In my role as Director of Recruitment and Training for two large New York City law firms, I had the opportunity to hire over 350 new associates. Each fall, as part of our new associates orientation program, I would have the now seasoned second year attorneys meet with the newly minted J.D.’s to tell them what they wished someone had told them when they first started practicing. My goal in this article is to do the same for you, by sharing with you specific tools and strategies that will enable you to manage your time effectively.
An inherent part of practicing law is working in a reactive work environment. Being client-focused means that you are always responding to others’ demands including senior attorneys, partners and clients. Time management will enable you to respond to these demands fully and appropriately, yet maintain some sense of control.
