Life skills and career tips for Canada's lawyers in training
Issue link: https://digital.canadianlawyermag.com/i/50901
9 Perfectionism doesn't pay Every case you encounter in practice will present a number of rabbit holes, down which you will feel inclined to go. Resist the temptation, says Michael Campbell of Deacon Spears Fedson & Montizambert, a Toronto fi rm specializing in condominium law. "As an articling student or a new lawyer, it's easy to become mired down with non-contentious matters, or preoccupied with addressing a question that's entirely immaterial to the case before you, but happens to have been addressed in whatever precedent you're working from," he says. It may seem counterintuitive not to strive for perfection, says Raby, but it's not what clients are looking for. "They want a good, solid work product delivered in a timely manner and for a fair price," he says, repeating the advice his old principal gave to him: "You could be the best technical lawyer in the world, but if your clients don't think that, then you're not going to be successful." Look out for No. 1 10 Don't forget to advocate for yourself, says Andreone. "Few fi rms will or can plan out your practice and professional development. They may enable it and support you, but as a lawyer, you must take ownership; planning and making conscious decisions and taking active steps to achieve your goals," she says. Boudreau says a little confi dence can go a long way in your dealings with clients and colleagues. "Trust in your training, don't forget about common sense, and remember there's absolutely nothing wrong with saying that you need to consider a matter before providing advice. In my experience, people will respect your candour and commitment to providing the right information." ■ Looking for the right fi t in intellectual property? Ridout & Maybee LLP is a long-established intellectual property boutique. Our legal expertise and real-world technical knowledge are highly recommended in independent international surveys. We are a fi rm of approximately 45 intellectual property professionals – large enough to handle the most interesting and challenging intellectual property matters while remaining small enough to provide a tight-knit and collegial work environment. TORONTO MISSISSAUGA OTTAWA www.ridoutmaybee.com C ANADIAN Lawyer 4STUDENTS SPRING 2011 27 dout_4st_Mar_11.indd 1 2/23/11 11:03:09 AM