The confidence of a 40 year PQE lawyer
September 14, 2015
I was delighted to read this blog by Jill Switzer who’s been practising law in California for nearly 40 years.
It’s so right – a wealth of experience over many years gives one so much confidence in one’s legal advice and overall work. I’m a newbie compared to her (I’ll reach the milestone of 30 years qualification on 1st November) but I do enjoy my work more than ever precisely because of that hard won confidence.
I’m happy to say I’ve not experienced ageism. Perhaps the law is one profession where experience is appreciated?
The client does not want pages of legal mumbo-jumbo; the client needs an answer. The client is paying for your advice, not a law review article. Remember that the client makes the business decision; your job is to give her the best advice you can so that she can make the best decision. Give her options. I can still remember perseverating about advice I gave as a newbie lawyer, but what happens over time is that your confidence in your ability to give advice grows; the more advice you give, the more confident you become.
…………………….. The law is constantly changing, the service delivery models are changing just as the business models are changing, but the need for responsive, prompt legal advice never will.
http://abovethelaw.com/2015/09/old-lady-lawyer-confidence-in-legal-..
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