Creating Your Legacy: Your Mom Was Right…Again.
I attended the Pillars of Excellence Ceremony over the weekend. It was a beautiful ceremony with many deserving honorees. Tribute after tribute, I began to notice a common theme. These men were not only academically proficient, skillful and hard-working, but they were professional, well-liked individuals.
How does one create his or her own professional legacy? How do you make it a positive one? Let’s face it, people talk. Professional reputations are important. How do you maintain the image you want? Well, it’s the same advice your mom has been giving you for years, “treat others as you want to be treated.”
Work with your opposing counsels to reach a resolution for your clients, not to satisfy your own end of “beating out another lawyer.” Think before you speak and act. Why is that so often forgotten?
I am fortunate to work for a firm that works each day to treat people with respect, both inside and outside of our doors. The partners and attorneys at our firm do not undervalue their employees, even all the way down the chain of command to the clerks. They do not underestimate their opposing counsels’ abilities or a judge’s ability to make an informed decision. They do not view a client’s problems as unimportant. I believe that is why they are so well-respected.
I am fortunate to work in a place where my work and the work of those around me is valued and appreciated. It is an important lesson that I am grateful to be learning so early in my career. You start building your professional reputation at an early age. It starts with showing your appreciation and respect for others. Add a little hard work, careful thinking, attention to detail, and, of course, a little luck, and you might just be fortunate enough to create a positive legacy that lasts.
I’m proud to work for Rice, Amundsen & Caperton, a firm whose legacy speaks for itself…