There are a few moments throughout the year when this occurs, but we are currently in one of those moments where sports are in prime positioning. Basketball and hockey are deep in their respective playoff seasons, tennis and golf have each begun their Grand Slam calendar, and the World Cup is just around the corner. What better way to see the very best do what they do than at the biggest stages with the highest stakes.
I am enamored with witnessing those who are great at their field, whether that is with sports or, turning to my own profession, the legal world. I am now in my second year of practicing as an attorney and after a full year’s worth of the experiences that come with any rookie-year in virtually any line of work, I offer this blog as a guide to what I’ve observed about what makes a great attorney stand out.
During the playoffs, a team’s coach is under the utmost scrutiny. Whether it is game management, personnel management, or even media management, the pressure is strong and unbending. The same goes for a managing partner for a practice group: partners are pulled in a multitude of directions from different clients, each with their own urgencies. Partners must be able to work effectively and efficiently, often reacting in real time to a client’s concern, while also having the poise to recognize when they need to pause, think, collaborate, or rely on their team. Critical decision-making, knowing how to deploy team members in different situations, and communicating effectively—both internally and externally—are key traits I’ve seen successful attorneys demonstrate.
The playoffs, justifiably, bring a sense of tension- every action and reaction matters. In the transactional world, the same goes for closing procedures. Small but impactful hurdles can arise anywhere: ensuring all documents have been fully negotiated and prepared accurately, all diligence requests have been completed, and all signatures or approvals are received. While this may seem manageable from the outside, as President Theodore Roosevelt put it, the credit belongs to the man in the arena. The attorney who is present and agile when an issue arises is the one that lands the plane smoothly.
Of everything I have learned so far, this might be the most important: everyone started from somewhere. Even the greatest of athletes did not instantly become the pinnacle of their sport. The best way to be a great basketball shooter? Reps in the gym. The best way to have an accurate tennis serve? Reps on the court. The best way to spot legal issues and know the steps to address them? Reps on work product. Progress comes with time, patience, motivation, and surrounding yourself with the right team.
