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I got a LinkedIn email last week from someone that has taken a path very similar to the one I took twent-some years ago. Same Army M.O.S., same college, same law school, so far, not interested in the library portion. He’s a 3L and about to enter the workforce as an attorney, and he asked if I had some words of advice. Of course, you know I’m pretty easy when it comes to doling out my opinions, wrapped in the guise of advice.

The advice I gave isn’t very unique… in my humble opinion, it is really just common sense. I’m sure there are additional things that could be said (such as “be a good lawyer”), but I thought a few short words would be better than a five paragraph blog post. That said, I thought it would be easy to turn it into a blog post, so here it is:

My advise is to get you foot in the door and do good work. Take the time to build relationships with the folks you work with, and build good relationships with the folks that hire you to represent them.

Never eat lunch alone. Get involved in you community doing something you love, but that affects others at the same time in a positive way.

Don’t be afraid to step out and try something new. Don’t be afraid to ask others for help.

Treat everyone with respect and keep all of the staff members happy and engaged with the work you do.

It’s a tough market out there, but hard work, smart work, and good relationship building will help you succeed when others might not.

Best of luck.