Professionalism In Legal Employment – Some Dos and Don’ts

Any job while in law school, whether short term over the summer or longer term, is really an extended job interview.  Therefore, professionalism at all times is paramount. For some students, this will be your first law job or even your first job in a professional setting. Even if you are familiar with a law office, there are some vital pointers for adjusting and adapting to a new work culture.

  1. Confidentiality – All the work you do, whether you are employed or volunteering, is confidential. Whether you are a student or actively licensed to practice, you will be entrusted with sensitive information that is and should remain absolutely confidential. You should never disclose any information you learned about a client and take caution that you do not accidentally disclose any details about any matter (for example speaking to colleagues in public at lunch or in a hallway).
  2. Social Media – This is a given. Do not discuss anything about your job on social media. Every year state courts sanction attorneys for disclosing confidential information on social media and interns are reprimanded for posting about their supervisors and fellow employees. The content you post online can and will get back to your employer. Do not risk jeopardizing your job and reputation over a tweet.
  3. Dress for the part. Always make sure you are wearing appropriate business attire. Unless you are told otherwise, you should wear a suit. If an event is advertised as “business casual,” jeans are never appropriate. Men should wear a dress shirt and tie or blazer. Women should wear a reasonably long skirt and dress shirt or an informal, appropriate length dress. Always err on the side of caution. Better to be overdressed than underdressed.
  4. Network! Always be mindful that the more people you interact with, the more chances you have to make connections and meet people in the legal community. Having a developed network is not only vital in your job search but to your professional development as well. Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions, be interested and be interesting. Networking can happen anywhere – in and out of the office. Be social!
  5. Provide a polished work-product. Every attorney works differently and part of your challenge is to figure out your supervisor’s style and what you can do to be efficient and provide a useful product. Most attorneys have little time for drafts of memos, motions, etc. Unless you are instructed otherwise, provide a polished and edited product that is ready to be used or filed with the Court.
  6. Ask Questions. Be inquisitive and engage with coworkers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You are there to work and to learn. No one likes a know-it-all (especially if you don’t know it all), so do not pretend you understand something when you don’t. Research, learn, and ask questions. That is what you are there for.
  7. Have fun! Enjoy yourself. This is an opportunity to explore and figure out what path you want to take. You may find your passion or confirm what you want to do. However, don’t be disheartened if you discover this isn’t the right job for you. This job is a learning experience, and it’s not just a long interview for the employer; it’s also an interview to see if you like working there.

Check out some additional great tips here at Four Tips for Summer Law Job Success and How to Make a Good Impression at Your Summer Law Job!

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