In the past week, I conducted three very rewarding trainings, two for new associates just starting their full-time roles and another for senior associates who have been practicing for 6+ years.
In both trainings, a central pillar was how to build trusted relationships with internal and external clients.
Having studied successful (and fulfilled) attorneys’ careers for three decades, it is clear that those who have mentors, sponsors, and clients don’t just survive, they thrive!
For new associates, I recommended asking questions, whether it’s asking for guidance on an assignment or asking how the partner decided to practice in a specific area of law.
There’s so much we can learn from others that we cannot learn from a book or even AI.
For senior associates, I provided specific tips for building trusted relationships with partners by volunteering to take work off their desk, or by learning about the clients’ business so they can be served at the highest level.
Building strong professional relationships impacts your career because no matter how smart and hard working you are, others need do know and trust you.
By proactively asking for help and by being a helper, we can all build the trusted relationships that are critical for career success and fulfillment.