Significant Career Lesson From an Associate Lawyer at King and Spalding
Christopher, an Associate at King & Spalding, LLP, emphasizes the paramount importance of communication in a law firm setting, stating that "practicing law is a team sport." The key lesson learned is the value of "over communicating" rather than remaining silent, ensuring colleagues are always aware of progress, potential delays, and ongoing thought processes.
Communication, Teamwork, Legal Practice, Law Firm, Career Advice
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Christopher Jew
Associate (lawyer)
King & Spalding, LLP
University of California, Davis
USC Gould School of Law, J.D.; UCLA Anderson School of Management, MBA
Economics
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness, Law
Legal
Worked 20+ Hours in School, Veteran
Video Highlights
1. Effective communication is crucial in legal practice, especially in a team environment.
2. Proactive communication, including updates on deadlines and potential delays, is essential.
3. Over-communication is generally preferable to insufficient communication to maintain transparency and avoid misunderstandings.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
"Communicate, communicate, communicate. Practicing law at a law firm is very different from practicing law solo. Practicing law is a team sport, and you have to communicate what you're working on.
You have to communicate when you're going to deliver it. You have to communicate when you're going to be late on delivering it, even if that's not ideal.
So, communicate where you are, what's going on, and what you're thinking. Sometimes that can feel like you're communicating too much, but ultimately, most of the time, it's better to over-communicate than to go radio silent."