Canadian Lawyer

w w w . C A N A D I A N L a w y e r m a g . c o m O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5 33 than you — not about the law but about how the firm works and how to get things done. Respect that knowl- edge and you will have a strong ally who can really help you in your role. Lesson 14: Seek and deal with feedback Feedback is important for the learn- ing curve, says Legros, and though most firms have formal reviews at least once or twice a year, informal, file-by-file assessments are useful. "We really encourage them to go back to the senior partner when a file is closed and ask for feedback," says Legros. "But we also find that with junior students if the feedback is negative they take it hard. They take it personally and can get defensive. Those who do well take it in stride and learn from it." Her words are born of experience: "I still remember I missed a document on a file as a first-year associate and the senior partner came into me and asked me for it. I didn't know I needed it. I remember closing the door and crying. But now [when] I have a file like that I've never missed that docu- ment again, which was a certificate of independent legal advice." Lesson 15: Watch out for Catch-22 "Sometimes, you're the project manag- er and you have to make sure everyone is in line to get step one through 10 down by Friday and today is Monday," says Erika Young. "You also have to keep in mind your conduct, whatever you draft will be scrutinized by the court, the client, a senior partner — so you have to stand by it and you have to catch everything. But as a junior you don't know what you're supposed to catch." Lesson 16: Adapt quickly Law firms are hierarchical and filled with Type A professionals dedicated to their careers and jobs. It's tough. Learn to roll with it. "You're going to get called into high-stress situations and it can be daunting, but you need to adapt quickly," says Young. Being flexible and understanding how to work with different personalities are important skills that will serve you well throughout your career. Lesson 17: It's not a life sentence Some lawyers start at firms either as articling students or associates and it doesn't work out. That's OK, says Pascale Daigneault at Fleck Law in Sarnia, Ont. For some, it's the workload, some want more challenge, others want less stress. Others live in another city or town and the commute is too much after a long day. The list goes on. It's all OK. There are all kind of lawyers working in all kinds of settings. Move on and find what works for you. Still, she cautions, take your time before you make that decision: "There are many changes to accept and some you will need to grow in to, and you should give yourself time to change and adjust." MATTER CREDENTIALS TORONTO I BARRIE I HAMILTON I KITCHENER 1-866-685-3311 www.mcleishorlando.com A Noticeable Difference ™ Choosing a personal injury lawyer is one of the most important decisions an injured person will make. Help your client ask the right questions: Is the lawyer? I Untitled-1 1 2015-05-13 4:13 PM

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