20 Things I Wish I Knew As A Young Lawyer March 17, 2017 Transition to Practice Law CLE Alexis L. Angell, Moderator

Justice Douglas Lang One of 13 Justices on the Court of Appeals, 5th District of Texas at Dallas. Has served on the Court since October 24, 2002. Former partner at Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP and briefing attorney for the Supreme Court of Missouri. Justice Lang has been practicing for 45 years. Founder of the Transition to Law Practice Program and author of the book Deeds, Not Words. Former Presidents of DAYL, DBA and the William Mac Taylor Inn of Court. Awards include: Outstanding Young Lawyer in Dallas, Legal Aid of Northwest Texas’ Outstanding Service Award, Lola Wright Foundation Award for advancing legal ethics, the Morris Harrell Professionalism Award and the State Bar of Texas President’s Award for outstanding contributions to the legal profession.

Kathryne M. Morris Kate was just promoted to Senior Counsel at Strasburger & Price. She focuses her practice in the areas of technology, e-commerce, privacy and data security.  She is a Certified Information Privacy Professional through the International Association of Privacy Professionals. She received her JD from SMU in 2008 and graduated magna cum laude from SMU as well in 2001. Kate is on the Board of the Dallas Bar Association and the Dallas Women Lawyers’ Association. She is the outgoing chair of the Transition to Law Practice Program.

Nigel Wheeler Nigel is an associate in Bracewell’s Public Finance, Real Estate, and Corporate sections. Before joining Bracewell, Nigel interned for the Honorable Phyllis Lister Brown in the 162nd Judicial District Court in Dallas, Texas. Nigel was a journalist for more than 7 years before attending law school. He graduated from Washington & Lee University School of Law in 2015 and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 2000.

Professionalism and Ethics Know the balance between zealous advocacy and civility. How do you deal with jerks? Don't ever let them see you sweat. Your reputation is all you really have.   When you don't know the answer to a client’s or boss's question, don't guess the answer.   Don't play games with conflicts of interest. There are consequences.  Loyalty to friends and associates is important, but not to the point of getting into trouble with them. Never lie to anyone.   Never!  Rule 4.01.

Take Charge of Your Career Exercise independent, professional judgment and render candid advice. Keep notes of all conversations with clients and opponents. Develop a dependable calendaring system. Use it! Learn how to make your bosses happy. Greet them daily. Remind them that you are hungry to learn.   Find a mentor in the firm/law department you can trust to ask questions. Learn to reject bad/no pay clients & how to fire clients that want you to be unethical. Never cease being a student of the law. Take more CLE than you need. Find a specialty!

Get Out of Your Office Balance your life and don't burn out. Meet lawyers doing bar work.  Get out of your silo.  This is good for mental health and builds your practice. Do not neglect your loved ones. Find mentors for each facet of your life. You need lessons and guidance- even if you think you are a genius. Give back to the bar, the community, your faith. Don't over commit.  Show people that you are a person of your word. Know the signs of depression, drug/alcohol dependency, and other mental illness.  Ask for help if you need it and intervene with friends who may be impaired. Remember TLAP volunteers (SBOT 800 #: 1-800-343-8527 Day or Night) are experts who can intervene.

Thank you and please, come talk to us!