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In the demanding, deadline-driven world of legal practice, it’s easy to fall into the trap of perpetual motion—juggling cases, drafting briefs, attending hearings, and logging those precious billable hours. But amid the urgency of client needs and courtroom appearances, there lies a quiet but critical truth: the most successful and sustainable legal careers are not built solely on workload, but on a lawyer’s commitment to continual growth.
Simply put, staying still is falling behind. The legal industry is evolving fast. Whether it’s shifts in substantive law, client expectations, courtroom technology, or the expanding influence of artificial intelligence, lawyers must see themselves not just as practitioners of the law but as lifelong students of it.
Why it’s non-negotiable
One thing is obvious: competence is king. Our reputations and the trust our clients place in us hangs on our abilities to deliver skilled, effective representation that not only meets but exceeds our clients’ expectations. The goal is not simply to manage legal challenges, but to make our clients’ lives easier through thoughtful, high-quality advocacy.
We also have an ethical duty to provide competent representation. That means more than just remembering the rules of civil procedure or brushing up on Daubert. True competence in the modern legal landscape demands agility—the ability to adapt to new rules, novel legal theories, evolving standards and trends, and unexpected case twists. Regularly developing and refining your skills ensures you remain not only effective but relevant and indispensable to clients.
Beyond competence is excellence. The best advocates—the ones who consistently win over juries, judges, and clients—are those who continually hone their craft. Whether it’s improving deposition techniques, developing a more persuasive writing style, or mastering the nuances of expert cross-examination, investing in your skills enhances your credibility, results, and reputation. Continual growth is non-negotiable.
Growth is good for business
It’s not just about being a better lawyer. It’s about building a better practice. Clients today are more informed, more selective, and more cost-conscious than ever. They aren’t just shopping for degrees or firm names. They’re looking for sharp, efficient, and forward-thinking counsel who understand their business and can anticipate risk. Demonstrating a commitment to professional development sends a clear message that you are invested in being the best advocate for them.
Moreover, staying current with trends in your industry or practice area can create new opportunities for business development. Spotting a regulatory change before it hits your client’s radar or offering guidance on a novel liability issue before it leads to litigation can position you as a trusted advisor, not just a litigator who shows up after things go wrong.
Learning and development also enhance networking and referral potential. Colleagues are more likely to refer business to lawyers they see as active, informed, and engaged—not those who simply “put in the hours” and “check the boxes.” The more you grow, the more visible and valuable you become to your network.
Tips for ongoing development
So how can busy lawyers find the time to keep sharpening the blade, and what are some ways lawyers can do that? Below are some suggestions this author offers to those looking for practical ways to continually improve themselves.
Read with purpose: Set aside time weekly to read legal updates and commentary, especially those focused on your specific practice area. Publications like DRI’s For The Defense, ABA section journals, and local bar association newsletters can help you stay ahead of emerging trends, key rulings, and strategic shifts. Many law firms also have subscriptions to online legal journals such as ALM | Law.com, Law 360, and Bloomberg Law. Take advantage of these resources and consume everything you can pertinent to your practice area or industry.
Invest in education: Continuing legal education should be more than a check-the-box exercise. Be selective and intentional. Seek out seminars, webinars, and workshops that challenge you or offer insight into issues your clients are grappling with. Even just one good idea or new perspective can translate into a better argument or stronger client relationship. The Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana offers a number of seminars and CLEs throughout the year geared toward lawyers of every practice and experience level. Seek out a few that best fit your practice; Attend, and listen.
Learn from others: Don’t underestimate the value of learning from colleagues. Attend defense bar events, roundtables, or informal practice group meetings. Ask other lawyers what’s working for them, what they’re reading, and how they’re adapting to change. Collaboration is often the fastest path to improvement. Take advantage of mentorship relationships.
Embrace the machines: Technology is not going away—and neither is AI. From e-discovery platforms to brief-writing tools to time-tracking software, there are countless resources that can reduce inefficiencies and help you focus on high-level legal strategy. Take the time to learn what’s available and how it can help you, not replace you. Forward-thinking lawyers who understand how to strategically integrate technology will not only practice more efficiently and effectively, but they’ll be more attractive to tech-savvy and cost-conscious clients.
Think like your clients. Make it a habit to understand the broader business or industry landscape affecting your clients. Subscribe to their trade publications, read what their executives are reading, and stay curious about the pressures and risks they face. A lawyer who speaks the language of the boardroom is a lawyer who gets called early and often.
Final thoughts
In a profession that values precedent and tradition, change can feel uncomfortable. But it is exactly that discomfort that fuels growth. The legal market rewards lawyers who think ahead, adapt quickly, and strive to be not just good—but exceptional. That doesn’t come from experience alone. It comes from deliberate, thoughtful, and continual development.
So, in this continual state of chaos we call “practicing law,” I encourage each of you to prioritize your professional growth. You not only owe it to yourself, you owe it to your clients. We are all works in progress—case by case, year by year. The hourglass is always running. How you choose to spend your time will determine whether your practice plateaus or thrives. The best lawyers I know never stop learning. Neither should you.•
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Jordan Slusher is managing associate at Frost Brown Todd LLP in Indianapolis and serves on the DTCI Board of Directors. The opinions expressed are those of the author.
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