2. New Attorney Boot Camp – Part I
Part I: Law Firm Culture Professor Roxanne Crocket ‘03 Part II: , Social Networks & Events Professor Daniel Kramer ‘08 Part III: Law Firm Mechanics Professor Roxanne Crocket ‘03

3. Law Firm Culture – The Basics
Professor Roxanne Crocket ’03
Graves & King

4. Office Hours
Professional Dress
Your Work Space
First Impressions
Confidentiality
Relationships – Support Staff
Relationships – Junior Attorneys
Relationships – Work with more than
one Attorney

5. Office Hours EXPECTATIONS COMMITTMENT OBSERVE EMULATE
(best employee behavior)
INFORM

6. Professional Dress ASK DRESS like a lawyer OBSERVE EMULATE
(best employee behavior)

7. Dressing for a Court Appearance
Pants/skirt suit, tie, shoes
No tight fitting attire
Women: Conservative shoes
1– 2 inch heels max
Groomed
Avoid being flashy if you are appearing before a jury
As you would for a job interview

8. Dressing for a Deposition
Pants or skirt suit, tie, appropriate shoes, even if deponent is casual
Attorneys may remove their jackets
Avoid getting too casual

9. Dressing for a Site Inspection
Includes construction site, vehicle inspection, expert testing
Dress appropriately for the occasion
Work shoes/sneakers
Wear a hard hat if required
Dress like an attorney and look professional
Be clean, groomed, wear a sport coat or nice jacket
Do not dress like a slob!

10. Business Casual Defined
Start Conservative
Avoid Denim, T-shirts, short skirts, flip flops, sneakers & too much “bling”
Do Wear
Men - Khaki pants & collared button down or polo shirt, nice shoes
Women – dress pants & nice blouse/sweater, shoes

11. Your Work Space Personalizing Do not make your office another “home”
Telephones
Answering
Voic

12. First Impressions Avoid being shy Friendly
Conversational / Professional
Employers considerations:
Clients
Court
Trust
Fit

13. CONFIDENTIALITY Information about the Firm’s Clients . . .
“Do I only know this information because I work here?”
Then DO NOT repeat the information!

14. Relationships Support Staff Can Be Your Best Friend Abuse Secretaries
Seniority
In “Charge”
Don’t become too friendly
Keep overly personal matters for friends outside of the work place

15. Working Relationships
Junior Attorneys
Evaluating performance
“Higher up”
Source of advice and samples
Good reference

16. Working Relationships
Senior Attorneys
Professional relationship
Respect their time
Ask questions
Good reference

17. Working Relationships
Partners
The Partner is always right
Organize and present information briefly and concisely
Never say “Maybe,” “No,” or “No Thank You” to a partner

18. Work with More Than One Attorney
Leave your comfort zone
Ask for work
Mingle
Become known

19. Attitude & Fit Issues Have a Learning Attitude Be a Team Player
Be Confident
Be appreciative
Smile and if you are happy, look like you are!