5 Tips to Make a Positive Impression in the Legal Profession: Avoid Email & Partner Phobia

Summary

Tracy Edmonson is an experienced corporate attorney and president of Edmonson Law. In this article, she shares her experiences in the legal industry and offers advice to those looking to make an impression in the field.


Edmonson shares that emails have become the de facto communication tool for legal professionals, and this has both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, emails make it easier to get information out quickly, without having to schedule a meeting. On the other hand, Edmonson believes that “Email can be too easily misconstrued, lacks personalization and can be a poor reflection of someone's personality.”

The article also highlights the importance of developing relationships with partners. Edmonson believes that relationships are an important part of building a successful law practice. She encourages attorneys to “take the time to make calls, meet up with people, and attend networking events” to build relationships.

Edmonson also believes that attorneys should be mindful of their own “confirmation bias” and recognize that “everyone has an impression to make.” She explains that one should understand that their own opinions about others are not necessarily correct and that it's important to “give people a chance to surprise you.”

Overall, this article offers valuable advice for attorneys looking to make an impression in the legal field. Email is an important tool, but it should not be the only form of communication used. Attorneys should work on building relationships with partners, be mindful of their own confirmation bias, and always be prepared to make an impression. By implementing these tips, Edmonson believes that attorneys can better position themselves for success in their careers.
 

Making a Positive Impression

In the legal profession, making a good first impression is essential. Tracy Edmonson, an experienced lawyer and consultant, claims that in the digital age, email can become a hindrance to making a positive impression. She says that if a lawyer isn't able to connect with a potential client through meaningful conversation, it can lead to feelings of "partner phobia" or a fear of interacting with partners.
 

The Drawbacks of Relying on Email

Tracy Edmonson believes that email has created an environment where it is too easy to remain distant. She highlights that emails are often filled with jargon, which can make it hard for potential clients to understand what is being discussed. Moreover, emails don't allow for a meaningful discussion and can't convey the emotion or body language needed to create a strong connection with a potential client.
 

Making Connections in Person

To make a strong impression, Edmonson suggests that lawyers should try to meet or talk with potential customers on the phone or in person. She explains that having a conversation that is focused on understanding the client's perspective and their needs will help to create a lasting impression and trust in the lawyer-client relationship.
 

Removing the Fear of Interacting with Partners

Tracy Edmonson advises that lawyers should focus on building relationships with partners. She explains that talking with partners regularly will help to reduce any fear of interacting with them and ensure that the lawyer is better able to understand their needs. This will ultimately help to create more productivity and bring more clients to the firm.

<<"One of the things I really like to look at is the interests a person lists on his or her resume," she says. "And I will often spend a great deal of time in the interview talking about what their interests are rather than their work experience at Paul Hastings last summer. I find I learn a lot more about someone when we talk about rock climbing or when we talk about theater."

A 1988 graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, Ms. Edmonson joined Latham & Watkins that same year. She made partner after 7 ½ years and currently works out of the firm's San Francisco office. And speaking of partners, she recommends that new associates get over their fear of them.

Q: What do you look for when recruiting associates?

A: At Latham, because we're a global firm, what we look for are obviously bright, motivated students who want to achieve excellence. It's really the total package. We are very open to and embrace people with all kinds of different backgrounds and work experiences and interests. I think that makes us a more interesting place to work. Primarily, you've got to be bright, you've got to be motivated, and you have to want to pursue excellence.

Q: What's one thing they don't teach in law school that they should?

A: Patience. Patience with your adversary is one thing I've learned over time, and it definitely was never communicated to me in law school. You also need patience in terms of accepting the path your career takes. For most people these days, your career path won't follow a straight line. You have to have a lot of patience to accept that.

Q: Any advice for aspiring partners?

A: I think my best advice is actually, don't focus on being a partner. Focus on finding something to do in the law that you really, really love. That's what makes you happy. At least that's what makes me happy. Of course being a partner is a great reward for that. But I wouldn't be a very happy partner if I came to the office every day and hated what I did. Also, I believe that when you find something you really, really love to do and you excel at it, that can certainly help you on your path to becoming a partner.

Q: What do you love to do?

A: I love to do high-yield bond work. It's an area where very few women practice, so I enjoy that. Some areas of that practice are very, very complicated, and when you know it and understand it, then you practice with a very small group of people across the United States. And I find that incredibly energizing.

Q: What's the biggest misconception that new associates have about working for a firm?

A: That they should be afraid of partners. Partners are just people. And most of the time they are scary or intimidating only because they're so busy. But most partners are actually incredibly grateful to have young associates and really want associates to relax and enjoy the work experience.

Q: What's a common stumbling block for young associates?

A: Young associates tend to communicate solely by computer. And they really should pick up the phone or walk down the hall because everybody likes a little human interaction. I know I do. I think you miss a lot when you don't speak to someone in person or over the phone. You miss intonation; you miss sense of humor. You just miss a moment to catch up on personal things.

Q: Who's your favorite lawyer in books, movies, or TV?

A: I have to say it was John Houseman in "The Paper Chase." I just loved him. He was incredibly frightening. And it's great because that is the image of law school that is seared in your mind, and it's totally inaccurate.

Q: What was your own experience with professors and partners?

A: I think for the most part my professors were all very approachable and very eager to have us absorb all that they could impart to us. They were not autocratic, and they were not imposing. They were some of the smartest people I have ever met.

At Latham, when I joined, it was a much smaller place. I started in L.A., which was the largest office. I immediately formed friendships with a number of partners who are still my friends today, from the time I was probably a second-year associate on. I think that kind of experience still occurs at Latham, but it is definitely harder now that we are so big.

See the following articles for more information:


 

• 21 Major Interview Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
• The Best Way to Prepare for a Job Search and Interviews
• How to Talk About Other Interviews in Your Interviews
• How to Answer the Tell Me About Yourself Interview Question
• How to Answer the Do You Have Any Questions for Me Interview Question