Articling can be a grueling experience. The typical articling term involves a steep learning curve and long hours. It can be difficult to think about or plan for life after that ten-month end date. But now that you’ve run the gauntlet and been called to the bar, it’s time to transition into life as an associate. Here are five observations and tips about transition, with the caveat that my personal experience with the transition came at a larger firm.
(1) You are still responsible for your own development
Articling is one big learning experience. It is inevitable that you will make mistakes. The premise of the articling program is that after completion you should be prepared to dispense legal advice in a competent and professional manner. But don’t lose sight of your continuing development once you become an associate. Even though clients will now be counting on you directly for advice and guidance, you are still responsible to learn and grow as a professional and as a lawyer. Take advantage of the opportunities available to you. Attend continuing legal educational seminars (including those offered by the OBA), read papers, and take on matters that are challenging and push the limits of your skillset.
(2) You will have a million questions
And that’s ok. The associate designation doesn’t magically endow you with any more knowledge. So find great mentors at every level of practice and ask for advice and guidance.
As an associate giving legal advice, the buck stops with you (and your professional liability insurer) so don’t be shy about running questions and scenarios by your colleagues and benefiting from their experience.
(3) You can say no (or at least, establish firmer boundaries)
In an effort to nail down hire back, there may be implicit or expliit pressure to take on any and all work that comes your way during articling. You’re at the bottom of the pyramid after all. Work comes from a number of different places, and your lawyers may not know everything that is on your plate.
As an associate, you will likely have greater autonomy and control over your own schedule. You will also likely receive work from fewer sources. There will always be more work to do, so as you transition into practice as an associate, make a point of carving out space for the activities and people that are important to you. These boundaries are crucially important to build and maintain.
(4) You get to decide what kind of lawyer you want to be
As an associate, you’ll start to build a personal brand and a practice area. Hopefully you had the chance during articling to experiment with a number of different practice areas. Even better if you clicked in a specific area or two with a few different lawyers. Now you get to focus on an area that you’re interested in and passionate about.
(5) You can look for what comes next
It’s never too early or too late to reinvent yourself or adjust course professionally. If the fit doesn’t feel right, then there are a number of great resources for finding the next opportunity. The County Carleton Law Association, the Ontario Reports, and the OBA all have legal job postings. You shouldn’t be shy or hesitant about reaching out to other friends of your year of call either. You never know where the next opportunity will present itself.
These are just five brief observations and tips about the transition to associate life from my perspective. There is no magic formula to making the transition, and everyone’s experience will be unique. Feel free to comment below if you have anything else to share with those making the transition.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Calvin Hancock is an associate practicing with Borden Ladner Gervais LLP.