Tips for Transforming Outlooks (and Maybe Even Outcomes) for Junior Transactional Attorneys

It is not uncommon for junior transactional attorneys to often feel lost when they first land at a firm. Kenneth Ling is a transactional attorney at Greenberg Traurig, and is the first lawyer in his family. He writes that his previous understanding of the legal profession was shaped by law school, summer internships and television shows like “Law and Order.” The culture shock of his first firm job was a difficult transition since it felt so different from law school.

Through trial and error, Ling found his footing as a transactional attorney. He provides his “Cliff Notes” version of lessons he learned that would help ease the transition from law school to transactional law associate. 

Be Enthusiastic

The enthusiasm with which you interact with more senior members on your deal team can allow you to add instant value, as your enthusiasm is not only infectious but also indicates to others that you are willing to help lighten their workload. Asking questions and discussing transactions will get you familiar with the financial jargon, and ask senior attorneys if there is something you can do to assist them. It can be difficult to gauge how to be proactive, but asking them can help.

Stay Organized

You may be tasked with running checklists, preparing signature page packets, and other office duties. These tasks are critical to the successful closing of the transaction so don’t dismiss these duties. Keeping checklists up to date can have a major impact on the team and leave a good impression with senior attorneys. This also includes tracking and logging your time for billing, and a timer or timekeeping app might help. 

Are you interested in more advice about working as a transactional attorney?  Read more in this law.com article.