August 2007

Editor’s Column

by Shelley Ajax

As young lawyers it is oftentimes difficult to ask for help.  For some it may be awkward to ask a boss for assistance when also trying to impress that person with our competence.  Perhaps the boss is too busy and it would seem you are simply bothering them.  For others it may be that ego gets in the way. For many it is that training from law school we all received where we had to simply do it ourselves.  Is it possible that we have forgotten how to ask for help?

I remember the first time a judge asked myself and opposing counsel to complete a brief in two days.  I quite possibly spoke to every single former law student friend of mine to try to come up with the best brief in the world.  When that didn’t work, I humbled myself and sent a message out on an attorney listserv I had been quietly lurking on for months.  At first I hesitated, hoping I was not asking a dumb question.  Within an hour I had a full brief on the issue in my hands, and absolutely nobody on the listserv had made fun of my question.
 
I recall that first oral argument where I wondered if I was supposed to stand at the table on the right or the table on the left.  Turns out it didn’t matter at all, but I didn’t ask anyone.  I just waited for the other attorney to get moving!  That was much more stress than was necessary.

As a mother, I continuously told my teenage boys to be sure and use all of the resources they had available to them when they were uncertain or dealing with a new situation.  I am quite certain they got tired of hearing “Use all of the tools you have available first and if that doesn’t conclude the issue, then come back and see me.”  About two months into practice, I gave this speech again to my youngest boy and that is when I realized I wasn’t practicing what I was preaching.  Oh boy, was I in trouble.

  The difficulty in practice is that nobody wants to seem to be a burden by asking too many questions.  Balancing annoyance with practical use of resources is an essential quality that all young lawyers must grasp to be successful.  Choosing to do so will save years of your life and will always be in the best interest of your clients as well as your boss.  I liken the entire balance to driving and here’s my thought process: if I am going to be late somewhere, I know I absolutely cannot speed because then I could get pulled over and be even later.  But, if I am going on a long journey and the speed limit is 70, I know that I can shave off a great deal of time by traveling 3-4 mph over the speed limit and I won’t get pulled over either.  The rule: you are on a long journey, ask questions at a safe pace or you won’t have anyone to ask before long.
 
There are many resources we can look to for answers as young lawyers.  If you practice in a particular area of law, join your section with the WSBA and inquire about resources and listservs.  Talk with other lawyers and find out what publications they subscribe to and ask if they will let you drop by to see their library.  Never be afraid to call the attorney of record on a published case – they are usually flattered and more than willing to answer questions.  Get involved in your local bar and seek a local mentor.  Mentors are also commonly available in your practice area section.
 
In this issue of De Novo we are starting a series of interview spotlights with some very inspirational folks who have graciously given us an opportunity to ask for advice.  One of our featured articles this month is an interview with John McKay.  It is a candid piece that should remind each of us that we should never act if it is not in our client’s best interest. This month’s publication also includes an interview with Roberta Riley, with staunch advice about mentoring opportunities and building relationships.  We thank both for sharing their wisdom with young lawyers in Washington State.
   
By the way, that whole speeding 3-4 mph over the speed limit thing…that was an example – capiche?
             
Shelley A. Ajax is the editor of De Novo. Ms. Ajax is a solo practitioner in Richland, Washington. She can be reached at 509-946-7778 or shelley@ajaxlawfirm.com. All opinions are solely her own and not those of WYLD, the WSBA or De Novo.