New attorneys often place their primary focus on learning the practice of law and the mechanics of navigating the legal system. Practicing law is one aspect of becoming fully acclimated to the legal field. However, attorneys in their first three to five years of practice must also balance practicing law with activities that will ultimately further their careers and aid in accomplishing career goals beyond the initial job.
Creating a strategic plan of proposed accomplishments is a practice that extends beyond law school and serves as a guide to furthering your career. Attorneys should focus on the following four activities that structure a strategic career plan: (1) Conduct and record a self-assessment of short- and long-term career goals targeting the five-year, 10-year and career-ending markers that indicate the specific accomplishments you hope to achieve; (2) Join and actively participate in internal committees within your firm/organization and external organizations that help you also become more involved within the legal community; (3) Network and identify practitioners that have accomplished similar goals within the same legal community and/or practice area as potential mentors; and (4) Create “practice points” that highlight the specific skill set that will make you a unique practitioner with a niche in your practice area.
