How to succeed at your summer and first jobs

From the 3/26/09 Wall Street Journal Law Blog

Advice from John Quinn, one of the founders of the LA-based litigation shop, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart Oliver & Hedges.

How to succeed at your law job:

First, it’s important to ask questions. Never leave a partner’s office after getting an assignment without knowing exactly what’s expected of you and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Second, it sounds basic, but it’s worth mentioning: You need to be reliable. If you promise a memo or a piece of research by a certain time, it absolutely has to be delivered on time.

Third, I think that young lawyers just have to realize that this job — performed at a very high level — is labor intensive. That’s not at all about billable hours, either. To do well, you simply have to work hard. There’s no way to write a great brief without putting in a lot of time, and that’s what pretty much every first-rate piece of work requires. It doesn’t matter if you’re the brightest person I’ve ever met, the best lawyers work hard. There are no shortcuts.

Lastly, take ownership of the matters assigned to you. Don’t just follow orders. Think strategically. Anticipate what needs to be done and do it, before you are asked. Do not be shy. We want to know what you think.