We hear the comment from too many lawyers - - mostly new lawyers, solo practitioners, and members of small firms, that all too frequently they "wing it." Translated: They don't know what they are doing, but they do it anyway !
Large firms, particularly those with well-planned budgets, allocate time and money for in-house training of both lawyers and staff.
The fact that most (if not all) states require some form of Continuing Legal Education as a requisite for the renewal of the license to practice law, does not fill the need for good, sound, practical legal training - - the "nuts and bolts" stuff that a lawyer (really) needs to know to practice law well.
But "good training" goes beyond merely teaching technical lawyering skills. It also includes helping lawyers (particularly, new lawyers) understand and deal with "office politics;" how to treat the staff civilly; how to develop business; how to manage their time both in and out of the office - - among other things.
Even though a lawyer cannot rack up billable hours when "in training," obtaining such invaluable information pays dividends in the long run.
...and, "seasoned lawyers" within a firm should understand that it is in their firm's best interest that they take the time necessary to guide, nurture, mentor (and, train) young lawyers "along the path."
But, what about the sole practitioner, or member of a small firm, that does not have access to in-house training or mentoring? Are they doomed to learn from the mistakes that they make at the expense of their clients? If so, they will not be practicing law for very long.
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