Michael Hodgkins’ Post

Wouldn’t it be amazing to live in a world where being a beginner was celebrated and encouraged? Where being new wasn’t a source of shame or something we feel a need to apologize for? Where being “green” is great? I can still feel the exasperation of senior lawyers when I didn’t know what to do as a young attorney. How inconvenient for them that I wasn’t seasoned already and needed training. Most of what we learned in law school was theory. The application was a whole different animal and I didn’t know its anatomy in the beginning. Nobody does. We could all give some grace to beginners, even when they’re not 11 years old, like the interviewer in this clip. Do you agree? If you don’t have a cheerleader, please let it be me. Go try new things. Experiment. The only way to get better is by doing it. You got this! #lawyercoach #legalcareercoach #legalprofession #personaldevelopment #law 🎥 credit unknown (we tried to find the original source)

Tips for juniors: One of the first law firms I worked at used to say “your most important client is your supervising partner”. Actually they are your teacher! This might be true for senior lawyers but It’s not your job to impress your boss as a junior, it’s your job to learn. Unfortunately not everyone is a good teacher, if someone is teaching you via negative reinforcement you can and should move on! Know your worth!

🏊🚴🏃 5️⃣ things I took from Laura Heusel’s article re: triathalon training making her a better lawyer (same goes for law students): 1. Doing anything well requires discipline. 2. Versatility helps when you have to juggle multiple things at once. 3. Self-care and balance are essential. 4. Perseverance & preparation are irreplaceable. 5. In the end, it’s impossible (& maybe not worth it) without others (coaches, coworkers, friends, spouses, etc).

Lori Keet, I’m finding my feet - Journal #3 – Is law a disappointing profession? Part 1 We’ve just finished an hour-long conference with Mrs Client, consumed with choosing her favourite child to be her enduring guardian, when Lori asked me “Is this what lawyers do?”.            I sensed a disappointed tone in the question. When asked what she meant, Lori reminisced of days of proud high-school teachers who stoked dreams of becoming a lawyer to go out there and “make a difference” and “change the world”. At University too, there was a sense that law school was for champions of truth and justice and those with high moral aspirations. The minutiae of Mrs Client’s power of attorney seemed a world away from those lofty ideals. How do I respond to this? Are we setting law graduates up for disappointment? Have questions or tips for Lori the Lawyer? Drop them in the comments below! Stay connected with us on Linkedin and Instagram for the latest updates and stories. This article is part of a regular series Lori Keet, I’m finding my feet about teaching, learning, highlights and lowlights of being a mentor and supervisor in a small law firm environment.  #perthlawfirm #perthlawyers #juniorlawyer #law #doinglawdifferently

"I wish I had known this years ago." "Sometimes it helps just to know I'm not the only one going through these struggles." "Why didn't anyone tell me this stuff?!" I hear you. Join the next (lady) Lawyer Collective Series and learn all the tools we should have learned in law school. How to be happier in law...how to leverage emotions to create the results you actually want...how to build your practice...how to manage your time to get more done...how to deal with impossible humans... One hour each week over seven weeks. The next program begins on February 28. Get in before all seats are full. All info and details are linked in my bio 🖐️

Lori Keet, I’m finding my feet - Journal #7 – handshakes – part 1 Me: Greeting clients appropriately, including using their correct name and offering a handshake is expected in a professional office. Lori: Are handshakes even a thing these days? Good question. I’m old enough to understand that, traditionally, handshakes were a very important part of a first meeting. But in this post-COVID world handshakes seem problematic at best. Offered or not offered, you seem to risk offence.  What do I say? Have questions or tips for Lori the Lawyer? Drop them in the comments below! Stay connected with us on Linkedin and Instagram for the latest updates and stories. This article is part of a regular series Lori Keet, I’m finding my feet about teaching, learning, highlights and lowlights of being a mentor and supervisor in a small law firm environment.  #juniorlawyer #lawyer #perthlawyer #lawtips #perthlawfirm

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My grades in law school were mediocre, at best. I was not on some prestigious law review nor earned any other major law school accolade. Let's be real - your degrees and grades aren't a guarantee of success in the legal world. They're just part of the story, not the whole story. A much bigger and longer story. The legal profession puts way too much stock in fancy credentials. But here's the thing: law school isn't the same as practicing law. It's like thinking you know how to drive just because you aced the written test at the DMV. Sure, good grades can open some doors. But it is your skills, work ethic, and ability to deal with real clients and cases that really matter. Law school teaches you theory, but it doesn't always prepare you for the day-to-day grind of being a lawyer. Don't get hung up on perfect grades or prestigious school names. Focus on building practical skills, making connections, and learning how to navigate the real world of law. That's what will set you apart in the long run. Remember, some of the most successful lawyers out there didn't graduate top of their class. They succeeded because they worked hard, learned from experience, and knew how to connect with people. That's the stuff that really counts when you're building a career. #legaltech #innovation #law #business #learning

Social media is a big part of my everyday life, whether it be for personal or professional use. It is a hub of knowledge and development for many of my peers (including myself), we can access content at the click of our fingers. So, how does this impact our development as we enter into the legal sector whilst remaining authentic and building a personal brand? Read the article I wrote for The CLLS Training Committee below to find out! A big #ShoutOut for all #AspiringLawyers and #JuniorLawyers, to reflect on this and comment your own thoughts or experiences. #AspriringLawyer #JuniorLawyer #LinkedIn #LinkedInLearning #GenZ #SocialMedia #Development #SkillsForLife #Success #PersonalBrand #LegalLearning