The "Senior Associate"

Becoming an "Associate" in a firm is a learning experience.

As one climbs the "associate ladder" towards Partnership, one develops considerable experience, skill and savvy - - or, at least, we hope so.

Tracy Evans Moyer wrote a great article that appeared in the Los Angeles Daily Journal (legal) newspaper on December 17, 2007.  She wrote that the role of a "Senior Associate" changes from that of a task-based attorney to one having management, marketing and decision-making skills.  This is what she says she learned as her role changed to that of Senior Associate:

1. FORESIGHT IS KEY: Foresight is critical when you have greater responsibility and discretion. For example, preparing a thorough case strategy early on and amending it periodically can be the difference between a good result and a great result.
2. EXTEND PROFESSIONAL COURTESIES: Extending professional courtesies to adversaries creates goodwill and an invaluable "chip" you can exchange for something you really need later.
3. BE A PROBLEM SOLVER: Because Partners who rely on you are incredibly busy, take the initiative to answer questions on your own.
4. TEACH "JUNIORS:" A primary goal should be assigning projects that will foster growth and learning to junior associates.
5. AVOID OFFENSE: Be politically savvy to manage those with more experience than you.
6. SEPARATE THE PERSONAL FROM THE PROFESSIONAL: The dynamic of a friendship changes when one must supervise and/or evaluate one's friends.  When having to do so, separating the personal from the  professional is key to minimizing resentment.
7. PRESERVE YOUR REPUTATION: Do no succumb to activities that will damage your reputation, as it is incredibly difficult to repair.
8. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS: During your years of experience, you have developed skills and instincts which you need to call on and rely on from time to time.
9. EXERCISE HUMILITY: ...particularly when you are dealing with your supervisor.  It is important not to bruise the ego of a supervisor.
10. CONTINUE TO LEARN: It is easy to become complacent as a senior associate, particularly as you gain experience.  Fight this urge.  Every assignment is a learning experience.  Continue to learn from them.