Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.’s Post

BIGGEST LESSONS THAT I HAVE LEARNT AS A LAWYER ,THAT'S USEFUL TO LAW STUDENTS 1.There is no one answer to a problem. 2.You may like one thing now. But your mind is fickle as there are too many options in which field you can practice in. For example: you may think litigation isn’t for you and get into a corporate job in a company but a year later you realize you hate a 9–5 job and try litigation and then you love it. 3.You may think you like one subject while studying law but when you go to practice you may hate to practice Law in that subject. For example: I loved property law in law school and I still do but I can never practice in it. 4.You can choose which fields you want to practice Law in. It can be civil AND criminal. There are no limitations to how many cases you take, or how many clients you have. 5.You need to have a very good command over the English language. How are you going to draft otherwise? 6.Reading A LOT never goes out of style after law school. In fact, it multiplies. 7.You don’t remember each and every provision you memorized in law school to remember it till you start working. So don’t be hard on yourself if you can’t. But that’s not an excuse to not try and not work on it at all!!! 8.You can participate in many competitions. Moot court. Client counseling, etc. But remember that it’s so different from the real world. 9.Law school does not prepare you for the real world. Not even theoretically. 10.Intern as much as you can while you’re in Law school. Learn to multi-task because that's going to be your whole life being a lawyer. 11.And pick your battles. Lose a battle to win a war. 12.Be a good listener. You’ll learn more if you listen than you’ll ever learn if you talk more. Also, remember to know when to shut up. 13.Don’t be a judge. He can do his job. You do yours. 14.And finally, you are ONLY representing a client. That’s all. You don’t need to pick a fight with your opposite party’s advocate. He’s your brother/sister, and not against you. He’s also doing a job for his/her client, like you are. That’s all I could think.🙂 #sunday insight #young lawyers #inspire

After completing the first two years of his Law Degree at the Ulster University School of Law, Caoimhan McKillop used the opportunity offered by UU to take a year out and gain some practical experience before completing his final year of study. We were delighted to accommodate Caoimhan by providing him with a 12 month placement in our litigation department. As his placement draws to a close, we caught up with him and asked him to reflect on the insight he has gained by spending a year integrating with a private legal practice in the middle of his undergraduate course….   Caoimhan - Q- How would you describe your overall experience during your placement? A - Fantastic – everyone at Johnsons was very helpful and hands on. Q - What were some of the highlights of your time with us? A - Getting the opportunity to attend court hearings on a weekly basis and see at first hand the engagement between clients and barristers and how contentious cases run before the judge. Q - Were there any aspects of the placement that you found particularly challenging? A - I was only ever set tasks which were commensurate with my experience so there was nothing I found particularly challenging. Sometimes the workload was high but you just manage it and get through it! Q - Did the role meet your expectations? If not, how did it differ? A - Yes, it actually exceeded them. I expected to be allocated routine, administrative tasks, but was surprised at how technical the role was, requiring me to draw on the research skills I have acquired through my studies at UU. Q - Were there sufficient opportunities for professional development and learning? A - Yes – definitely.There was a lot of internal group training on specific subjects, as well as the day-to-day learning and development. Q - How would you describe the work environment and culture of our firm? A - Professional when required but also relaxed and friendly. Everyone is very approachable. Q - How has this placement influenced your career goals and future plans? A - It has helped me confirm that I do want to be a practicing solicitor, specifically in civil law. Working here has helped me come to that conclusion. Q - What advice would you give to future placement students joining our firm? A- Just get involved. The more you get involved the easier things will be. Talk to the other qualified lawyers in the office. They will set you tasks and help you out.   On behalf of the litigation team at Johnsons, we want to thank Caoimhan for his invaluable contribution over the last 12 months and to wish him every success as he works towards his finals next summer. We also want to commend the School of Law at UU for building flexibility into their undergraduate course, allowing their students to gain much needed practical experience before graduating, an initiative we have been very pleased to support.

Q: What made you get into law? A: I grew up on Ally McBeal and Law & Order (before the spinoffs). I had a preconceived idea about the practice of law. I wanted to be in the courtroom, I wanted the glory that I believed came with winning cases. When I graduated high school, I knew that I wanted to be a lawyer. I graduated with an undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University and a law degree from the University of British Columbia. I was called to the British Columbia Bar in 2001. I articled and practised for 1.5 years at a national firm in the litigation group. To become a lawyer in BC, articling students must attend a ten-week legal training course and engage in a nine-month paid internship in a firm, apprenticing under experienced lawyers who assume the responsibility of guiding and training them. I articled with 13 other students during difficult economic times. There was the meltdown in the technology and telecommunications industries and broader economic slowdowns that affected, to various degrees, the economies of most countries. Only a select few from the articling pool were invited to join the firm as associates. What began as a collegial articling experience escalated into nine months of intense competition and drama, reminiscent of The Apprentice. Grateful to have been offered an associate position, I quickly realized that litigation was not as it was portrayed on screen. As a junior litigator I spent little time in the courtroom (rightly so). Most of my time was devoted to researching, drafting affidavits and familiarizing myself with the rules of court. I also learned about the albatross around my neck, and the defining feature in a lawyer’s practice, the billable hours. As junior associates, me and my colleagues would spend hours calculating how many hours a week we needed to work to meet our billable and non-billable targets.  We would run the numbers repeatedly, considering how vacation days or all-nighters impacted our daily totals. It became something of an obsession. At that point in my career, the rationale for hitting targets was esoteric. I was happy to be part of a large organization that supported my career development. I was earning a high salary at a relatively young age (28), enjoying the perks of a large firm (tickets to games/concerts, beautiful dinners, taxis home if you worked in the evening). However, I knew I couldn’t continue with litigation. Pivoting from a litigation practice to a corporate practice internally proved to be tricky. I needed to make a change....

Six years ago, I took my first steps into the world of law, joining a small law firm to start my career as a legal practitioner. It was an exciting but daunting experience. The firm was a busy place, filled with experienced lawyers, but I was eager to learn as much as I could. One of the first challenges I faced was learning how to present cases in court. I was nervous about speaking in front of judges and worried about making mistakes. I knew that to be a good lawyer, I needed to be confident and fluent in the courtroom. To overcome this challenge, I began by observing my colleagues and how they presented their cases. I paid attention to their techniques, how they structured their arguments, and how they interacted with the judge. I also spent a lot of time preparing for my own cases, researching the law, and practicing my presentations. Despite my preparation, the first few times I appeared in court were nerve-wracking. I stumbled over my words and felt self-conscious. However, with each appearance, I gained more experience and started to feel more comfortable. I began to develop my own style of presenting, finding ways to articulate my arguments clearly and persuasively. As I gained more experience, I also learned the importance of being well-prepared. I realized that knowing the law inside and out was crucial to presenting a strong case. I spent hours researching and studying the law, making sure I understood every aspect of my cases. This not only helped me in court but also gave me the confidence to stand behind my arguments. Another challenge I faced was learning how to handle unexpected situations in court. There were times when the judge asked difficult questions or when unexpected issues arose during a hearing. I had to learn how to think quickly on my feet, stay calm under pressure, and adapt to changing circumstances. This was a steep learning curve, but it taught me the importance of being flexible and adaptable as a lawyer. Over the years, I continued to grow and develop as a legal practitioner. I took on more complex cases and began to specialize in certain areas of law. With each new challenge, I learned valuable lessons that helped me become a better lawyer. Looking back on the past six years, I can see how much I've grown both personally and professionally. I've learned how to be confident and fluent in the courtroom, how to present my cases effectively, and how to adapt to unexpected situations. While there were many challenges along the way, each one helped shape me into the lawyer I am today. I'm grateful for the experiences and opportunities I've had, and I'm excited to continue growing and learning as a legal practitioner.

Class of 2024 Spotlight /// After graduation, Ross Reggio will be working with Manning Gross + Massenburg in the Irvine, California office. Did you know coming into law school that you wanted to work in this field? Not at all! My interests drastically changed in the middle of my 2L year. Originally, I thought I would be better suited to corporate law work because I preferred writing and taking a lot of time to think through complex problems. I began to feel otherwise after the second‑semester oral argument for 1L writing, but I still held reservations about becoming a litigator. Everything changed after taking Civil Litigation with Professor Peppers my 2L year. Not only did I realize I had a knack for litigation, but I discovered I really enjoyed complex litigation. Funnily enough, the Civil Litigation practicum brings students through an asbestos trial, and I will be working on asbestos and other toxic torts after graduation. It’s almost like it was meant to be! https://lnkd.in/ePD4en4N

Last night, I was a Moot Court judge at my alma mater, the University of Richmond School of Law (a/k/a The Law School Formerly Known as the T.C. Williams School of Law). Over the years, I have done this frequently. Usually, the advocates impress me - and last night was no exception. They were both super sharp. On the other hand, judging this event - and just being in the building - gives me flashbacks to my law school days. I was not a stellar law student. I graduated in the upper third of my class - or close to it. (I think.) No honor societies or anything like that. Law review? I did try, but my article was deemed unworthy - and it probably was. Advanced rounds in Moot Court? Well, no. I recall my brief as muddled and my argument as borderline incoherent. Coming out of law school, I had one job offer - and it was kind of at the end of the world in southwest Virginia. Any reasonable evaluation of my prospects in the early days of 1984 would have been a decidedly mixed assessment. Guess what? I have had a successful career as a trial lawyer. Some would say it has been very successful, in fact. Few my classmates have achieved what I have. That sounds egotistical - and I suppose it is - but it is also a fairly objective fact. Where you went to law school and how you did there matters - I won't pretend it does not - but it doesn't matter nearly as much as you might think (or fear). The reality is that law school may teach you to think like a lawyer, but it doesn't actually teach you how to practice law - that is, how to be a lawyer, especially a trial lawyer. That you learn on the job. I turned out to have natural talents as a trial lawyer, and I learned the necessary skills quickly. Indeed, I am still learning. Experience keeps building on experience. The effect is like compounding interest. Even after forty years, I probably could not present an oral argument as fluent as the ones I heard first year law students present last night. Esoteric issues of law have never been my strength, nor my interest. Evaluating and prosecuting (or defending, harkening back to earlier days) a complex medical case - not easy stuff by anyone's definition - that I can do quite well. So, my advice to law students and young lawyers is to work hard. Learn how to be a real lawyer. Get all the experience you can. If you're at a firm which is holding you back, look elsewhere. There's no cookie cutter program for success as a trial lawyer. There are many paths for getting there, but you have to be in command of your own destiny and develop the necessary skills. My advice for older attorneys: Take an interest in younger lawyers. Help where you can. Whenever possible, give them the experience they need. Like others, I had plenty of help along my way. Paying it back is meet and right so to do. It’s my bounden duty. (Of course, I can’t resist using language from the old Book of Common Prayer) #lawschool #lawpractice #lawyerlife #lawyers

UNCOMMON OPINION: Law School does prepare you for WORKING And it prepares you for LIFE Here are 7 lessons I learned from studying law:  1. Decisions Are Made for Reasons On day one of law school, we were taught to dig into the why behind judicial decisions. While I may not always agree with a judge’s reasoning, I learned that their decisions are never arbitrary. In life, too, we often see people acting in ways we don't understand. Instead of thinking, “That’s just weird” or “Why would they do that?”. I’ve come to realize that most people aren’t irrationally. They’re simply acting in ways that make sense to them. 2. Conflict Can Be Safe Conflict used to terrify me. I envisioned shouting, chaos, and broken relationships. But observing lawyers and courtrooms has taught me something different: even intense conflict can be navigated peacefully and with respect. It doesn’t have to be messy. 3. Act Reasonably We often pressure ourselves to act in the “best” or “perfect” way. While that’s a great goal, the law recognizes that we’re not superhuman. Instead, we’re asked to act as a reasonable person would. This legal test shows up everywhere, and while it received its fair share of critique in law school, it’s practical for real life. When faced with a tough decision, I ask myself, “What would a reasonable person do?”—and more often than not, that question provides clarity. 4. This Has Happened Before Precedent is a cornerstone of law. Without it, every case would be treated as entirely new, which would be both overwhelming and impractical. In life, too, we benefit from the wisdom of the past. Most problems aren’t truly novel, and knowing this takes off the pressure to reinvent the wheel at every crossroads. 5. Intelligent People Can Disagree Nothing is more frustrating than the attitude we see all too often online: “All the smart people agree with me, and everyone else is just stupid.” In reality, even Supreme Court judges—some of the sharpest minds around—reach different conclusions. They don’t dismiss each other’s intellect or qualifications. So why should we? 6. No Decision is Too Hard Life is full of tough choices, but law school taught me something valuable: no matter how complex or high-stakes a decision is, it’s never “too hard” to resolve. While courts may sometimes lack jurisdiction, they don’t shy away from the difficult decisions. I have found it comforting to see how logic, precedent, and careful analysis always lead to viable outcomes. 7. Equity Triumphs There are two species of law: common law, which values uniformity and predictability, and equity, which prioritizes conscience. When these two collide, equity prevails. Personally, I live a pretty uniform, predictable life. But I’ve learned that when I break from routine, do what’s right and follow my conscience, I never regret it. Let me know what you think!

The Power of Friendship: Lessons from Law School to Legal Practice "What good is a friend who will not risk his neck for you?" – Franz Kafka. Friendship is often the unsung hero of success, especially in the demanding world of law. From the long nights of studying to courtroom battles, the power of friendship endures. Billy, it’s incredible to reflect on how our journey from law school to legal practice has been anchored by the strength of our bond. Here are four key lessons our friendship has taught me along the way 1. Building Lifelong Professional Networks Friendships forged in law school often grow into invaluable professional networks. These relationships can lead to career opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations. A solid network of friends who understand the legal industry can provide referrals, advice, and support in navigating career challenges. 2. Mutual Growth Through Shared Knowledge In legal practice, collaboration with friends from law school allows you to share experiences and insights. By learning from each other's cases, strategies, and approaches, you collectively sharpen your legal skills and develop deeper insights, staying ahead in the ever-evolving legal landscape. 3. Emotional Support in a Demanding Profession The legal field can be mentally and emotionally taxing. Friendships developed in law school offer a safe space to discuss challenges and stressors. This emotional support is crucial in maintaining mental well-being and resilience as you handle difficult cases and complex legal issues. 4. Enhancing Professional Integrity and Accountability Having friends in the same profession fosters accountability. They understand the high ethical standards expected in law and can serve as a sounding board when faced with moral dilemmas. These friendships encourage honesty, integrity, and adherence to the professional code of conduct.

Title: Finding Your Niche in the Legal Profession While law school equips you with a broad understanding of various legal principles and practices, it's the journey beyond academia that unveils the path to your specialization. Understanding Your Passions and Strengths: The first step in finding your niche is introspection. Take stock of your passions, interests, and strengths. Reflect on the courses that captivated your attention in law school, the issues that sparked your curiosity, and the skills that come naturally to you. Are you drawn to corporate law, environmental law, intellectual property, or perhaps criminal defense? Exploring Different Practice Areas: Once you have a sense of your interests, it's time to explore different practice areas. Seek out opportunities to gain exposure to various fields through internships, clerkships, or pro bono work. Engage in informational interviews with practicing attorneys to learn about their day-to-day responsibilities, challenges, and rewards. Attend seminars, workshops, and conferences to broaden your understanding of different legal specialties. Embrace these experiences as valuable insights that will inform your decision-making process. Assessing Market Demand and Trends: While passion and interest are crucial, it's also essential to assess market demand and trends within your chosen niche. Conduct research to identify areas of growth, emerging legal issues, and industries in need of specialized legal expertise. Consider factors such as geographic location, industry dynamics, and demographic shifts that may influence the demand for legal services. By aligning your niche with market demand, you can position yourself for long-term success and professional fulfillment. Building Your Brand and Expertise: Once you've identified your niche, focus on building your brand and expertise within that area. Develop a deep understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and precedents. Cultivate relationships with mentors, colleagues, and industry stakeholders who can provide guidance and support. Position yourself as a thought leader by writing articles, participating in speaking engagements, and leveraging social media platforms to share insights and commentary. By establishing yourself as an authority in your niche, you'll attract clients, referrals, and opportunities that align with your professional goals. Adapting and Evolving: The legal profession is dynamic, with new challenges and opportunities constantly emerging. As you carve out your niche, remain adaptable and open to evolving trends and developments. Stay abreast of changes in the legal landscape, technological advancements, and shifts in client needs and expectations. Continuously seek out opportunities for professional development, whether through advanced education, certifications, or specialized training programs. By embracing change and remaining agile, you'll position yourself for sustained success and relevance in your chosen niche.