Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.’s Post

𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 - 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞? Though the pursuit of advanced degrees has become much more common in the past few decades, graduating from law school is still a tremendous achievement. Walking across the stage and seeing 3 years of work come to fruition when I was handed my law degree is still one of my proudest moments in academia. That said, after years of practicing in markets that were booming, steady and stagnant, I learned that just holding a law degree doesn't make you irreplaceable. So if you ever feel yourself getting complacent, here are some numbers to keep in mind:   ▶ There are nearly 92,000 Legal Associates in the United States, and with the MBE adopted in almost every state, inter-jurisdiction mobility is at an all time high. ▶ About 17,000 of these Legal Associates currently sit in New York City (with 12,000 practicing at AmLaw 100 firms... so the cream of the crop).    And this is only the existing Associate talent pool. Per the American Bar Association, in 2023: ▶ There were a total of 35,221 U.S. law school graduates. 33.456 of these individuals sat for the bar, with a 79% pass rate. This means that 26,491 newly admitted attorneys were thrust into the legal market. ▶ A total of 116,851 JD students were enrolled in U.S. law schools, with a first year enrollment number of 37,886. That's another roughly 100K competing attorneys you can expect to be added to the market over the next 3-4 years. My point is that while getting a law degree is no doubt a special thing, holding that JD doesn't necessarily make you special. Each year you are battling with almost 100,000 peers over a finite number of jobs, promotions, and even billable hours. And that number isn't even taking into account the younger, hungrier, and (most importantly) cheaper crop of new Associates that will enter the workforce every fall. Yes, you should be proud to be a custodian of the U.S. legal system, but don't fall into the trap of believing that fact alone makes you untouchable, or it's only a matter of time before you find out just how replaceable you are. How can you avoid that? Find ways to add a value that is unique enough to not be readily available in that pool of 100,000+ competing attorneys - do things like: 🌟 Begin building a book of business that literally adds monetary value to the firm 🌟 Become an expert in a growing niche space (i.e. energy, health care, life sciences, IP, secondary transactions) 🌟 Make yourself one or more partners' right-hand associate (guarantees work and a powerful advocate) 🌟 Win over important clients with top shelf white-glove service (gives you another even more valuable advocate) #legalmarket #legalassociates

A New Chapter: Embracing the Uncharted Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my career as I commence work in the Family Law Unit at Greater Boston Legal Services, a significant shift from my previous focus in corporate law. Corporate law has always captivated me with its clarity, logical structure, and detachment. In my legal journey, I have realized that sometimes holding on to a practice area might just be a product of habit. You stumble upon it, do it multiple times, and become knowledgeable—or even an “expert” in it. We then hold on to it, without ever trying something else. Yet, my journey has shown me that sticking rigidly to one path can sometimes be a barrier to growth. I have come to understand that true progress often lies in stepping beyond our comfort zones and exploring new frontiers. In my move from one country to another, I have learnt the power of embracing change. This transition began unexpectedly. To fulfill a requirement for admission to the New York Bar, I volunteered 50 hours at the Family Law Unit of Greater Boston Legal Services , initially viewing it as a mere obligation. But what I anticipated as a brief detour turned into a profound revelation. My preconceived notions about domestic violence and legal protection were challenged. I had once thought that the legal system and the police would always ensure safety and justice in a place like the United States. Reality, however, proved more complex. During my volunteering time at GBLS, I witnessed firsthand the limitations of access to justice and the crucial role of legal aid. I observed the tireless dedication of lawyers advocating for those in desperate need, and it ignited a new passion within me. I realized that while I might be stepping into uncharted territory, the challenge of acquiring new skills and knowledge is not only surmountable but also immensely rewarding. The opportunity to assist victims of domestic violence and children presents a meaningful and fulfilling mission. It’s a chance to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, providing them with hope and a path to economic stability. While the transition is daunting, the potential for impact is what drives me forward. Today, I embrace this new path with both excitement and determination, ready to navigate the complexities of family law and contribute to a cause that truly matters.

Broadening out to include Law Student Tips from a (grumpy old) Law Professor. 1) I honestly think that if you go through all of law school without getting to know one of your Professors reasonably well, such that they would identify you, you're doing something wrong. I know, everyone's different, and I understand some people are introverts. Still, if you are able, make the effort. It will benefit both of you quite a bit more than you know at the time. 2) Courses I would take in law school no matter what your interest is: (a) Tax - You are going to be paying it your whole life. Why not understand the basics of how it works? (b) Insurance - You are likely to be buying it your whole life. I found I learned a lot about what to do and what not to do with insurance by reading a semester's worth of cases and hearing from an expert. (c) Wills and Estates - Again, something you are going to have to deal with at some point, and having a good education about how it works is useful. (d) Negotiation - By far the most useful non-crime class I took, and the most enjoyable. Also something you might want to be good at, regardless. (e) Family Law - No matter what, someone you know will want to hear what you have to say on this subject. I found it useful in approaching my own relationships as well! 3) If at any point you are struggling with law school, the quicker you recognize that and act, the better. It is really hard to go to a Prof or the faculty after the fact and fix things. But if you act early, most Profs and faculties will bend over backwards to do what they can to help. Doesn't matter the reason. I got help in 1L because of anxiety. I don't think I'd be where I am if I hadn't. 4) There's not one way to be a lawyer, and everyone telling you there is is mistaken. If you don't take charge and follow the path you want to, that path will be created for you. There is an alternate universe in which I am a partner at Blakes, where I started my career. I very much enjoyed my summer there, but I was the only summer student not to return voluntarily. Why? Because I knew I lived criminal law more. Be who you are, not who people think you should be. 5) If you don't love it, find another career. Law is too hard, and what you are doing is too important, to do it in a half assed way. I think there are a lot of law students who really don't like it, and do it because they feel "pot committed". I personally know quite a few law students who realized it wasn't for them and moved on to another career. No shame in that whatsoever. Don't just follow the path that's being dangled in front of you.

Small Claims, Big Wins: Your Secret Playbook Got a legal beef but dread the thought of a courtroom saga? Small claims court is like the express lane to justice (In the context of the legal timelines)—quick(er), straightforward, and surprisingly accessible. Here’s how to nail it: Know Your Limit: Like a high-stakes game of poker, each province sets its own pot limit. Make sure your claim doesn't exceed the max—play within the rules to win. Legal Legwork: Arm yourself with knowledge. A little legal legwork beforehand can turn the odds in your favor. Know your rights, and stand firm on them. Evidence Is Everything: Picture yourself as a detective in your own legal drama. Gather every clue—emails, receipts, texts. Your meticulously organized evidence could deliver that gotcha moment. Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse your story until it’s as smooth as your favorite song. A clear, compelling narrative can sway the scales of justice your way. Deadlines Are Do or Die: In the court's eyes, timing is everything. Miss a deadline, and it could hurt your case. Keep your eye on the clock. The Art of the Deal: Sometimes, victory lies in avoiding battle. If a fair settlement is on the table, grabbing it might be your smartest move. Dress to Impress: Courtrooms are like stages, and you’re the star. Dress sharply to make every second of your appearance count. A Friendly Legal Nudge: A chat with a legal guru can be the secret sauce to your success. A bit of expert advice might just tip the scales. If the thought of legal tangles still leaves you cold, let Georgia Fischer at FH&P Lawyers LLP be your guide. With expertise and empathy, she'll light the way to a smooth courtroom victory. 🔗 https://loom.ly/6z5MWns

Think of small claims court like a game of legal snakes and ladders. Many step into the arena with high hopes, only to stumble over surprisingly simple hurdles. But fear not! Learn from Georgia Fischer's experience, and you'll be side-stepping common pitfalls like a seasoned pro: #1: Underestimating Preparation 🔹Treat your case like a final exam. Study, prepare, and then prepare some more. Organize your evidence, rehearse your points, and know the process inside out. #2: Missing the Documentation Boat 🔹Imagine you're building a paper fortress. Every receipt, contract, and correspondence is a brick. The stronger your documentation, the sturdier your case. #3: Ignoring the Fine Print 🔹The devil’s in the details, especially in legal battles. Understand the rules of the court, the specifics of your claim, and the nuances of the law that applies. #4: Playing Lawyer (Poorly) 🔹While confidence is key, overstepping into legalese you don’t fully grasp can backfire. Keep it clear, concise, and in plain language. #5: Disrespecting the Courtroom 🔹From punctuality to attire, treat the court with respect. A good first impression can significantly influence how your case is perceived. #6: Skipping the Settlement Opportunity 🔹Winning at all costs isn’t always the prize. Consider mediation or settlement—it could save you time, money, and stress. Navigating small claims can be tricky, but you don’t have to go it alone. Georgia Fischer and the team at FH&P Lawyers LLP are your legal compasses, ready to guide you through the thicket to clearings of clarity and resolution. 🔗 https://loom.ly/6z5MWns

Our latest article is written by Harvey Daniel as he reflects on his journey to becoming a qualified solicitor " Whilst qualifying as a solicitor is by no means an easy feat, with the right support from your employer, the experience will be incredibly enriching and rewarding." https://lnkd.in/e8Cwr8HP #lawcareer #lawcareers #familylaw

Hey there! What’s Aspiring Solicitors? Chris White (absolute Legend- his got a fan club at AS that’s how much everyone likes him) started Aspiring Solicitors in 2013. He is the son of a shop assistant and a builder, first in his family to go to university and had to face the daunting world of law by himself. He noticed discrimination and elitism from the get-go and instead of accepting it, he decided to change it. In Chris’s own words: “My own struggles left me determined to help others overcome the barriers that exist and drive the evolution of the sector from the inside.” Talk about a real-life legal superman. 🦸 Who Does AS Help? If you've ever felt like you don't quite fit the traditional "lawyer mold," AS is here for you. They support aspiring solicitors who are: • Socially mobile (first in your family to go to uni? That's you!) 👨🎓 • Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic • LGBTQIA+ 🏳️🌈 • Disabled, neurodiverse, or living with a long-term health condition 📊 The Numbers Don’t Lie 📊 - Helped members land 8,000+ vacation schemes and training contracts (Hello, future career!) - Provided 5,000+ hours of expert coaching (That's a lot of pep talks and pro tips!) - Set up 150+ mentoring schemes (Because everyone needs a Yoda in their life) - Shared 1000+ legal work experience opportunities (Real-world experience, anyone?) - Ran 9 Commercial Awareness Competitions (with the 10th coming up – time flies!) - Hosted 60+ diversity-specific events (Celebrating what makes us unique!) - Organised 460+ firm events for 15,000+ members (Networking galore!) - Held virtual diversity law fairs for 3,400+ members (Making connections, pandemic-style!) 🌟 How AS Can Help You Shine! 🌟 Aspiring Solicitors offers so much good stuff, it's hard to list it all! 1. Chances to peek behind the curtain at a variety of law firms (Did you know Pinsent Masons has bowls filled with chocolate sweets all over the building?) 2. The epic annual Commercial Awareness Competition (it’s a big deal! And the prizes are incomparable- a vacation scheme for the winner is just wow) 3. Mentoring programs that pair you with legal superstars (Did you know AS allows you to chat to mentors by diversity strand or law firm via the AS website- I can literally go and speak to a black female, state educated trainee solicitor at A&O Shearman right now to ask for application tips- how cool is that?) 4. And More..... Apply for AS below! 👩💻 https://lnkd.in/e3fNzgik #AspiringSolicitors #MyLegalJourney #AspiringLawyers #CommercialAwarenessCompetition P.S. Shoutout to all the amazing law firms and organisations that partner with AS. You're making the legal world a better place! 🎉 🎉 🎉

You might wonder as law student or anybody for that matter, that what is it like being an active member of the legal fraternity, what problems you might face, perks if any, solution to it all. This post intends to defog the misty air of curiosity and shed light to some facts that may help the viewers of this article. As a member of this fraternity, one has a lot of routes to choose if one wishes to make career in this field, Advocacy, lawyering, Consultancy, entrepreneurship, choosing any of the 3 organs i.e. Legislature, Executive, Judiciary. • The problems- The legal world requires a lot of hard work and sacrifice on your end, it is a never-ending ride of constant reading and analysis which might not be remunerated accordingly, thus bringing down the all morale of the person, the constant exploitation by legal practitioners towards their juniors is an aspect widespread but never talked about. The very investment whether fiduciary or anything else to start your own practice is yet another story complicated in its own self, the exorbitant fees of law schools are on higher side and rising which makes this world available to the fortunate unfortunately. It is definitely not for the faint of heart. Many delve deep into addictions due to the stress and toll it takes upon mentally and physically. • The Quips and Wonders- The legal world has its own Quips and wonders, being a legal practitioner is all about practising law, advancing it and helping the legally poor groups and individuals, it is the kind of responsibility which is bestowed after years of learning along with power and responsibility. Judicial officers, advocates, lawyers, are tasked with protecting the common man’s trust along with all the legal rights that the constitution or any legal framework bestows upon them, plus all the blessings and money that you get after providing the relief to an aggrieved person transcends any other available happiness. The common folk address and look up to you in respect and adoration for you are the watchdogs and doctors of this field that are present for the very purpose of Helping those in need. • The solution: The legal world has its own set of problems that we discussed above, the solution to tackle it is to be well read on any topic that requires your attention, prioritising mental and physical health is of the utmost importance, to tackle things sincerely is important, it is also important that we recognise the strengths that this world gives us and the adoration we receive from it as it is the only source of true happiness and strength for someone of this field.

I am really looking forward to attending the sessions at the AllAboutLaw #VirtualLawFair2024 (https://lnkd.in/dKErakjz). I will be attending a range of both presentations and panel sessions hosted by top law firms and legal experts. As a first year law student, I am looking to develop and understand the skills required to apply and enter the legal sector for the first time. This can feel overwhelming and it is useful to have guidance in breaking the process down. I will be attending a number of sessions at the law fair to help me enhance my understanding and skills, including: The Legal Profession 101: Introduction to Becoming a Solicitor with Mayer Brown, BCLP and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and Discover what skills law firms want and how to develop them hosted by the BPP Law School. Garnering work experience is essential for cultivating a successful legal career. However, it is not something we can 'learn' but have to take the initiative to experience for ourselves. This can feel daunting and disappointing in a competitive area. I have signed up to: Unearthing Work Experience Opportunities in the Legal Field with Bristows LLP, Macfarlanes and RPC to help encourage and inform me about this process. One of my personal barriers is my confidence. I will attend the session: Proven ways to boost your confidence and resilience for success in law hosted by BPP Law School. I hope discover skills to help build my confidence. Especially, as the virtual law fair has a reputation for its supportive and welcoming environment. “I really appreciated the supportive environment of the fair. It felt like the organisers truly cared about helping us succeed in our legal careers.” The fair offers a session on Pro Bono and Social Impact: Using Your Legal Skills to Make a Difference with Farrer & Co, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates and Charles Russell Speechlys. This is of particular interest to me, as I have a passion for human rights and volunteering. There are also sessions on mental health and the legal sector, such as: Mental Well-being and Resilience: How to Cultivate Balance in Your Legal Career with Bates Wells, Howard Kennedy LLP and Wedlake Bell. Another important area that often feels removed from the legal sector; this session offers personal insight from firms that can feel connecting. A supportive and welcoming environment can make the legal sector and firms feel less removed and the process less intimidating by connecting us through discussions and presentations from people within. “This event made me feel more connected to the legal profession. The variety of sessions and the depth of information provided helped me feel more secure in my career choices.” #AllAboutLawCommunity AllAboutLaw

I recently completed my first mini-pupillage at Trinity Chambers in Newcastle. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and thought I would share a few valuable lessons and insights I gained in the realm of family law and legal practice: 1. Courtroom Dynamics: I witnessed courtroom proceedings firsthand which provided a deep understanding of how family law operates in practice. I learned about the procedures, the roles of solicitors, barristers, and judges, and the importance of preparation and presentation in court. 2. Client Interactions: I observed how barristers interacted with clients, social workers, and solicitors during conferences which taught me about the importance of clarity and confidentiality. I learned how to communicate legal concepts in a way that clients can understand, which is crucial in family law where emotions can run high. 3. Case Preparation: I gained insights into the meticulous preparation required for cases. I was able to look at evidence and strategise the arguments I would make if I was to stand up in the court room. I observed how attention to detail and thoroughness can significantly impact case outcomes. 4. Advocacy: Watching each barrister advocate on behalf of their clients provided insights into persuasive argumentation and effective courtroom demeanour, demonstrating gratitude appropriately and ensuring the judge never is not left alone on the bench. I learned how to structure arguments logically and present them convincingly before a judge, for the desired outcome. 5. Personal Development: Engaging with practicing barristers allowed me to gain practical advice on pursuing a career in family law. I received valuable insights into career paths, professional development opportunities, and the realities of legal practice. I also gained confidence in my abilities, developed a deeper passion for family law, and cultivated a greater appreciation for the complexities and challenges within this area of law. In conclusion, my mini-pupillage was an engaging experience that has inspired and prepared me for future endeavours in my journey to becoming a barrister. I would like to express my gratitude to Kevin Crawley for generously guiding me through the final stages of his child welfare case, patiently explaining each step, and turning it into an engaging and interactive learning experience throughout the week. His mentorship has significantly bolstered my confidence as a law student. Furthermore, thank you to Thomas Bannister and Mairi Clancy for their invaluable insight into the career as a barrister and letting me shadow them during their interesting cases.