3 answers
4
Updated 348 views

How long did it take you (as a lawyer) to lead your first case after you started at a law firm?

I'm wondering when you or your firm felt that you were confident or experienced enough to take the lead on a case and how long that took to happen.

spring26 lawyer careerpath careerdevelopment professionalgrowth legal mentorship futurelawyer legalexperience
Answer This
4

2 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

DENNIS A’s Answer

Hi Renee: I was a NYC lawyer for more years than I like to admit. Deenasini's answer is right on - there is no set time. Most of it depends on the case and the severity. New lawyers get smaller cases. Trying a case is stressful. Get your feet wet - plenty of time to jump into the deep end!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Deenasini’s Answer

My experience as a former litigator was that, there was no specific timeframe as to when you will lead your first case. It comes down to the opportunities available to you. When you are working in much smaller firms, given the smaller number of lawyers, there may be more opportunities to lead cases much earlier into your career as opposed to bigger firms. But there are always the pros and cons to this - bigger firms allow you to learn from much experienced lawyers prior to your first opportunity, smaller firms might not give you that, and you might be expected to dive into the deep end before you think you are ready. You also make your own opportunities - so it is up to you to decide the kind of environment you want to be in, well-suited for what you are looking for.
0