Looking for tips from seniors. I'm at A1 level at a litigation firm, stepping out of the deer-in-headlights phase. With the Partners assigning work to me in teams of 2-3, there's potential for growth. But with the sheer amount and depth of work on each case it's challenging to take on a more "adult" role. I often find myself in a more assistive role, either by my choice or the Partners'.
How can I accelerate my progress? What are Partners' and Seniors' expectations from year one associates?

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Your first year is generally very support-based. Use your year end review (if you have one) as an opportunity to talk about what you hope to accomplish next year. Taking a minor deposition, prepping witnesses, handling a small arbitration...all of those things are great experience in your first couple of years. You can also focus on writing by asking for more substantive brief writing experience (that was a big one my second year because I didn’t get much my first year).

It takes time to become entrenched in cases to the point partners trust you with these things - I wouldn’t worry much about it now. If you’re a 5th year and have never taken a depo, that might be an issue. But for now, show initiative by talking with someone about what your goals are for next year....and make them reasonable!

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This is pretty helpful! Thanks a lot

The best way to develop is to assist those who are ahead of you and to use every opportunity to learn how and why they are doing what they are doing. It takes a while - especially on a complex file where responsibilities are spread across different groups.
This may involve reading every email you are cc/bccd on and reviewing the finals of any work product that you may have had a part in drafting and noting the differences. Unfortunately a lot of this work is self taught as everyone wants to devote their time to their own billables and responsibilities.

The expectations are that you are available, reliable and execute assignments as instructed and to raise any issues through the right channels. They also expect you to use your own abilities to find similar work product and make yours as close to it as the situation requires. Don’t ask questions that you can solve on your own without exhausting your own diligence in answering them.

To accelerate your growth - take ownership be proactive but also know your role. Right now your focus should be how can I make seniors/partners jobs easier - if you do that the rest will follow.

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Thanks, I find this is closest to where things are right now!

I think asking what are expectations for a first year is a bad move. You should be doing your best to be better than that. I tried to learn my craft. By the time I was a 3rd year I was partner level material and started my own firm.

I can teach you one helpful tool: how to be better prepared for client meetings and feel more confident speaking during them. I’m a lawyer and a coach. I have a handout and can take you through it in a half hour. DM me to set up a time, no charge.

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