From Law School to Law Practice (Student Edition)

Suzanne B. O'Neill and Catherine Gerhauser Sparkman
Lending Library Copy Only - © 1989 American Bar Association and out of print

The authors of From Law School to Law Practice:  The New Associate's Guide have written a unique book that sets forth accurately what is expected of the new associate when he or she enters the law firm setting.

This handbook depicts what clients and more experienced attorneys in the firm will expect from new attorneys.  It also supplies tips and suggestions to associates as to how to go about:

• learning about and adapting to the firms they have joined;
• relating to clients and determining what role to play in dealing with them;
• translating clients' needs and desires into appropriate services and work products;
• avoiding pitfalls that will harm their reputations and prove costly to the firm;
• approaching the various tasks assigned to them;
• managing assignments and deadlines;
• maintaining communication with supervising attorneys as to progress on and status of assignments;
• efficiently handling record-keeping duties;
• developing meeting and telephone skills; and
• working toward long-term career and business development.

Those who read this book as they enter law practice have the added benefit of limiting the amount of "culture shock" that occurs during the adjustment from student life to their new working environments.

These insights are also valuable for law students, aiding them in deciding whether to enter law firm practice, planning their careers, and in asking pertinent questions during the interview process that will better indicate how they may fit in with a given firm.