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As law school graduates move into the next stage of their careers, legal professionals share their wisdom for young attorneys beginning the practice of law.
Chief Judge Robert R. Altice Jr.
Indiana Court of Appeals
“Get involved in your community. Not-for-profit boards are always looking for attorneys to serve on their boards. Get involved in your local bar and the state bar associations. It does not matter what you chose to get involved with-just get involved!”
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Justice Derek Molter
Indiana Supreme Court
“Confidence comes most quickly from competence, have empathy even when you cannot show generosity, and never compromise on character—your own, or anyone you add to your team.”
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Judge Paul A Felix
Indiana Court of Appeals
“Remember you’re going to be in this profession for a long time, you’re standing on the shoulders of mentors, tutors, and many others who helped you get here, be ready to return that favor to the next generation of young lawyers.”
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Rani Amani
associate, Ice Miller LLP
“Be kind. Kindness and humility go further than ego ever will. You’re here to help, not impress. The moment you think you’re the smartest person in the room is when you stop growing. You may have a new law degree, but you can learn so much from your assistants and other staff.”
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Judge Leanna K. Weissmann
Indiana Court of Appeals
“Every successful attorney has stumbled. Mistakes aren’t career-enders—they’re your best teachers. Learn from them, own them honestly, and remember: resilience matters more than perfection in building a fulfilling legal career.”
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Shelley Jackson
partner, Krieg DeVault LLP
“Be curious, be bold, be ready to serve, and embrace your unique professional journey.”
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Erin Hall
Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic
“Actively pursue connections with lawyers near (already in your circle, your firm, your specialty) and far – attorneys from other practice areas and firms. Listen, make notes, and connect on LinkedIn. Never burn a bridge! This is a small community, one that will have your back.”
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Justice Christopher Goff
Indiana Supreme Court
“Find a mentor, listen, share your perspective, educate your friends and neighbors, and don’t be afraid to do your job.”
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Judge Mary A. DeBoer
Indiana Court of Appeals
“Leave it better than you found it. Whether it’s a case, a job, or a project, take the extra time to do your very best at it. The people around you will notice that you take pride in your work and it will make you stand out. In a world where everyone has grown accustomed to immediate gratification and instantaneous answers, putting heart into your work will make all the difference.”
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Valena Beety
innocence litigator and professor, IU McKinney School of Law
“Be proactive about making your job into what you want it to be. For example, if you want to work on more depositions, let folks know and put in the work. And remember, everyone has had a job that wasn’t a fit. Learn from it, try to grow within the job, and then be ready when another opportunity presents itself.”
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Judge Paul D. Mathias
Indiana Court of Appeals
“Don’t cheat yourself—prepare, prepare, prepare! We are surrounded by technology that allows us to shortcut so many things these days, but nothing makes up for you knowing your stuff inside and out. I believe in working smarter not harder, but the buck stops with you when you file a pleading or you appear before the court. You can have a reputation for being thorough and prepared, or you can be the attorney whose knowledge on a subject is questioned. Overpreparation will get you so much farther than being underprepared.”
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Sonya Seeder
general counsel, Guidon Design
“Coming out of law school, you may not land your dream job, but there are no bad experiences in your career. Every opportunity presented to you is a chance to build your skillset and learn more about yourself. Don’t be scared to take on a new opportunity! Celebrate the small wins and steady achievements.”
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Charles Dunlap
President & CEO, Indiana Bar Foundation
“[Do] not wait for people to approach you to ask you to volunteer and participate but reach out and volunteer for things that are important to you. You will be surprised at how many opportunities are available and how quickly you can build your network and do meaningful fun things if you show up and commit to participating.”•
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