As is turns out, the things they don’t teach you in law school are the most important.

I’ve been doing this lawyer thing awhile now, leaving the moniker of a “young lawyer” a few years ago. So, here are some things I learned in my young lawyer era that I wish I'd known on day one:
Not every fight is worth fighting. Conceding the “concedable” is laudable in many situations. If stipulating to something won’t hurt your client, do it. You can cut through the noise for a more efficient resolution.
When in doubt, always do the right thing. Don’t conceal evidence, don’t be untruthful with your client, and don’t attempt to deceive a judge or jury. Your professional reputation is paramount. Don’t let the short-term gain ever be more important than your long-term reputation.
Always be the most prepared person in the room. The smartest and most persuasive lawyers cannot outwit the lawyer who knows every fact, piece of evidence, and the applicable law.
Always be respectful to your own staff, to court reporters, and courthouse employees. You will need a favor someday. No one will help you in your time of need if you’ve been a snob.
Always take a notepad and pen. Everywhere you go. Someone taking notes always leaves a positive impression.
Clients care most about efficient resolutions, not your litigation prowess. People hire you to fix problems in an expedient manner. Know that your skills are a tool to use to that end.
Most importantly, be easy on yourself. This job can be dreadfully draining. There’s no longer any stigma of leaving the profession if it doesn’t make you happy. For those of us that the job fulfills, try to smile and be thankful that you are a professional problem-solver of the highest order.
I’ve left a lot out, but if you grasp these things in your first year of lawyering, you will be leaps and bounds ahead of your smartest and most decorated peers.
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Bart Siniard solely represents injured people in north Alabama. A native of Huntsville, Alabama, Bart received his undergraduate degree and juris doctorate from the University of Alabama. He returned home to Huntsville to practice personal injury law in 2013.
To learn more about Bart, you can listen to his podcast interview on the “Next Lawyer Up” podcast.
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