It’s #TechTuesday! Today we are sharing another video tip in our new series titled “Tech Tip in a Tenth“. These are short, targeted, and practical videos approximately 6 minutes in length, because, as Technology Committee Member, David Majchrzak said, “Who can’t spare a point one!?”
The most recent issue of San Diego Lawyer is dedicated to Law + Tech – a major initiative by the SDCBA to help members and the legal community at large, use technology better. It’s also the reason I, Adriana Linares, have the honor of serving as the Bar’s Member Technology Officer. Earlier this year, we held a two day conference dedicated to the topic. Renee Stackhouse and I spoke to lawyers about “Serious Productivity Apps and Tips for the Mobile Lawyer”. One topic we included, is a favorite of mine, add-ons! I love good add-ons that improve my productivity and simplify time in front of my computer.
There are several factors that may cause a legal professional to switch from one area of practice to an entirely different discipline. Often, hiring managers want to know why you’re reforming your legal discipline. They also want to know if you possess the skills and expertise that will transfer into the new discipline. In my case, I transitioned from civil litigation and family law to intellectual property and technology transfer. In addition to my J.D., I also possess an LL.M. in intellectual property and have previous experience in the technology transfer area. So if you’re looking to make a move into a different discipline, make sure you have some experience in the new field you are pursuing.
What is the adjustment period after you have made the transition into your new discipline?
There is no exact timeframe, but do expect your adjustment period to take a while. Moving from one discipline to another can be incredibly hard work, even with the requisite skills and expertise. You are in a new environment, you’re working with new co-workers, and you’re taking in enormous amounts of new information — all at one time. It is understandable that your adjustment period will take some time; however, when insecurity begins to rear its ugly head, remind yourself that with any new job comes an adjustment period. It may take three to six months before you feel like you have some sense of normalcy at your new firm.
Familiarize yourself with the culture of your new environment.
When I say “culture,” I mean more than just paying attention to what people in your new workplace are doing. It also means paying attention to the types of legal documents that you will be required to handle. Ask if there is a shared hard drive where you can review previously filed motions, case notes, and other pleadings. This will give you a better understanding of how things have been done in the past, and although you will not become an expert overnight, you will gain basic familiarity with your new discipline.
When I transitioned into my new office, there were several hurdles that I had to overcome. First, I transitioned from a law firm to a research institute — where I was (and still am) the only attorney in an office surrounded by MBAs and Ph.Ds. Second, I had to become intricately familiar with the life sciences field; I did this by watching hours of OpenCourseWare lecture videos on molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry. I also attended (and continue to attend) several science lectures every month. I further reviewed dozens of previously negotiated licenses to gather my institute’s position on various matters, such as insurance and indemnification provisions. Being proactive allowed me to familiarize myself with my new office, my new discipline, and gave me the requisite tools I needed for my professional toolbox.
Be proactive and be curious.
Being curious is perfectly normal. Get to know your co-workers. Go to lunch with them, pick their brains — don’t be afraid to ask questions! Also, ask if you can sit in on a conference call or a client intake. Locate the leaders among your colleagues — you know, the one or two people that the folks in your office look to for advice. You might gain some valuable tools to put into your professional toolbox. It also allows you to bond with your new co-workers.
Don’t panic.
A new job can be overwhelming. There are going to be times when you feel as if you’re barely treading water or even worse . . . you’re drowning. Remember, it is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed in the beginning. I cannot remember how many times I said to myself, “I don’t know where to even start on this matter!” or “How am I expected to do this?” At this juncture in your new discipline you’re going to have to swallow your pride and ask for some assistance from a colleague (see above). Sometimes it is okay for you to know what you don’t know and not be afraid to ask a colleague for assistance. This may save you several hours of frustration. Another method I learned was to put the matter down for a while and take a nice walk around the office. When you’re ready to get back to work, pick up a different task — one that is easy to handle — then go back to the previous task; it might not feel as overwhelming the second time around.
Be encouraged, it will get easier.
Don’t quit. Your new employer has confidence in you, that’s why you were chosen for the job. Although change can be difficult, being proactive and taking the necessary steps to adapt will enable you to make the transition easier.
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At Comic Con 2018, I sat through a panel titled “Judges on the Law of the Last Jedi and Solo” including with Judge John B. Owens of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Magistrate Judge Stacie Beckerman, and (San Diego’s own) Magistrate Judge Mitch Dembin. Each showed pictures of their chambers with displays of Star Wars-related memorabilia.1 It was refreshing for each judge to show their fandom of Star Wars. I thought that this makes sense as every lawyer needs some activity to take their mind off of the everyday briefs, motions, research, etc.
I. Finding a hobby (or I want to be like Stu Rees)
What form can these activities take? At one end is Stu Rees, San Diego attorney/cartoonist, who got his start while talking to a client. “One day I was one the phone with a very well-known syndicated newspaper client who had an idea for a new creation. I advised him that he had a stranglehold on his very specialized and lucrative topical niche, so he should leverage his millions of readers by creating something using his existing beloved work. He was undeterred (and ultimately failed on that new, unrelated project). I, however, was inspired to take my own advice. I decided that law cartoons by a lawyer FOR lawyers (rather than non-lawyers attacking lawyers) was a good market niche. I taught myself to draw and incorporated elements from successful cartoons into my drawing style — big eyes are not an accident! I was also funnier after being in the industry for many years.” Today, “Stu’s Views” has had over 2,200 of its cartoons published nationwide.2
Rees also told me why he believes younger attorneys need creative outlets. “Younger attorneys need something outside of their job to provide a mental break. Drawing is a nice choice because it uses the right side of the brain, so is a full transition from lawyerly left-side thinking. But any hobby or interest will do. Or an active sport — I like running on my treadmill while watching stupid sci-fi.”
Many publications reflect Rees’ thoughts. Psychology Today has cited several benefits to finding a hobby. The benefits included improved time management, making new social connections, coping with stress, making yourself more interesting, maintaining active and not passive (TV/web surfing) leisure time.3
So how to do you choose what to do? It’s important for attorneys to relax, and many do via yoga, mindfulness, physical fitness, and other activities. But while those are fine pursuits, there are other activities and creative escapes available as well.
II. Crossword puzzles/Trivia Nights
The USA Today online puzzles are fairly easy and can take only 20 minutes out of your day.4The New York Times and Los Angeles Times tend to be more difficult. Plenty of researchers have discovered the positive effects that crossword puzzles can have on one’s brain if played regularly (this can be weekly if you want).5 A connected activity is participating in trivia nights. Usually lasting two hours, this is an enjoyable and competitive evening of socializing and testing your knowledge. Check out sunsettrivia.com for locations and form your own team!
III. Being the next John Grisham
Like rappers want to be NBA players, lawyers want to be authors. Of course, everyone dreams of becoming the next John Grisham. And many attorneys have done so.6 A good start is entering local short story contests such as the one sponsored by the San Diego Public Library.7 And the topic does not have to be law-related either. Whether you enter a contest or submit a manuscript to a publisher, the idea is to exercise those creative juices. For the bold ones, try writing a TV show (current or past) or movie script. There are also community college classes on book and scriptwriting as well.
IV. Beer/Wine
Become expert on a certain type of wine or beer (in moderation, of course). For example, learn what makes a quality Cabernet Sauvignon and only drink that type each time you go out. Ask the waiter or bartender what is the newest or best Cabernet Sauvignon they have. The same goes for beer tasting. Instead of simply trying every sample at a beer festival, be discriminating, only try certain styles (e.g., Belgian style) and keep track of what you like with the phone app Untapped. Start to pay attention to which breweries and wineries you like.8
V. Nerd Alert!
Be nerdy and proud of it. Is there a TV show or movie from your childhood that you can start collecting? There is a growing fandom of the 80s TV show Golden Girls. If you are a fan … embrace it, buy your own Golden Girls action figure or skateboard deck and display it prominently. 9 I have a line of Star Wars Pop figures across my desk spanning all the movies (no Jar Jar Binks … ).
VI. Take an annual trip.
Think of taking and planning an annual trip. This can be to a specific gathering (e.g., Comic Con) or planned together with friends. I know a group of attorneys that plan a college football road trip every year. Maybe there is an annual convention devoted to your interest. Another attorney I know plans her schedule around the band Phish and their annual festival. There is less planning involved with repeat visits. Go. Every year.
VII. Final thoughts
Everyone needs a hobby at least to take your mind off of work a few hours a week and keep your brain active. Set aside a consistent time every week to devote to your hobby. Make sure your hobby time is uninterrupted time (put that phone away!). Most importantly, never wait until you “have time” — make the time. Your inner happiness will thank you later.
Jeffrey Chinn is the Director of Career Services at Thomas Jefferson School of Law
This article was originally published in the August 2018 issue of For the Record, the SDCBA’s publication for new lawyers.
1 http://thelegalgeeks.com/2018/07/27/sdcc-2018-after-action-report/
2 http://www.stus.com/about.htm
3 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happy-trails/201509/six-reasons-get-hobby
4 https://puzzles.usatoday.com/
5 https://teenkidsnews.com/tkn-news/careers/science-explains-why-crossword-puzzles-are-good-for-your-mental-health/
6 https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soloish/wp/2017/08/17/these-attorneys-practiced-law-by-day-and-wove-stories-of-seduction-by-night/?utm_term=.0403abef0d2f
https://www.online-paralegal-degree.org/posts/10-novelists-who-started-their-careers-as-lawyers/
7 https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/short-story-contest
8 https://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/915-best-apps-for-wine-lovers.html;
https://untappd.com/
9 https://www.funko.com/blog/article/2018-sdcc-exclusive-reveals-funko-miscellaneous;
https://www.previewsworld.com/Article/216603-Seen-at-SDCC-NECAs-The-Golden-Girls-Action-Figures
Now that Fall has arrived, many of you who graduated from law school last year are approaching one-year of practice or maybe more, depending on whether you had a post-bar position lined up after graduation. This milestone provides an often-neglected opportunity for you, as a new lawyer, to perform some self-assessment and career planning that will help you continue to move forward in your career and prepare for your year-end review. Whether you are a brand new attorney or a young lawyer with two or three years in practice, consider delving into the following four areas for a do-it-yourself career assessment.
Evaluate Your Work Direction
The Equifax Hack
