September 2024
Multnomah
Lawyers associated for justice, service, professionalism, education and leadership for our members and our community
Lawyer
Est. 1906
September 2024 Volume 70, Number 8
Confessions from a Legal Professional Junkie mba CLE Or, how to bring new lawyers into our bar by Brad Krupicka MBA President Fall is fast approaching, if not here already. With it comes the leaves turning, playoff baseball, and a new crop of new lawyers. Coming up, we will be welcoming a dynamic and more diverse group of lawyers. This is the generation of students who went to law school during the pandemic, and attended the Zoom School of Law for at least one year. Theirs is a dedicated group, with a unique law school experience behind them. Entering the legal profession is a momentous achievement, but it also marks the beginning of a challenging journey. For newly minted lawyers, transitioning from law school to a professional practice can be both exhilarating and daunting. That challenge can only have been amplified by the pandemic. As seasoned attorneys and legal professionals, it’s our responsibility to provide a welcoming and supportive environment that eases this transition and sets new lawyers up for success. The Importance of a Warm Welcome The first impression matters. When new lawyers join a firm or legal organization, their initial experiences can significantly influence their long-term career satisfaction and performance. A welcoming atmosphere not only helps them For newly minted acclimate faster but also fosters a sense of belonging and motivation. lawyers, transitioning Creating a positive onboarding from law school to a experience sets the stage for their professional practice growth and integration into the can be both exhilarating firm’s culture.
and daunting.
Welcoming into your Practice Here are just a few of the tips I have picked up on how to bring new attorneys into the practice: • Lead by Example: Demonstrate the professional behavior, ethics, and work habits you expect from your colleagues. Your actions will often speak louder than words. • Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer regular, specific, and actionable feedback. Focus on both strengths and areas for improvement and provide guidance on how to address any shortcomings. • Encourage Open Communication: Create a supportive environment where new attorneys feel comfortable asking questions and discussing their challenges. Be approachable and listen actively. • Share Your Experiences: Share your own career experiences, including successes and setbacks. Real-life examples can provide valuable insights and help new lawyers navigate their own challenges. However, avoid bringing in too many “war stories.” MULTNOMAH BAR ASSOCIATION 620 SW FIFTH AVE., SUITE 1220 PORTLAND, OREGON 97204
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• Set Clear Goals: When working with newer lawyers, set clear, achievable goals for their development. Regularly review these goals and adjust them as needed. • Provide Practical Experience: Whenever possible, involve new lawyers in real cases or projects. Hands-on experience is invaluable for learning and professional growth. • Teach Time Management: Guide new attorneys in managing their time effectively, balancing workload, and prioritizing tasks. This skill is crucial for maintaining productivity and reducing stress.
A warm and supportive welcome not only benefits the new lawyers but also contributes to the long-term success and cohesion of the entire bar.
• Encourage Professional Development: Suggest additional resources such as continuing legal education, workshops, or courses that can enhance their skills and knowledge. What worked for you may work for others. The MBA Young Lawyers Section offers CLE seminars with content designed specifically for newer lawyers.
• Promote Networking: Help new attorneys build their professional network by introducing them to other attorneys, clients, or legal professionals. Networking can open doors and provide valuable opportunities. • Be Patient and Supportive: Recognize that new attorneys may need time to adjust and learn. Offer encouragement and patience as they grow into their roles. • Support creativity: Newer lawyers do not always come out of law school with traditional training and sometimes they have new ways of thinking about legal problems. Before telling them that’s not how we have done it (and tell them to get off your law), think of this as another way to approach the problem. We should encourage those new lawyers to be able to figure out what approach works best. Also, in our work lives, we should be encouraging them to work, to practice, and to have work-life balance that works for them. Some Final Advice Welcoming new lawyers into a practice is a critical responsibility that impacts their career trajectory and overall experience. A warm and supportive welcome not only benefits the new lawyers but also contributes to the long-term success and cohesion of the entire bar. If you meet any new lawyers, first, congratulate them on their accomplishments. And second, ask them if there is anything you can do for them. Finally, ask them to join you at an MBA or YLS event! It’s so hard to get out there and network (for some, this will be their first time), so having someone to introduce them around can make all the difference.
mba EVENT Multnomah Bar Association Absolutely Social Tuesday, October 15 5-7 p.m. Multnomah Athletic Club 1849 SW Salmon Street Drop in after work and catch up with friends and colleagues.
See details on p. 3. Visit www.mbabar.org/cle and input your OSB number to register at the member rate.
SEPTEMBER 9.5 Thursday Who Keeps the Dog: Resolving Issues About Pets in Family Law Cases Karis Nafte 9.10 Tuesday Non-tenants: Eviction or Ejectment Pete Meyers Troy Pickard 9.12 Thursday Watch How Law Firms Use Clio Ryan Fournier 9.17 Tuesday Bankruptcy Basics for the Non-Bankruptcy Practitioner Christopher Coyle 9.20 Friday How to Start and Build Your Law Firm Bill Gibson Tania Manners Xin Xu 9.24 Tuesday Legal Malpractice Top Ten Traps Matthew R. Henderson
OCTOBER 10.9 Wednesday 2024 Bar Update: Ethical Issues and Trends Affecting Oregon Lawyers Nik Chourey
In This Issue MBF ������������������������������������������������� 2 CLE �������������������������������������������������� 3 Announcements ������������������������������� 5 Ethics Focus ������������������������������������� 5 Around the Bar ��������������������������������� 6 News From the Court ������������������������ 8 Tips From the Bench ������������������������� 8 Profile: Hon. Pamela Haan ���������������� 9 YLS �������������������������������������������������10 Pro Bono Volunteers ������������������������12 Classifieds �������������������������������������� 13 Battle of the Lawyer Bands ��������������14 Member Resource Center �����������������16
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