Gripers & Malingerers
A bad attitude will torpedo otherwise
capable summer associates. Magnificent writing skills, a powerful analytical
mind, or tremendous speaking ability is not a license to be a jerk. Throughout
the summer lawyers will observe how you relate to lawyers, staff, and clients.
Complaining
just does not cut it — about your office, your view, your assistant, your seats
at the Dodger game, and whether you had to work late on Friday. What may be
perfectly acceptable grousing once you have a little time-in-grade as an
experienced associate will be perceived as inappropriate. Unfair? Maybe. But
you have not yet earned the right to complain. 
We
all react to first impressions. Think of the judgments made in everyday life
based on initial impressions. A summer program is three months of first
impressions stitched together into a corner of your career tapestry. If the
initial impressions are of someone who complains, it will not help if the
decision about giving you an offer is ‘close.’ And if your behavior is poor
enough, you will be road-kill.
Throughout
your career you will be judged by people’s perceptions about your behavior,
your skills, and your conduct. That is natural in a professional organization
that delivers 1:1 service about complex and sensitive problems. In ten years,
you may attend meetings where promotion to partnership is discussed. You will
learn that raw intellectual skill is not the first issue discussed. By then
firms have sifted out those whose skills are not exemplary. Lawyers with low
hours have left the battle.
The
focus is on intangible qualities ❏ how strong are the lawyer’s relationships
with clients ❏ will this lawyer evolve into a
substantial producer of business ❏ will they become a nationally respected leader who can dazzle
potential clients ❏ how do they
get along with clients, adversaries, and others ❏ do they have the energy, enthusiasm and commitment to inspire and
lead others.
Do
not abuse the staff. Those who abuse secretaries, legal assistants, and staff
are the ones who will abuse younger lawyers when they are older. Abuse includes
high-handed behavior, and conduct, which went out fifty years ago. Do not send
your assistant to get you coffee. Answer your own phone. Say hello to everyone.
Do not act in a way that would embarrass your aged grandmother. Heavy-handed
treatment of the administrative staff will not escape the attention of the
partners who run the summer program. Take your assistant to lunch a couple of
times during the summer. Pick up a latte for him or her. It doesn’t require an
Act of Congress. It’s a simple human courtesy.