Embarking on a Legal Voyage in a New City: Insights for Law Students and New Lawyers

As a solo practitioner specializing in family law at Aloha Divorce in California, my journey into the legal profession began with a leap of faith—moving to San Diego, California, from Buffalo, New York. Through this experience, I’ve gleaned invaluable personal and professional insights. Here are some key pieces of advice for law students and new lawyers.

1. Attend CLEs: Law is a vast ocean of knowledge with many specialties and nuances. Whether your interest lies in family law, corporate law, or any other area, immerse yourself fully. Make use of resources to build a strong foundation. Attend the free CLEs offered to law students at the San Diego County Bar Association and other legal associations.  

During law school, I knew I wanted to be a family law attorney, and I knew I wanted to be a solo practitioner, but I didn’t know exactly how I would do it. So, I took advantage of the SDCBA New Lawyers Division CLEs, which focused on starting your own practice. I also would attend the California Law Association’s Solo and Small Business Summits. If you’re a law student, now is the best time to do it because you get to obtain all the same information as lawyers but for free or at a very large discount.  

2. Build Your Network Early: San Diego’s legal community is vibrant and welcoming. Engage with it. Attend events hosted by Bar Associations, participate in legal seminars, and connect with your peers and seniors. Networking is crucial for career development and finding mentorship opportunities.  

Coming from a smaller city where I felt like I knew everyone, it was an adjustment moving to San Diego, and not knowing anyone, I knew it was imperative that I attend as many networking events as possible. I must say that networking has always come naturally to me. I love meeting people from all different backgrounds. Whether I’m learning about someone who overcame homelessness or someone who has just inherited their father’s large, successful company. I find meeting diverse new people is not only great for building professional connections but it’s equally important for personal growth.  

3. Seek Out Mentors: The path to becoming a seasoned lawyer is filled with challenges and learning curves. Mentors can provide guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate your career. Be open to mentoring others, too; the exchange of knowledge enriches the legal community. 

Finding a mentor is crucial for both professional and personal growth. Professionally, mentors offer invaluable guidance on navigating the legal landscape, providing insights on career paths, networking opportunities, and skill development. They offer feedback, support, and encouragement, fostering professional development and confidence. Personally, mentors provide emotional support during the rigors of law school, offering advice on achieving work-life balance, managing stress, and prioritizing well-being. They also can contribute to personal growth, offering wisdom and perspective on life choices, values, and priorities.  

I met my mentor, Anna Romanskaya, in law school at a family law mixer. Without even speaking to her, what stood out to me was how she carried herself in a fun, approachable, yet sophisticated professional way. I immediately thought that’s the type of lawyer I wanted to be. I want clients to feel comfortable and safe sharing their stories with me and be assured that their legal matters are being handled in a reliable, professional way. Sure enough, my first impression of her was spot on. She gave me a warm welcome when I introduced myself, and then, after a few one-on-one meetings and getting to know each other, she gave me the opportunity to clerk at her firm. To this day, I still call her on a regular basis, whether it’s for a legal procedural type of question or if she has any tips for how to get my teething toddler to fall asleep.  Having a reliable mentor will make your life as a new attorney much easier. 

4. Uphold Professionalism and Compassion: Your reputation is one of your most valuable assets in the legal community. Always act with integrity, professionalism, and empathy. These qualities will distinguish you whether you’re in the courtroom, negotiating a settlement, or simply at a winery or bar meeting new people. Upholding professionalism and compassion is crucial in making a positive first impression. Professionalism demonstrates respect for colleagues, clients, and the legal profession, showcasing integrity, reliability, and ethical standards. First impressions are paramount for new lawyers and law students, as they often set the tone for professional relationships and perceptions. Remember my first impression of Anna? That day was almost 10 years ago, and I still remember that first impression. 

Embarking on a legal journey in a new city like San Diego can be thrilling and daunting. For law students and new lawyers, I offer these key takeaways: Immerse yourself in continuing legal education opportunities, cultivate a robust professional network early on, seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support, and, above all, uphold professionalism and compassion in all your interactions. These principles not only shape your reputation but also lay the foundation for a fulfilling and successful career.