As the Young and New Members Committee, we (unsurprisingly) count many young and new members among our ranks. Many of our members may be new to practice or to the insolvency field, and/or new to ABI. It can be daunting to navigate a new role, new industry and new organization. The Y&NM Committee leadership recognizes this, so we thought we would take a moment to share our advice on how to make the most of a new opportunity. Without further ado, here is our advice for young and new members (and those young and new at heart!).
Joe Esmont
BakerHostetler
Put yourself out there. Introduce yourself to people you haven’t met at the office. Take on every project you have the time to do properly. Ask questions (but organize your thoughts first). Be active in the restructuring community: Go to local networking events, sign up for committee opportunities (we’d love to have you!), attend ABI’s Wednesday networking Zoom happy hours. Remember that the point of networking for a young professional is not immediate business development but developing friends and sounding boards for career and professional advice; cultivating people on the other side of difficult transactions or career moves willing to vouch for you; giving back to the community; and developing long-term relationships. These steps will help you develop your personal skills, your professional network and the workflow from within your workplace.
You should mostly be saying “yes,” but learn to say “no” and “I need help” when appropriate. Our profession is intense, with long hours and stress, but it is important to preserve adequate time for family, faith and self-care. Learn to politely turn down projects you can’t handle well. Speak up if you are struggling, need help, or have too much on your plate.
Jack O’Connor
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger LLP
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, early and often.
Bodie B. Colwell
PretiFlaherty
Input your time entries as you are doing the work and don’t wait until the end of the month. Input all of your time accurately, and don’t reduce your time because you thought it took you too long to do the assignment. Reviewing the bill is the billing attorney’s job; let them do it! When receiving an assignment, ask questions, ask for the deadline, and ask for examples.
CC Schnapp
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
Volunteer and get involved in different organizations. Any volunteer position or board role provides an opportunity to showcase your skills and establish your professional reputation as someone who is competent and capable. (That being said, make sure you make the most of it by being prepared and thoughtful, and contribute when you can!) You will also establish relationships beyond your office doors, which can provide meaningful friendships as well as some (unexpected) opportunities.
Tara Schellhorn
Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti LLP
As a young lawyer, it is important to say “yes” whenever possible. You never know what you might learn or what kinds of opportunities lie ahead. Make the most of all the chances you are given, show up, have a good attitude and be responsive. This may seem obvious, but it will put you way ahead of many of your peers.