Tip #3 - Look for Opportunities to NetworkThis time of year is when the networking really kicks off.  The networking reception at your law school is an obvious choice.  But do not limit yourself to those events with “networking” in the title.  Think about student organizations you may find interesting.  So much networking happens in law school.  Find something that interests you and start building those relationships.Tip #4 - Be ConfidentYou will be prepared, you network will be looking out for you, and you have interesting networking opportunities.  You are ready to network!If you are looking for a strategic guide to networking look no further than The Law Student's Guide to Networking.  This is the guide we wish we had when we were in law school and will help you develop a strategic networking plan that you can simply execute._____________________LWL Design Shop on EtsyUse promo code PODJOB for 15% off any bundle now until October 31, 2022_____________________Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

If you've been with us for awhile you know that we love to talk about creating and developing mutually beneficial networking relationships.  Today we are focusing a bit more on that “mutually beneficial” part and discussing why and how you can expand your networking for the benefit of others.This expansion is critical for the success of younger attorneys as they are looking to grow and expand their networks.  An attorney fresh out of law school will have a less expansive and responsive professional network than someone that has been in practice for 10 years.  We still appreciate those that brought us into their network largely for our benefit early on in our careers.  Networking events, client meetings, court appearances are just three of a myriad of ways in which we learned, grew, and expanded our professional networks.This also goes hand in hand with mentorship.  A caring mentor is an invaluable resource, and sometimes hard to come by.  But having that connection with another person who is interested in guiding and supporting you is incredible.For those of your further along in your career consider how you can use your network to someone else's benefit and make room at your table for them.  For those of you on the other side, be a gracious guest and thoughtful mentee._____________________LWL Design Shop on EtsyUse promo code LWLPOD for 15% off now until September 30, 2022_____________________Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

This week were have been inspired by Elyse Myers @elyse_myers on Instagram telling us all that sometime you just have to “do it scared.”  Law school was hard and scary and intimidating for us and it still is for most of you.  From day one (and what felt like every day afterward) we both questioned whether we should be there and whether we would make it through.  Now that we are on the other side of it we can see that it was our nerves telling us that this would be a big challenge.  This is important. This is a priority.  And now we know that it was worth it.  But we see and hear so many of you now thinking those same things we thought.Should I be here?  Am I good enough?  Will I make it through?  How will I get through this?Law school is one of those things that most people will simply have to do scared.  There are strategies for calming your nerves a bit.  Your emotions will ebb and flow.  But really you are going to have to do it scared.  So take a deep breath.  Focus your time and energies to do the work and do the work well.  Ask for help.  Give yourself grace when you make a mistake.  Networking is another one of those things that many of you will have to do it scared.  So many people feel nervous, scared, anxious, or whatever other word you want to use about networking.  There are many reasons for that.  We discuss many of these issues throughout the podcast and even more comprehensively in The Law Student's Guide to Networking.  But networking is a task you need to undertake to succeed in the legal field.  Which means, you need to do it, even if you feel scared or uncertain.  Take a deep breath.  Make a plan.  Reach out for help.  Appreciate the courage it takes to step outside your comfort zone._____________________LWL Design Shop on EtsyUse promo code LWLPOD for 15% off now until September 30, 2022_____________________Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

Even though we may not be students anymore, the transition from summer to fall still feels like the beginning of a new chapter to us.  We think this is the perfect opportunity for some networking reflection.To do this, we have a simple four question model that will guide us through the reflection into a plan for the rest of the calendar year.Question 1What types of referral am I asked for?Reflect on the last six months, what types of referrals have you been asked for?  What types of professionals have your clients needed?  When your networking contacts ask you for a referral, who are they looking for?This question will help you first identify how you can be most helpful to the people in your professional network.Question 2Do I have these professionals in my network already?Taking your answer to question 1, look at the referrals you made.  Where you able to make referrals within your established network?  Did you move outside of your network?  This question will help you identify whether you have connections with the people that your professional network is looking to be connected with.Question 3What types of professionals refer to me?Now you are going to look to your incoming referrals, specifically the sources.  Who most often refers to you?  What types of professionals are they?  Where are your potential clients looking when they are connected to you?This question will help you identify more specifically the sources of business coming into you.Question 4How can I strengthen and grow those relationships?Here you want to identify the places that your referral sources congregate.  This will vary between industries and practice.  This question will help you identify where the people are that you want to connect with.Now you are ready to synthesize your information and make a plan.  Depending on your personal responses you may seek to focus on developing more referral sources or perhaps professionals to whom you can refer clients.  Perhaps you now wish to broaden your base of contacts in a specific profession.  You may also wish to deepen relationships with your existing contacts.  Mostly likely, you are looking for some combination.  This time of year is great for making that intentional plan as you look to the coming year._____________________LWL Design Shop on EtsyUse promo code LWLPOD for 15% off now until September 30, 2022_____________________Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

In honor of all of the bar exam takers last week, we are celebrating!The bar exam is a notorious milestone, for good reason.  If you have ever taken the bar exam you understand why it has this reputation.  No matter the results, just making in to the point of completing the examination is an accomplishment that cannot be overlooked.Take this as a sign that you should be celebrating this major achievement.  Bar exam eligibility is such a challenge that should not be underestimated.  But we all know that the end of the bar exam marks the beginning of the waiting game of finding out the results.  This is brutal and a challenge unto itself.  We recommend developing some strategies for what you will tell yourself when those worries and doubts creep in.It is not just you that wants to know how it went, you have family and friends that have watched you along this journey and they want to know too.  Inevitably, well-meaning people will ask you those questions that you are avoiding in your own mind.  Plan now for how you will respond so that when they do ask you are prepared.  They are not trying to stress you out, they care about you and want to know.  A generic response and a swift topic change will hopefully do the trick.  For close family and friends you may want to get ahead of it and be more direct about your concerns and your desire not to stew over the results.A great way to spend the time after the bar exam is working on your network.  Whether you have a job now or not, you likely have more time than you did in school.  Now is the perfect time to update your network, attend networking events, and intentionally expand your network.  The Law Student's Guide to Networking is a great resource to develop an intentional networking plan.No matter how you spend your time now - make sure you celebrate!Are you starting law school or know someone who is?  My Law School Journey:  A Three Year Journal is now available as a digital journal!  This digital journal provides daily prompts to reflect and record your law school journey.  Check out our Etsy shop and get your's today!Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

This week we had the opportunity to speak with attorney and author of Balance is Bullsh*t - Ashley Manzi.  When Ashley started writing a blog about her life as a mom while working as a full time attorney she never would have imagined that years later she would have the opportunity to turn it into a book.  We sat down with Ashley and discussed her journey to law school, her life as a family law attorney, writing her first book, and, of course, how networking has helped her navigate it all.  Ashley shared some of her law school experiences, not measured by a transcript, that helped propel her on her path to eventual partnership.As someone who understands the value of a network within a referral based practice, she discussed her view of referrals.  Ashley does not keep track of referral one-to-one, but she does appreciate the value of referring to someone she knows and trusts and maintains that standard for herself.Balance is Bullsh*t, details Ashley's life being a mom and working outside of her home trying to keep everyone and everything afloat.  Her relatable tales tell the story of how we all are just flying by the seat of our pants and just hoping we survive.  These personal stories are universal to the struggles that so many of us feel but are not always comfortable acknowledging out loud.  This is a must read for all of the law moms out there!To learn more about Ashley Manzi and Balance is Bullsh*t, visit her website www.ashelymanzi.com.Have a great day!Haley & Amy

Taking final exams and waiting for your final grades can be excruciating. If you are disappointed in a grade that you received, take a deep breath. We are here for you. While we are not saying that grades are not important, your grades do not define you.  Your transcript does not measure your ability to learn practical skills, real legal skills, or networking.  There are three things that you can do this summer that can have more impact that your transcript.1. Practical Experience.It's one thing to read about property, outline, and study for a final exam.  It is quite another to represent a buyer in the purchase of their first home.  That is real world experience you can only gain on the job.  Law school teaches you how to think like a lawyer.  This summer if you can surround yourself with lawyers you can really see how they take that skill and apply it to real facts and law.  The summer fact patterns are real, and so are the stakes.  Taking time to not only do your best work but to observe those around is an experience that cannot be duplicated in school.The more practical legal experience you can be exposed to, the more you can narrow down the areas of law that you may be interested in to figure out what area of law you would actually want to practice in. Another practical experience you are able to have during the summer that is not part of your legal education is the opportunity to work with paralegals and legal assistants.  A solid support base as a practicing attorney is critical and these professionals know how to get the job done.  Capitalize on every opportunity you may have to learn from this group.2. Networking.The attorneys, experts, financial professionals, support staff, and more all have their own professional networks.  The summer is your opportunity to expand your network by networking with the people you work with.  Set the right first impression by doing your best work, on time.  Then you can nurture those professional connections into networking contacts.  3.  Rest.The importance and impact of taking some time to rest and recharge over the summer cannot be overlooked.  The law school schedule is intense.  The summer is a brief respite from that schedule.  Capitalize on this and see those you may not have seen much during the semester.  Allow yourself to rest in order to come back recharged and ready to tackle the new semester.P.S. - If you are looking for more on how to leverage your summer connections into networking contacts, the summer is the perfect time for The Law Student's Guide to Networking course and book!Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

We have long advocated for mission statements, both professional and personal.  This week we are taking it a step further and talking about why law firm mission statements are beneficial and how to get started.A mission statement is a summation of your goals and values.  It answers why you do the work you do the way that you do it.  As an attorney, having a mission statement can give you a clearer lens to look at the work that you do each day.  As a law firm, a mission statement can help guide you as you make decisions that impact the firm from the practice areas you specialize in, attorneys and staff that you hire, firm expectations, and so much more.Attorneys are often pulled in many directions in a given day.   Just professionally, we have to meet the multiple needs of multiple clients.  We may have to manage support staff and associate attorneys.  We have to meet filing deadlines, we have to follow the deadlines given to us by a judge.   A mission statement is a clear vision of why you are doing the work that you do.  We recommend asking yourself three questions when developing a mission statement:What do I value? What do I offer? How do I offer this? Creating a mission statement for your law firm requires a similar thought process, but if you have partners, your shared mission statement has to reflect your shared vision. Haley recently joined a larger firm with a long-established mission statement.  This tells Haley a lot about the firm that she joined.  It also helps her build trust with her clients that the vision of the firm will continue to align with the work that Haley has always provided.  A firm mission statement also helps in the interview and hiring process.  Finding candidates that are not only quality but will fit in with the goals of the firm can be difficult.  A mission statements allows potential candidates the opportunity to understand more about the firm and whether it is a place that is a fit for them.  It allows the people within the firm a base from which to explore questions during the interview, understanding the mission of the firm as a whole.Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

We are now officially in summer mode.  While that means the days are longer and the weather is warm, our calendars and to do lists are busting with new projects and obligations.  This week we are sharing five wellness tips to help you avoid burnout and enjoy all of the fun that this time of year has to offer.Wellness Tip 1Schedule breaks.Then actually take those breaks.Scheduling a few short breaks throughout your day can help you refresh and recharge in order to tackle that ever growing to do list.  Set your tech aside.  Do not read or respond to emails.  Do not do something for someone else.  Our favorite thing to do during these breaks is to simply go outside and breathe.Wellness Tip 2Avoid multitasking.Multitasking is often not as effective or efficient as we would like to believe.  Try to do one thing at a time.  Our best tip for actually accomplishing this is to keep a pad close by.  When you think of something else that needs to be done or something to talk about with someone else you can easily write it down.  Now you won't forget and you are not allowing yourself to be distracted into another task.Wellness Tip 3Move your body.We all know the health and wellness benefits of regular exercise.  Find something that you actually enjoy doing and get that blood moving through your body.  Between online offerings, in person options, and the simple act of walk down your own street there is something for everyone.Wellness Tip 4Shut off your phone.Again, we all know that our phones keep us awake and interrupt our sleep.  But…it is SO HARD to actually do!  Set a reminder on your phone right now for a time that you will silence your phone and put it away tonight.  You might be wondering what you will do after that.  Check out Wellness Tip 5 for the answer.Wellness Tip 5Replace screen time with a book.We both love reading and have made a habit of reading at night before we go to sleep.  Just like with the exercise, find something that you actually enjoy.  It can be as serious or as silly as you want.  But reading at night is a great way to unwind from the day and get yourself out of that endless scroll.Let us know which tips you try!Have a great day!Haley & AmyP.S. - Haley mentioned her love of Elin Hilderbrand at the end of the episode.  Here are some links to a few of her favorite beach reads.The Paradise TrilogyThe RumorThe IdenticalsNothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

When you are looking at your task list at work, or your pile of files, or your ever growing inbox of unread emails you may feel like groaning. But if we tried reframing our daily attorney work, our continuing education, and our networking from “have to” to “get to.” This is not a magic fix-all solution and we certainly are not telling you that you should be happy all of the time.  We all have hard days and serious challenges.  The world is a hard place sometimes.  However, we all get into the rut of everyday life that can make everything feel like we have lost choice over our lives and we are just run by expectations of others and never ending to do lists.  This mindset shift attempts to help you take back some of the control over your day.Starting with our daily law practice tasks. Look to the deeper meaning of your practice.  How are you serving your clients? Instead of saying I have to draft this brief, reframe it as, I get to draft this brief and advocate for my client.  I get to seek justice.  I don't have to draft a will.  I get to give my client's peace of mind.  I get to use my mind to craft creative solutions. Thinking about getting to do something rather than having to do something inherently implies a choice that was not there before.  It does not mean that it isn't hard or challenging.  But that affirmative choice is powerful.  It also acknowledges the privilege that you get to do something not everyone gets to do.Practical ExerciseGrab a piece of paper or open a document on your computer.  Write down five things on your work task list.  Now change them into “get to” sentences.  Give it a little context.How does that feel?It probably isn't life changing, but does it move the needle even a little bit?Now You Get to NetworkNetworking is not natural for most of us.  Whether you are applying to law school, have been in practice for 20 years, or are somewhere in between, chances are you have at least internally groaned at the thought of networking at some point.  It is so easy to push networking off to the side because it is not something that we actually have to do. No one is going to give you a grade on networking or take you license for failing to network.  So if you do not have to network, why are we talking about networking?  That is because networking is a gift we give our professional selves and our practices.  We get to network.  We get to put ourselves out there and share our expertise with potential clients, referral sources, and colleagues.  Effective networking will allow you to expand your practice and your career.  It is something you get to do in order to boost your success.  You should be excited about networking because it is networking that will ultimately save you time and energy as you move along in your career.We are sharing the strategies and tips that we actually use in our practices.  We use these strategies to expand Lawyers Who Launch to reach more of you.  Once you have a plan, networking is not hard, but it does take time to building those mutually beneficial networking relationships that we talk so much about.  So stop wasting time on ineffective networking and start using your time to actually build your network, because you get to network.

Whether you have a plan that just needs a bit of a recharge or you have no plan at all - this refresh is for you.Step 1 - Evaluate your networking goals.Networking is about relationships. Strong networking relationships are mutually beneficial professional relationships. As you start to develop a plan that works for you and your practice area, keep the goal of developing connections into mutually beneficial networking relationships at the forefront.Step 2 - With whom are you looking to connect?When you think about networking within your law practice, you will typically come across three types of people - colleagues, referral sources, and potential clients. A colleague is someone in the same field as you that you can share and bounce ideas off of. A referral source is someone that is in an industry or field of law that could be a great referral for you. A potential client is, of course, someone who is in need of your services. The reason for making this determination is to help you focus your networking time so you spend your time most efficiently to accomplish your goals. You won't meet colleagues in the same way you would meet prospective clients.  Focusing your attention on your goals and then developing a plan for how you will reach that goal will save you time and energy because you will be able focus on actions that will serve you rather than simply trying to cast a wide net and see what happens.Step 3 - Where will you find your ideal connection?Depending on the type of people you are looking to network with you will look to attend different events and engage in different types of activities. Once you've determined the types of contacts you are trying to meet, now look to where those types of people are so that you can connect with them.Now is the time to start brainstorming about where you will find the people you want to connect with. Start a master list of ideas that you can break out from there. Spend a little time searching for events that attract your future networking contacts.Step 4 - Make connections.Once you have identified where you can meet your ideal connections, now it is time to make those connections.  Attend events to meet and connect with these people.  Maybe you book a speaking engagement to attract potential clients.  Perhaps you connect with colleagues at a local bar association function.  Because you have followed the first three steps, you can maximize your time by attending events that are suited to your goals and the people you most want to connect with.Step 5 - Follow up and follow through.Networking without follow up and follow through is inefficient and a waste of time.  Networking is not just about how many people you meet or how many business cards you collect.  The key to successful networking is the development of your connections into mutually beneficial networking relationships.  This does not happen overnight and it requires your time and attention.  The good news is that with your refreshed networking plan you can execute the follow up and follow through you need. There are so many easy ways you can follow through for your networking contacts and provide value. If you see an interesting article, pass it along to a colleague. 

This week we are sharing more effective networking planning.  Speaking engagements are an efficient way to network.  We share our thoughts on why, as well as practical tips for booking your next speaking engagement.As an attorney, speaking about a legal topic expands your network in a variety of ways. It associates your name with your practice area in a new way. By speaking or giving a talk to your local community, you are providing value while also marketing your practice.The benefits for you are clear, but this isn't a one way street. The organizations that sponsor these events are seeking people to present interesting relevant content. The attendees are seeking information. Presenting on a topic that you have expertise in is a mutually beneficial engagement. So how do you get started? You first want to define both your audience as well as you general topic.  Defining your audience and identifying your topic will take some work, but it is well worth the time and energy.  Once you have your audience and your general topic ideas, you next need to connect with an organization that will bring you in to speak.  Because you know the audience you'd like to reach, look to where those people are. If you want to speak to non-attorneys about a legal topic, you may look to your local government councils, town library, senior center, or PTA.  If you want to speak to other attorneys, your best bet is to reach out to your state or local bar association to seek to present a topic for a continuing legal education seminar.  Once you've determined your audience, topic and organizations, reach out with a topic proposal.  Since speaking for an organization is mutually beneficial, your proposal will likely be well-received and appreciated.  Once you have secured a speaking engagement, prepare your talk, make sure it addresses your audience and their specific needs. Will you give a broad overview or a more nuanced delve into a topic?  Ask yourself, what the message you are trying to deliver through this talk - what is the point of it all.Be sure you comply with your state's rules of professional conduct. And at the beginning of your talk, give a disclaimer that you are not giving legal advice. If you have time for Q and A, let your audience know that your happy to answer general questions but not case specific.After your presentation, take time to meet the attendees, bring plenty of business cards, and be ready to network in a new way. If you haven't worked speaking engagements into your networking plan in the past, consider reaching out and putting a speaking engagement on the calendar.  Speaking engagements are a great way to expand your network as well as benefit your local community with important legal education. P.S. - Looking for the perfect graduation gift for you or someone you care about? Look no further than “The Law Student's Guide to Networking.” The book helps you develop a strategic, time-saving, and effective networking plan. The course gives you the book, networking tools, and guided bite-size video modules that walk you through everything you need to network successfully. 

Embrace New ExperiencesNot all practice areas are created equal. You may find yourself with an opportunity in an area of law you may not have considered before, give it a try.  We both could not have imagined where our careers have taken us and if we did not keep ourselves open to new opportunities we would not be where we are.  Keep in mind that if you give something a try and it's not a good fit, that's ok.  As attorneys, as people, we have different interests and strengths.  Just because one area of law or one aspect of law or one type of law job is not a good fit, doesn't mean that you are a bad attorney or that law school was a waste.  Give yourself the permission to acknowledge that you gave it a try and it wasn't for you and there is a better position in the law for you.Law Practice is not Law SchoolLaw school teaches you to think like and attorney and it gives you limited exposure to a variety of different areas of law.  As a lawyer you will spend time in a concentrated area of law.  Actually being a lawyer is much different than the process of learning how to be a lawyer.  This is good news for some, but may be scary for others.  Just because it is different, doesn't mean it won't be great.  Give yourself the grace to try it out and if you find you do not like a particular practice - try something new.  You have options, you are a lawyer now.You Do Not Need Your Whole Career Mapped Out on Graduation DayYou are entering an exciting time in your life.  You finally get to begin the career you have worked so hard for.  If you know exactly what you want to do and where you will be doing it - great.  If you don't, that's fine too.  We did not secure post-bar exam jobs until after we took the bar exam.  While it was stressful, it all worked out.  Stay focused on what is before you.  Once the bar exam is over, networking is a great place to start!Happy Graduation and have a great day!Looking for the perfect graduation gift for you or someone you care about?  Look no further than “The Law Student's Guide to Networking.”  The book helps you develop a strategic, time-saving, and effective networking plan.  The course gives you the book, networking tools, and guided bite-size video modules that walk you through everything you need to network successfully.  Check it out today!

As we celebrate one year of Lawyers Who Launch, we wanted to share more of our origin story with you all.  The inspiration for everything we do came from challenging times and was nurtured by our friendship.  Take networking connections and building them into mutually beneficial relationships is at the heart of what we do.  The best networking connection either of us ever made happened on the first day of law school orientation in 2007 - when we met for the first time.  It was then that we became friends and study partners.At that point our career options seemed limitless and the future was very bright.  But next year changed everything.  In our second year of law school the Great Recession hit.  Established law firms were liquidating.  Job offers were evaporating.  The economy was tanking.  Our career prospects in law looked very different on graduation day than they did on orientation day.Thanks to the power of networking we both have successful careers in the law.  By 2020, we were both partners in our respective law firms and 2020 was looking bright - until March.We all know what happened next.  The economy was unstable, schools were closing, offices sent everyone home.  Technology kicked in and we were able to work from home, appear in court from home, and continue work with careful social distancing.It was at this point that we were sharing our fears and challenges with each other and it was so reminiscent of our fears in law school.  Saying it  out loud to each other just how scared and unsure we were allowed us to find the courage to start a brand new venture (and “say it out loud” is something we continue between us and as a regular segment on the podcast).This reminder of our time in law school also made us think of law students today and all of the struggles that the pandemic has brought out on top of the usual challenges of law school.  It was this convergence that led us to the inspiration for Lawyers Who Launch - sharing our networking planning and skills with attorneys, and soon-to-be attorneys, because we know how intimidating networking can be and we saw just how important our networks were to our professional success.  We practice what we preach.  The tools, tips, and strategies in The Law Student's Guide to Networking is the base for how we actually network.  In the last year we have both utilized our network to help expand the message of Lawyers Who Launch, but also we have exponentially expanded our network in this new venture.It is so interesting to utilize the strategies we are teaching to find and reach our audience to learn these strategies.  Getting to meet with law students and other legal professionals both virtually and in person has fulfilled us in so many ways.  We know that students and professionals alike struggle with networking.  Getting to now share that with them and directly communicate our message to them has been so rewarding.  Our struggles with networking in law school have really come full circle for us.  Now we are affirmatively thankful for that experience because we understand the difficulty but we have an easy to implement solution that works.Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

How do you find confidence when networking? Confidence starts with having a plan–think about who you are and what you want and practice how you will convey that to others.  If you've done that preparation, it will be MUCH easier to find that confidence to walk up to someone at a networking event. Preparation is key and once you actually start talking to people at networking events it becomes much easier to continue and meet more people. How do you know when it's time to end a conversation? And how can you do so smoothly Again, preparation is important.  At a networking event, you want to meet a variety of people because you do not know who you will find a connection with.  So go into a networking event with the idea that you don't want to speak with someone for more than 5-10 minutes, unless, because there are exceptions to every rule, you have a really strong rapport with someone.  Then, bend this rule, speak for a bit longer than 5-10 minutes before you move on.  To end a conversation smoothly, smile and tell the person, it was great to meet you, exchange business cards, and indicate that you'd like to follow up with them in the future. How can I follow up effectively without being a bother to someone? Following up is such a vital part of networking, but only if you do it the right way.  Follow up with a networking contact by reaching out to them with a specific call to action.  Ask a question about something you discussed or ask to set up a phone call to learn more about their practice area.  Send them an email and ask if they can make a recommendation to an association or an event.  Give them a reason to respond to your email. How can I best connect with new connections on Linkedin? To start, make sure that you are asking someone to connect and include a message.  If it is someone that you have met in person, reference the event where you met.  If it is not someone that you have met in person, explain the connection you may have with the person and why you would like to connect.  Maybe you graduated from the same undergrad or they practice in the same practice area that you would like to break into. How do you connect to your contact's connections? Ask if they will introduce you via email. If they have a strong networking relationship with this contact, they will trust that the student they are being introduced to is someone they can develop a mutually beneficial professional networking relationship with. How can you best network as an introvert?  Our top tip for this is to take it in slow measurable steps.  Don't commit to more than one networking event in a week. Give yourself the time to regroup.  How do you find time to network? The beauty of having a plan of how and when you will network will help you budget your time.  But in order to maximize your time and your efforts it is critical to have a plan that you can simply implement.  The Law Student's Guide to Networking gives you the tools to execute a strategic networking plan and build a network that will serve you throughout your career. If you would like to see us at your law school send this blog post over to your law school's career services office.  We love the opportunity to actually meet and connect with law students and share The Law Student's Guide to Networking.Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

In episode #47, we talked about some mindset shifts introverted attorneys can make about networking to make networking feel less overwhelming.  To help you overcome those concerns, we are sharing 5 tips to take with you for your next networking event.Tip #1 - Look for opportunities to network in places where you already feel comfortable. Think about where you already spend your time and who you spend it with.  Are you a member of civic groups or organizations? Do you spend time volunteering at your child's school?  This is probably an overlooked area of networking because the initial reaction is to start somewhere new with people you don't know.  Even if you have not been out in a while, you have been places before, you have been involved with groups or organizations.  Going to events in locations you already know with groups you have already been involved with definitely helps reduce the fear of everything being totally new and foreign.Tip #2 - Nurture relationships that you already have. Networking is not just a collection of business cards and you cannot treat your contacts like those business cards in your desk - never to be looked at unless you need something. Think about those relationships in your life that you consider personal. How did they become so. Certainly not by meeting once and never speaking again. You had to build that relationship over time and with trust. Networking will not work if you just go to as many events as possible. You have to consider those people you already know and how you can continue to facilitate your relationship with them.Tip #3 - Send correspondence to your network. A handwritten letter will stand out in someone's mailbox and will likely peak their interest.  Consider how you can maximize this undivided attention.  You can also send an email or text to thank someone for a referral.  Send a note to let someone know that you value their professional input in a recent matter.  Tip #4 - Listen more. When you are at a networking event, there can be a pressure to feel “on.” Keep in mind that you don't need to do all the talking. Give yourself permission to listen more.  That takes the pressure off of you feeling as though you always have to have something to say.  Many people like talking about themselves, so let them and you can listen.  Once you have taken the pressure off of yourself you will relax and conversation can flow more easily.Tip #5 - You are not the star of anyone else's show. Other people aren't privy to your thoughts or everything that is going on with you, they have their own stuff that is occupying their minds.  They are the “star” of their own “show.”  People do not necessarily know that you are nervous about speaking to new people, or that you really aren't sure what area of law is right for you, what your LSAT score was, or what your grades were.  Don't feel defeated. Don't put too much pressure on yourself.Are you looking to build your professional network but are not sure where to begin?  Check out “The Law Student's Guide to Networking” - now available on Amazon.  This guide gives you a step by step solution to help you prepare to network and then actually execute an effective networking plan.Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

Welcome back to Part 3 of the Lawyers Who Podcast mini-series.  In Part 1, Episode #46, we covered how to hone in on your niche, topic, and format.  We also gave you some homework.   Part 1 is definitely the place to start if you are considering starting your own podcast.  In Part 2, Episode #48, we built on Part 1.  We discussed choosing a name, the mechanics of getting started, buying your tech, and a life saving time saving hack that will make your entrance into podcasting so much easier. In Part 3, we are going to talk about getting your podcast out into the world.  We will cover podcast hosting, podcast directories, marketing, and social media.  If you don't know what half of these words even mean, then you are in good company, because we didn't either.  Podcast Host A podcast host is that place that you store and then distribute your episodes. Your podcast host will provide the RSS feed for your podcast.  An RSS feed is really just a listing or a feed of all of your episodes.Podcast Directory A podcast directory is the place where you listen to the podcasts.  For example, Apple Podcasts and Spotify are two of the most popular podcast directories out there. Our podcast host is Buzzsprout.  We have been using them since the very beginning and have been very happy with them.  If you are interested in learning more about all that Buzzsprout can offer you click the link below.  Best of all, if you use this link to sign up you will get a $25 Amazon gift card from Buzzsprout after your second paid invoice and it helps support our show.Once you know where your podcast will be hosted you still have to get it from the host to the podcast directories.  We have our podcast listed in 18 different podcast directories.  One of the reasons we initially started using Buzzsprout is because they will help you get listed in most of the directories and then when you upload an episode to them they will automatically send it to all of the linked podcast directories.  Other hosting platforms also do this, or some version of this, but when you are picking your host this is definitely something that is going to save you time and energy.Now - you need listeners!  Of course your mom and your law school bestie will listen.  But you want to find people, in your ideal target audience, who you don't necessarily know yet to be able to find you, listen, and keep coming back week after week.  Before we released our first episode we started promoting the podcast on social media.  We started the Lawyers Who Launch Instagram account.  We are on LinkedIn.  We also this blog.  These are all great ways to get the news of your podcast out there and reach your ideal listeners.  Building an audience is incredibly difficult and takes a lot of work and time.  We aren't huge, we don't get millions of downloads every week, we are deep in the work of building our audience and our platform.  But we are bigger than we were a year, a month, even a week ago.   Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

In honor of 50 podcast episodes, we are sharing our best networking tips from some of those episodes.The Law Student's Guide to Networking - Episode #27 In Episode #27, we shared our networking philosophy, which serves as the foundation for all the advice we give to law students and attorneys.  Our networking philosophy is to make a connection, establish a relationship, and develop that relationship into one that is mutually beneficial.  A networking philosophy is so important because building a professional network doesn't happen overnight.  Using our networking philosophy as the foundation for building that professional network, we shared our three pillars for building strong professional networking relationships. Follow Up and Follow Through - Episode #29 As you are executing the building of your professional network, follow up and follow through is essential. In Episode #29, we discussed ways that you can follow up and follow through for your network after you have met someone that you want to stay connected with.  That starts with figuring out where this person might fit into your network. This episode resonated with so many listeners because the development of the networking relationship can sometimes seem even more daunting than making that initial connection. Building Your Network - Episode #20 In Episode #20, Amy shared how she utilized formal professional networking groups to build her network and facilitate referral relationships.  Clients are very valuable to us and it is important to make quality referrals.  When you are practicing as an attorney, client referrals are likely a major part of your networking plan.  But as a law student or even a brand new attorney with little to know experience to offer a client networking might feel overwhelming, to say the least.Networking With Confidence - Episode #16 In Episode #16, we go in deep to uncover how to build your confidence when networking.  This advice applies to any stage of your career.  We share our best networking tip straight from this episode. Preparation.Are you looking to build your professional network but are not sure where to begin?  Check out “The Law Student's Guide to Networking” - now available on Amazon.  This guide gives you a step by step solution to help you prepare to network and then actually execute an effective networking plan.Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

We are sharing 6 reasons why we think small firms are a great place to start your legal career.#1 - Exposure to Legal Work Immediately Small firms do not often have the time or space for a formal training or an elaborate onboarding program. You will start working on a variety of tasks your first day.  Hitting the ground running can be intimidating, but it is in your employer's best interest to help you be successful so take a deep breath and go for it.#2 - Working with Clients Quickly You will likely have the opportunity to work with clients sooner rather than later. Whether that includes sitting in on meetings, getting on the phone, responding to emails, or following up with clients, you'll have the opportunity to be client facing much more quickly at a small firm.  Getting that experience early on to meet with clients and see how a client meeting is run will been incredibly helpful as you move from being a new associate to bringing in your own clients. #3 - Narrow Your Practice Area In a small firm you may get the opportunity to narrow your practice area interests.  More and more firms are getting very specific with their practice areas. Working at a small firm, you can better focus and pursue the practice areas that interest you most. #4 - Building a Book of Business Because you will have the opportunity to work with clients and narrow your career focus so early in your practice, you can focus on building your own client base and book of business. On your first week in a firm you are likely not expected to bring in new clients that week.  But at some point, maybe sooner than you anticipate, you will be expected to bring in new clients.  Because you have been interacting with clients from such an early stage, you already have the skills to handle this type of work.#5 - Learning the Business of Law In a small firm you will have much more of an opportunity to learn the business behind running a law firm.  Many attorneys are essentially small business owners. While law school prepares us in many ways, most law schools do not provide experience or education in the business or running a law practice. Working at a small firm exposes you to the practicalities of what running a law firm requires. Whether you are later asked to become a partner of your small firm or you decide to start your own firm, learning the business or running a law firm will be very valuable in your future endeavors. With a small firm, like a small business, you have to wear many hats when you are the one running things.  Larger firms have entire departments devoted to the running and management of various aspects of the firm.  When you are with a large firm your exposure to all of those different pieces is much more limited because they are working on a larger scale.  In a small firm, you can really learn and then later actually work on various aspects of the business of running a law firm.  This is an experience that is hard to duplicate elsewhere.#6 - Networking At a small firm, you'll have the opportunity to meet with other professionals, such as CPAs, financial advisors, real estate agents, and of course other attorneys. Developing these connections into professional networking contacts will help you grow your career whether you stay at that small firm or transition to a new role.Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

Welcome back to part II of the Lawyers Who Podcast mini-series.  In part I we covered how to hone in on your niche, topic, and format.  We also gave you some homework.   If you are considering starting your own podcast, part I of the Lawyers Who Podcast mini-series is not to be missed.  This week we are going to build from there.  We will discuss choosing a name, the mechanics of getting started, buying your tech, and a life-saving time-saving hack that will make your entrance into podcasting so much easier.Choosing a Name -Just like with the episode ideas, we recommend starting with a master list.  Once you have started working on a list then you can start researching those names that you like.  This is an important step.  You need to know if someone else is already using that name and also what people will find when they search your name.  Do not forget to separately search podcast directories in addition to your general internet search.  You certainly want to make sure that no one else has the same name for their podcast because when your audience goes to search for your show you want to make sure they find you and not someone else.  As you narrow down your name you also want to consider what the name tells your listeners about your podcast.  Is your name a play on words?  Does that make sense for your business and your brand?  What does it say about the topic of your podcast? The selection of a name, while strategic, is also very personal.Mechanics of Recording-How will you record your podcast?  If you have a solo show then this one is fairly simple.  You'll need a good quality microphone and you will need to have a program on your computer to record your audio.  If you have a solo show, we would personally recommend Audacity for both Mac and PC as your recording platform.  You can then edit in that same program.  Since we record our episodes together, we record in a very user friendly program called Zencaster.  After we are done recording we upload the audio to Audacity to do the editing in that program.  Once the episode is complete, we then run the audio track through Auphonic to process the audio, which basically cleans it up and improves the sound quality.  With Auphonic, you get two free hours of audio processing per month.  Equipment -One thing that you will have to spend a bit of money on it is your equipment.  It is worth a little bit of an investment to get a microphone that is a better quality than what you will find built into the headphones you use for phone calls.Click here for our favorite podcasting equipment.Podcasting Hack-As you are learning the steps you need to produce and edit your podcast - WRITE IT DOWN.  It sounds so basic, but there are a lot of steps.  Haley did not take any notes when she was originally learning, and after finalizing the trailer, she had to go back and relearn everything in order to do the first full episode.  Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

A common perception of lawyers is that they are all outspoken extroverts, but while that is true for some, introverted lawyers are just as common as extroverted lawyers.  To be successful in your legal practice you need to network, but you can network very successfully even if you feel introverted, shy, anxious, nervous, or like an imposter. We have three networking mindset shifts for you to consider when thinking about how you network.Mindset Shift #1 - Networking does NOT have to be in a ballroom or conference room to be successful.When we speak with legal professionals about networking one of the things we always start out with is the following question - do you love going into a room where you don't know anyone only to start talking about yourself?  This is the traditional way people think about networking.  Yes, networking can and does happen this way.  But this is certainly not the only way to network.  If this is the only way you think networking works then you are missing out on a world of networking.  Some of the best networking contacts we have made have been a result of networking in less traditional situations.Your everyday life gives you a world of networking opportunities - if you actually look for them.  Law school gives you an opportunity for constant networking.  If you are currently in law school, make the most of your time and connect with as many people as possible.  If you are out of law school, take a few minutes today and reach out to three people from your law school that you have not connected with in a while.Networking also happens at the bank, coffee shop, gym, dry cleaners, and so much more.  Talk to people in your daily life, introduce yourself, learn about them, and add them to your network.Mindset Shift #2 - Never miss an opportunity to network remotely.Sending some type of correspondence, whether it be handwritten, email, or even text - depending on the person - is a great way to keep in contact with the people in your network.  It also does not take much time out of your day.  There are endless opportunities to quickly touch base with someone in between more formal meetings.  Don't let these simple things pass you by.  Reach out to someone in your network just to say hi, congratulate them on a recent accomplishment, or share something with them you think they may valuable.  Mindset Shift #3 - Stop networking.Networking is all about building relationships.  If “networking” makes you squirm - then stop.  Stop thinking about what you will get from a professional relationship with someone.  Stop thinking that you do not have anything to offer other professionals.  Instead, work on building those relationships.  Even if you feel as though you do not have a single person in your professional network we all have relationships with other people.  You know how to start, build, and maintain relationships with other people.  Networking is no different.  Ready to shift your mindset and build your professional network?  We have another great blog post to help you nurture the connects you make - “5 Ways You Can Follow Up and Follow Through For Your Network.”Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

As we approach 50 episodes and our first podcasting anniversary, we have been thinking back to where it all began.  Over the last year we have talked with so many of you about how we got started in podcasting and about your fears surrounding podcasting that we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share our podcasting story along with all of our tips and tricks for those of you interesting in starting your own podcast.Podcasting Background We had none.  Our only experience with podcasts was as listeners.  One day Amy floated the idea of starting our own podcast and the seed was planted.  We had to start from absolutely nothing because that is how much we knew about developing, producing, editing, and putting out our own podcast. So if you are interested in the idea of starting your own podcast, but you feel like you don't have the experience, you are in the right place.Step 1 - Topic The first step is to figure out what your podcast will be about.  You will need to identify your niche, what is your area of expertise and who are you going to share that with?  Who is your intended audience?  Your niche and intended audience go hand in hand so you really want to be intentional about those as you begin to develop your podcast.  Try to be as specific as possible because you cannot have a podcast that speaks to everyone, because you will end up with a podcast that speaks to no one. Trust yourself here because you are an expert, you know who is looking for your expertise, so speak to them.Step 2 - FormatIs this a solo show or am I going to record with someone?Will I have guests, no guests, or a combination?How long will my episodes run?How frequently will I publish new episodes?Will there be any repeating segments?As you are asking yourself these questions you must keep one critical factor in mind - consistency.  However, you choose to format your podcast you want to make sure that it is done in a way that will allow you to be consistent. Step 3 - Make a List of Topic Ideas Start now making a list of podcast episode ideas.  They do not have to be perfectly crafted titles or even fully formed episodes.  But you need to make sure that your idea for your podcast can inspire you to create enough episodes to get your through the beginning of your podcast.  We had at least 30 ideas on our list before we moved forward with actually creating this podcast.  This is a place where we still put ideas that are not fully formed episodes yet and we can revisit for inspiration whenever we hit that inevitable block. What happens if you cannot think of enough episode ideas? Answer:  Revisit steps 1 and 2.  Look at your topic, niche, audience, and format.  What can you tweak?  What can you adjust?  Do those adjustment inspire additional ideas?  What does that look like?We have had a great time developing and doing this podcast.  We think that this is the perfect time to bring what we have learned back to you because we love networking and podcasting can be a very powerful networking tool.  Subscribe now and stay with us for this podcasting mini-series and you can launch your very own podcast too!Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

Welcome back for the third installment of our mini-series - Summer Associates are Made in the Winter.  In part 1 we discussed how to get yourself set up to find the best summer role for you.  In part 2 we did a deep dive into the application process and landing that coveted position.  Finally, in part 3 we give you tips and strategies to make the most of your summer while you are there.Whether you are working at a firm, judicial clerkship, or some other position, you will come in contact with many legal professionals.  And you will likely come in contact with those same people again in your legal career.  This is a great opportunity to network.  Get to know the people in your firm, not just the attorneys that you directly report to.  Ask questions.  Seek out projects to work on. Plan now to keep track of everyone you meet during the summer. It may be easy to keep track of your direct supervisor or the managing partner. But if you think now about how you want to organize those networking contacts that you meet over the summer then all you have to do is put your plan into motion once you start meeting people. There are a lot of opportunities to gain introductions to a variety of professionals depending on where you are working.When your summer internship winds to a close don't just leave like you will never return.  If any projects are not able to be completed, leave good notes so the next person can pick up where you left off because nothing will ruin the hard work you did over the summer faster than leaving a mess behind you when you leave.Once you have everything organized and you have shared that information with whomever needs to know it, thank your employer for the opportunity and specify what, exactly, you enjoyed about working with them and their firm.  You never know how or when you may come across someone again.  You started the summer with a positive first impression, make sure your last impression this summer is just as positive.  Finally, do not forget to get contact information for everyone that you've worked with and connect with them on LinkedIn.  If you enjoyed your summer work and you feel as though you will have time during the semester you may consider asking if there is an opportunity for your summer clerkship to be extended.  Especially in smaller firms that do not have a formal summer internship program you may be invited to stay on through the school year as a clerk.  There is no harm in asking if the position may be available.  Law school does not need to be all work for three years.  The summer is the perfect opportunity to do some of the things you do not have time for during the semester.  Start now and reach out to friends and family and make some plans.  Having something fun to look forward too will make the winter that much more manageable.The pressures in law school can be overwhelming.  Networking often falls behind.  Let us help you with a strategic plan for networking that is simple to execute and will help you build your professional network now for a long and successful career.  “The Law Student's Guide to Networking” will give you the easy to implement steps so you can make networking work for you! Now available in paperback on Amazon!

This week Amy takes the lead as she shares her view on a deeper meaning in estate planning.  Since her clerkship, Amy is faced with two unavoidable aspects of everyday life - death and taxes.  By examining a deeper meaning in estate planning, she is able to expand her view of her practice and provide those services to her clients with compassion and care.When Amy looked deeper she found that she is trying to create order out of chaos, provide protection for her clients and their loved ones, and allow her clients to maintain control. Now in paperback - “The Law Student's Guide to Networking”We took our years of experience, along with trial and error, and developed an easy to implement strategy for networking.  Click here to get your copy and start building your professional networking right away!Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

The preparations that you undertake during the winter months set the foundation for an amazing summer as a law student.  In part I, we shared four steps that you should start right now to set yourself up for success this summer.  In part II, we build on that with the applications process, utilization of your networking, and a practice tip for your voicemail.The Application Process The application process for summer positions varies widely depending on where you are applying.  For smaller law firms, this may simply mean emailing your cover letter and resume.  Larger firms and government agencies often have their own online application process, which may require additional information not necessarily on your resume. You may also need to submit your transcript so be certain that you've given yourself enough time if you need to obtain an official one. Hiring timelines for companies and law firms vary widely. It is not unusual for someone to contact you about a position months after you applied - even for summer positions. Keeping track of where and when you have applied to a position, will help you if that call comes months after you submitted your resume.We highly recommend tracking your applications in some manner.  This will be incredibly helpful when you are in a variety of stages with different firms.  Tracking your applications will allow you to be aware at one glance of where you are in all stages of the process everywhere you applied.  Having this type of information readily accessible will make it easy for you to keep on top of your applications.  You can easily know how long it has been since you have heard and whether you should follow up.  You can also keep on top of whom you should follow up with without having to comb through your emails. For these reason, and so many more, we believe that application tracking is essential to a successful job search.  This is why we have included a custom tracking spreadsheet with The Law Student's Guide to Networking Course.Utilize Your Network Look to your network to see if you can find a specific contact in an area of law, a law firm, or branch of government that interests you.  Being able to reach out to a specific person or have your resume forwarded to a hiring manager by a current employee can go a long way in making your application or resume stand out from the stack.   Prepare Your Voicemail As a generalization, many lawyers love speaking on the phone.  Many interviews will be scheduled via email.  However, do not be surprised if someone calls to speak with you directly.  Make sure that your voicemail clearly and professionally states your full name and that your memory is free so that a voicemail can be left. For more on law student networking to help you put your hard work into practice and land your dream role, check out The Law Student's Guide to Networking Course or our book The Law Student's Guide to Networking - now available in paperback!Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

Whether you are traveling or simply taking a few days to relax at home, we have five tips today to help you set up your time out of the office for success.Step 1:  Review your current workload and prepare staff. Go through your current files and tasks. What do you need to get done to meet a deadline before you are out? What can you delegate to someone else? What can you prepare staff to respond to while you are out? Brief your staff and provide clients with another attorney in your firm that they can reach out to while you are out.  This first step is all about managing the expectations of the people in your office.  In order to do this you first need to know what is coming up in your files and then setting an action plan in motion.  You cannot prepare for every possibility, but there are definitely things that you can set up before you leave the office.  Setting these expectations ahead of time will allow you to take a true break and prepare your coworkers to respond to any pressing matters.  Step 2:  Set expectations with your clients. Touch base with current clients that have more active cases or issues the week before.  When Amy is drafting documents for clients, she is certain to send those out before she leaves so that the clients can review the documents in her absence and are ready to schedule an appointment when she returns.  For this kind of transactional work, it is sometimes helpful to let the other attorney know you'll be out and they can expect to hear back from you when you return.  Again, setting expectations for clients and counsel will set you up for a successful and more restful time out of the office. Step 3:  Disconnect. This is perhaps the most valuable and the most challenging of all of the steps.  Consider removing your work email from your phone or at the very least snooze notifications.  If you have a tendency to check email, even when you are supposed to be out of the office, consider limiting your access to that email.  If you read or view an email, it will take up unnecessary space in your mind.Step 4:  Give yourself a buffer. If you will be out of the office from the 1st to the 7th, keep your out of office up until the 8th. This will allow you to return to the office on the 8th and review your email, mail, and phone messages. You will have the time to prioritize your tasks and responses instead of responding to messages haphazardly. Doing this can really set you up for a great return to office.  Because people are not expecting to hear from you until the next day, you have given yourself the time and the space to really go through what happened while you were away and prioritize.Step 5:  Acknowledge that rest is productive. Rest is productive.  Taking a true break will allow you to rest and clear your mind. You will be able to return to the office more refreshed and as a result more productive.  Acknowledging how productive you will be once you have allowed yourself a rest will make steps one through four all the more attainable.Start the year off right with the ebook that is changing the game for law students - “The Law Student's Guide to Networking.”  Click here to purchase today!Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

The preparations that you undertake during the winter months set the foundation for an amazing summer as a law student. Step 1:  Research-Spend some time researching different types of opportunities available for law students over the summer.  There are a variety of types of companies that hire law students - various sized corporations, various sized law firms, non-profit organizations, schools.  Within those opportunities is a world full of any kind of law you could imagine; and even some you did not know existed. There are a lot of summer jobs for law students that are pretty obvious, but many surprise and inspire you.  Give yourself the benefit of knowledge and take a look.Step 2:  Visit career services-After you have some idea of what is available, visit with career services.  Researching potential opportunities before you visit with career services will help you make the most of your time with career services because you are starting from a position of some knowledge going into your meeting.  Career services may be able to point you in the direction of someone who works in the area of law that you are interested  in. They can also provide feedback on your résumé and cover letter and application packages. Step 3:  Prepare your cover letter and résumé-We do not recommend a standard cover letter for every resume, getting the letter ready for personalization will not take long.  When you find a job to apply for, utilize the cover letter and set yourself apart by editing the cover letter to reflect you specific interest in their posting, exhibit that you have taken time to read the posting and research your potential employer, and demonstrate that you are a high quality candidate that they would be lucky to hire. While your cover letter cannot yet be finalized, your résumé absolutely should be ready to go.  Use action words to describe your prior work.  Utilize facts and figures to demonstrate your experience and skills.  Most importantly, assume that your résumé is the most polished version of you and ensure there are no typos. Career services is critical here as well.  They are a valuable resource provided by your law school to help you succeed.  Make sure you are taking full advantage of their wealth of knowledge and experience.  Step 4:  Prepare your writing sample-Some employers will ask for a writing sample and some will not.  As you are applying for summer positions, you want to make sure you have a polished writing sample ready to go. This is another place where career services will absolutely be able to help you.  If you are reading this and the thought of a writing sample strikes panic with you then get yourself to career services and ask for help.  They know what classes you have taken and they know the types of writing that their students have had success with.  Career services can provide you with guidance in the context of your law school that is invaluable.  As you go through this process, keep in mind that you have made it this far and you have the skills and talent to keep going.  Give yourself an edge with preparation and quality application submissions that will allow your hard work to show.Start the year off right with the ebook that is changing the game for law students - “The Law Student's Guide to Networking.”  Click here to purchase today!Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

If you have been with us from the beginning, you already know that we love hobbies.  In episode three, we talked about making time for a hobby in the episode “Who Has Time For Hobbies.”  This week we are sharing our thoughts on why a screen free hobby might just be a good idea for you, along with a bunch of ideas for your next hobby.There are so many distractions happening on our phones, tablets, and computers.  And so many of our practices now include meetings and appearances that also appear on screens. If your hobby is one that you need technology to do, you may want to at least consider silencing notifications and staying off of other apps.  However, we really would love for you to try something totally off line.A hobby allows you to do something active with your mind while also resting and recharging at the same time. The amazing thing that happens when we give ourselves that mental break we suddenly become more creative and productive.In the last 18 months we have been in our homes like never before.  As the world continues to open up again it can be very hard to get out there.  We have missed that in personal human connection and now many of us are not in the habit of looking outside of our homes for activities.  Hobbies can be an amazing gateway to a world very different from your profession.Another great aspect of trying a hobby is that is does not have to be perfect.  Hobbies are inherently activities done for pleasure.  If you are working so hard to make it “perfect” or you are frustrated because you cannot get it quite right - maybe put it down and try something new. Head over to our blog for our full list of off line hobby ideas.P.S. - Start the year off right with the ebook that is changing the game for law students - “The Law Student's Guide to Networking.”  Click here to purchase today!Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

Welcome to 2022!  For our first episode back in the new year, we are looking at reflecting on the previous year and resetting for the new year.  We have four steps that we are going to go through to help you evaluate where you are, where you want to be, and how to get there as we enter 2022.The first step is to think about where you want to be.  We like to start with five years from now as the first milestone.  Five years is a good point because if you are in law school, you will be out and done with the bar and if you are a practicing attorney the five year point is not so far away but is still far enough away to make big things happen.So taking this five year outlook - what do you want your life to look like?  Be as specific or general as you want.  Maybe you know that in your personal life you want to be a parent by that time - how does that affect the way you think about your professional path?  For some of you, maybe the next five years looks like hustling hard in your current position to make partner.  Whatever your five year goals look like they are very personal to you.  Avoid thinking about what you should be doing or what you should want for your career.  What do you actually want? This can be challenging when we feel that there are so many other influences on our career.  And a career in law really can offer a variety of paths that you can take.  You may be working toward making partner in a law firm, working in house for a company, owning your own firm, or pursuing a career in public service. It's important to make sure you are working towards the path you want you career to take.Once you have gotten clear on your goals, the next step is to identify the actions you need to take in order to achieve those goals.  If you started journal to identify your goals, the steps to achieve those goals may naturally flow.  Just keep in mind that your path to your goal may not look like someone else's path to the same goal.  This is your journey and at the end of the day you need to stay true to yourself.Step three is to identify what you can discard. Law school is hard, being a lawyer is hard, life is really really hard sometimes.  An honest perspective is so important, but a bad defeatist attitude simply does not serve you and will not get you to your goals.  The way you speak to yourself is probably one of the most critical pieces to achieving your goals.  But there are other practical things you can discard that may be helpful to you.  Maybe for you ordering your groceries online and having them delivered brings you hours in your week that you can devote to something else that will serve you goals better.  Maybe you turn your phone on do not disturb every night at a certain time and get rid of that distraction after hours.  Not everything has to be so serious and thoughtful.  Perhaps simply designating Wednesday night at a take out night makes a big positive impact on how your week goes.  Finally, step four is to commit and embrace the journey.  There will be bumps in the road.  This is your life and your goals - they require your commitment.P.S. - Start the year off right with the ebook that is changing the game for law students - “The Law Student's Guide to Networking.”  Click here to purchase today!Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

Whether this is your first semester of law school or your last fall semester, winter break is nearly here.  Today, we are going to give you some ideas of how you can make the most of your winter break.  First and foremost, after a long semester give yourself the time to relax.  Take the time that you need to decompress and find yourself not studying for hours on end.  This is a great time to catch up on that Netflix series everyone was talking about while you were studying for finals.  Maybe this winter break you want to continue a hobby you put away for law school.  Or maybe you want to try something new.  Give yourself permission to leave your finals back where they belong - in finals week.  What's done is done.  Don't spend your entire winter break stressed over what your grades may be.  Let winter break be a true break from the stress of the semester.  Along the lines of relaxing, schedule some time during winter break to connect and reconnect with your loved ones.  It can be difficult to make time during the semester to spend quality time with the many important people in your life.  Be intentional about making time during winter break to get together, and start the ball rolling right now.  Send out a text or make a phone call and put some plans on your calendar.  Time can get away from you if you aren't intentional, so think about who you want to see and some fun things to do and reach out to them. Winter break can also be a great time to nurture and naturally grow your network.  Let the people in your life know what you've been up to and what you are looking for career-wise.  Seek to connect or reconnect with your networking contacts.  This can be as simple as sending some thoughtful emails, writing a thank you card or updating your LinkedIn.  Designate some time over winter break to move your career forward. Networking is all about building relationships.  While you are nurturing your personal relationships this winter break give those you care about the benefit of a little bit about you as a professional.  Your relationship will be better for it and you may just be able to expand your professional network a little bit more.  Finally, winter break can be a great time to set yourself up for success for the spring semester.  But seriously, only do this after you have taken some time for yourself away from law school.  You've worked hard, you deserve a break.  Once you have taken a break, take some time and make a list of some of those tasks that never seem to get crossed off your to do list and try to get them done in one day. Maybe you've been putting off making appointments or getting your oil changed.  Pick a day during break to make all those calls and even get those appointments taken care of.  It's much easier to do when you know you don't have 100 pages of constitutional law staring at you.  Think about this past semester and what you found to be most stressful personally and see if you can come with a solution or life hack over winter break that you can implement in the spring semester.  If planning or cooking dinner was a serious pain point, come up with some quick simple meals that you can easily rotate throughout the week. P.S. - Give the gift of success this holiday season with the ebook “The Law Student's Guide to Networking.”  Click here to purchase today!Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

The end of the year is a natural closing point for many things and it usually calls people to evaluate goals and look to the future.  Neither one of us is big into making New Year's resolutions.  Rather we like making concrete plans and setting goals for ourselves for the coming year. That starts with taking stock of the last year and running through a few mental exercises.  Look at the goals you set for yourself last year and get a status check.  Keep in mind that not everything needs to have a December 31 deadline.  Not fully reaching a goal is not a failure, you just may need more time. As a professional this is particularly important.  If you are anything like us, you have big goals and dreams.  Not achieving those goals in a year is not a failure and it does not call on you to give up.  But the end of the year is an opportunity to evaluate whether that goal is still a priority to you.  Give yourself a chance to adjust your goals depending on the circumstances of the last year you just finished.  Extend yourself the kindness to be honest about what went well. The next part of this is to consider what you can learn from the challenges you faced in the past year.  Maybe you wanted to hit a certain revenue goal in your law firm, and you didn't. Did you learn what type of files are the best revenue sources for you? Did you find that you are getting more clients from one type of referral source vs another? Sit down with your goal, even if you didn't fully achieve it, and see what information you can glean. It's still a win. Now that you have done this, you are ready to move to the future and start planning for the next year.  What do you want to accomplish in 2022?  Do you have personal goals? Professional goals? We definitely recommend that you have a variety of goals and they can be in your professional and personal life - sometimes they may intersect. Sit down with a pen and paper or open the notes app on your phone and make a list of what you hope to accomplish this year. The best goals have two qualities - they are “measurable” and they are “meaningful.”  For example, a common goal is to “make more money.”  However, this is neither measurable nor meaningful.  However, if you evaluate the why behind the goal and how you can measure success you may change the goal to be - increase income by $50,000 in order to hire an associate to whom I can delegate work in order to alleviate some stress.  This goal is now both measurable and meaningful. Bigger goals often take more time - but it can be difficult to keep the motivation to work toward a goal that is going to take a year or more to achieve measurable results.  This is why you should celebrate the milestones along the way.  Also make sure to give yourself the credit that you deserve.  You may have to make adjustments along the way.  Celebrating those small milestones is so important because it will help make those adjustments feel like just that - adjustments and not failures.P.S. - Give the gift of success this holiday season with the ebook “The Law Student's Guide to Networking.”  Click here to purchase today!Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.