AmLaw partner’s list of “dos and don’ts”

LegalJob recently received this insightful list from a partner resident in the Washington, D.C. office of a top national AmLaw 100 firm.

LegalJob recently received this insightful list from a partner resident in the Washington, D.C. office of a top national AmLaw 100 firm.

  1. Ask questions.  If you don’t understand what I’m asking for or need guidance, ask.  Always ask when I need the answer by and in what form I need it.
  2. Don’t ask me for the answer.  If I knew it, I wouldn’t be asking you.
  3. Tell me what you think.  Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion.
  4. Give me a realistic view of your workload.  Don’t promise what you can’t deliver.
  5. Always give me your best product.  I expect to review, correct and comment on drafts.  I don’t expect to correct grammar and spelling nor do I expect to do your thinking for you.
  6. Write clearly and concisely.
  7. Keep me informed.  If you don’t think that you are going to meet the deadline or you run into problems, let me know sooner rather than later.
  8. Make yourself indispensable.