Orienting to Your New Law Firm

• Author: Sharon Meit Abrahams
• Pages: 1-4

1

Pointer # 1

Attending Orientation

Depending on the size of your new

 rm, you might have a formal

orientation program that lasts a

number of days (large  rm) or only

a few hours (small  rm). Be sure to

make every e ort to attend every part

of this program. During an orientation

you learn important information

about the  rm, from how to get things

done in the  rm to who you need to

contact to get those things done.

Making a Good First Impression

Orientation is most likely the  rst

time you will encounter  rm leaders.

 ey will be presenting information

and giving you guidance on how to

succeed at the  rm. It is critical that

you put aside your blackberry, smart

phone or I-pad to pay full attention.

As a speaker the  rm leaders can see

what you are doing and not being fully

engaged is noticeable even if you are

in the back of the room.

I. POINTERS FOR ORIENTING TO

YOUR NEW LAW FIRM

Pointer # 2

Conducting Yourself During

Orientation

If your  rm has an extended

orientation of more th an a day or two,

there will probably be cocktail parties

and evenings out enjoying the locale.

 is is no longer a recruiting e ort, but

behavior continues to be important.

You will need to retain what you are

learning, so limited alcohol intake and

getting enough sleep will ensure that

you are presenting yourself as a valued

new associate. Listen at least as much

as you speak, and be mindful about

making a positive impression.

Pointer # 3

Overcoming Information

Overload

During any orientation you may be

overwhelmed with an abundance of

information. It might be in a manual

format or online, but the quantity is

sure to make your head spin. Gather

all the information and organize it so

that you can use it as a quick resource.

Learning from your own materials

re ects better on your abilities than