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So, you’ve got this boss. You and your boss are different in age, in groups of friends, in tastes, maybe even in personality types. What’s the old fool want?
First of all, understand some of the challenges your boss faces. While you may think you’re salary is woefully inadequate, your boss pays it. Your boss also likely pays for your bar dues, your health insurance, your malpractice insurance, a 401K contribution and your professional seminars. Your boss pays for your secretary. Your boss doesn’t get paid until you do. Your job may be task orientated, covering a deposition here or a hearing there. Your boss is responsible for your performance. If the case goes south, your boss gets the blame.
Understand that your boss has worked hard to develop the business that keeps you employed. You are entrusted with that business. If you do it poorly, it could literally mean the end of the business.
Your boss wants someone who is prepared and takes the job seriously. Your boss wants someone who has a little initiative. If you see something that needs to be done, arrange to have it done and tell your boss what you’re doing.
Your boss wants to know what is going on. Remember it’s your boss’ client. If something significant happens, be sure your boss knows about it. It may be something as simple as simply giving your boss a copy of the letter that reflects what happened at a hearing or in a deposition.
Your boss wants honesty. If there is a problem, if you make a mistake, your boss wants to know it sooner rather than later. Many, things in our business can be fixed, but the job becomes much more difficult if the problem is ignored.
Your boss wants you to bill fairly and honestly. If you don’t do so, this is a direct reflection on your boss. Business developed over years can be lost because of sloppy billing practices. By the same token, your boss does not want you to cut your own time. Your boss understands that there is a learning curve, and there may be circumstances where what you do won’t be billed entirely. However that needs to be your boss’ decision, not yours. Your boss needs to know what you’re doing and how long it’s taking so she understands how your time is spent.
Your boss wants to be able to trust you. She wants to know that she can turn tasks over to you and they will be done promptly, correctly, and in a way that reflects well on the firm. Trust is a two-way street. As you perform well, you’ll be given more responsibility.
Your boss wants to know if you need work, or if you are overwhelmed. It is a constant challenge to efficiently spread work throughout a law firm. Some people are so swamped by a trial schedule or a particularly time-consuming case that things that need to be done don’t get done or don’t get done right. Others may have cases settle or have a temporary lull in the action. Your boss needs to know where you are so things can be managed efficiently.
Your boss wants you to be an ambassador for the firm. Your firm is judged by your performance. Your firm's reputation and your boss' reputation are on the line with everything you do. You owe it to your boss to be prepared and to do your best.
Your boss wants you to be a team player. It is hard to manage a business. It’s harder still to manage a business where the employees don’t get along. The ability to work with others is critical to success. Sometimes it takes a little patience and a little effort to develop this skill.
Your boss wants you to work hard. There is clearly more to the practice of law than simply billing hours. Most successful trial lawyers work harder than the people who work under them. Your boss probably spends hours on administrative matters that don’t show up on a timesheet. You’re frequently freed of those headaches because your boss takes care of them. It is no sin to show up occasionally on a weekend. You’ll be surprised how often your boss is there.
Your boss wants you to grow as a person and a lawyer. Smart managers reward good people. Your boss gives you the opportunity to grow in the work you do and in the education you get, through mentoring and through professional activities. Everybody wins when you grow.
Your boss wants you to be up front about problems. In any relationship, honesty helps solve lots of problems before they become unmanageable. Even if you say things that your boss disagrees with, or may not want to hear, honesty is the key to any long term relationship.
The bottom line is your boss wants you to take pride in your job. You’re not an assembly line worker; you’re a lawyer. No matter what area of law you practice in, if you work hard, are honest with people, and always try to be the best lawyer you can be, the rest usually takes care of itself. That’s what the old fool really wants.
About the author
Tom Dukes is a board certified civil trial lawyer.
He is a former FDLA President.
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