Starting a career in the legal profession is intimidating. I am consistently impressed by the credentials of my brethren in this job. Whether it is my colleagues at Fox Rothschild, fellow University of Pennsylvania Law School alumni or the various attorneys with whom I interact by networking or litigating, I have found that lawyers tend to be exceptionally bright people with interesting backgrounds and diverse experiences. While the growing number of brilliant lawyers certainly contributes to the prestige of our profession, there are increasing pressures from all sides to stand out from the crowd.
Those who started before us and are now in enviable positions — partners, general counsel, etc. — have set the bar quite high, becoming renowned in their fields and building significant books of business, casting large shadows over young attorneys who are racing to catch up. Those behind us — law students, summer associates, etc. — are working harder than ever to advance in an increasingly difficult job market. Those among us — fellow young lawyers — are vying for experiences that will help propel their careers forward. This creates a dilemma for young lawyers seeking to distinguish themselves.
