Canadian Lawyer 4Students

6 SEEK HELP WHEN NECESSARY There will be times when you just can't do everything on your own, but don't be afraid to seek help. "Incorporate all resources, mentors, and professionals when necessary and do not fall into the trap that you can do everything yourself," says Jakeman. "In my practice, I was always very honest with myself and my clients in choosing what work I was excited about and confi dent that I could handle competently." Lee admits that sometimes you need advice from a more experienced lawyer. "As a junior lawyer, it's really intimidating to call up a senior lawyer that you don't know [and who is] just some random person and say, 'I don't know what I'm doing, can you help me?' I've actually done that be- fore," she says. She called a senior lawyer who had been a speaker at a continuing professional development program she attended. He was also a sole practitioner, who seemed friendly and approachable, and he was happy to help her. Schmid says there are lots of lawyers who are willing to guide you. "Even though you might feel very alone, it isn't that lonely out there," she says. She suggests having a number of mentors to consult with whenever an ethical or other issue arises. However, if you're starting your own practice immediately after articling, you may not have developed many relationships with mentors yet. If this is the case, the Law Society of Upper Canada, and probably other law societies as well, provides a mentorship program that matches young lawyers with more experienced counsel practising in the same area. You can also fi nd mentors by joining local law associations and bar groups. "So you're not completely stranded just because you haven't worked with another lawyer for a longer period of time. There are ways to go around that and to fi nd mentorship elsewhere," says Schmid. It's also a good idea to rent offi ce space from a senior lawyer as he or she can become a mentor or referral source for you. UTILIZE YOUR RESOURCES There are all kinds of resources available to help you start your own practice; you just have to use them. The Canadian Bar Association offers lots of assistance in this area. For example, its small, solo, and general practice forum publishes a regular newsletter. The CBA PracticeLink also offers tips on work-life balance, client services, marketing, money and fi nances, starting out, technology, and working with people. Law societies are also available to provide support when you're fi rst starting out. Schmid found the LSUC's continuing legal education courses on starting your own practice to be extremely informative. The LSUC also has a step-by-step guide to opening your practice. There are countless resources out there — you just have to take the time to seek them out. 7 8 A DAILY BLOGOF CANADIAN LEGAL NEWS 16 F A L L 2012 C ANADIAN Lawy er 4STUDENTS [WWW.CANADIANLAWYERMAG.COM/LEGALFEEDS ] BE PROFESSIONAL Remember to abide by the rules of professional conduct. Your law society should have practice management guidelines where you can learn about the bylaws and procedures for sole practitioners and small fi rms. The Law Society of Upper Canada even has a practice management hotline. Don't be afraid to use it. You must also take ethics into consideration for all of the work you do. Those principles you were taught in law school? Make sure you apply them to your practice. "Young lawyers must understand that they are not excused from anything because they are new to the practice. We must at all times act according to the principles of our profession," says Jakeman. CANADIAN LAWYER & LAW TIMES POWERED BY

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