ALI-ABA

By Suzanne B. O'Neill, Catherine Sparkman, Ronald L. Jones, Contributing Author

New associates need to know the law, but how much do they know about the BUSINESS of Law?

How should new associates:

Handle sensitive inquiries from clients? (page 218

Run effective meetings? (page 209)

Seek and obtain client consent regarding scheduling matters? (page 45)

Ask for client feedback? (page 56)

 Deal with your client’s employees? (page 66)

Clarify client expectations (page 35) 

The Third Edition of this classic text helps new associates:

Understand how the “business of law” relates to the practice of law in law firms and corporations

Make the adjustment to working for a law firm or corporation (Chapter One)

Learn about the values, culture, and expectations of the law firm as a business and as a professional office (Chapter Two)

Relate to clients and determine what role to assume when working with and for them (Chapter Four)

Translate clients’ needs and desires into appropriate services and work products (Chapter Four)

Balance professional and business responsibilities (Chapter Five)

Manage assignments and deadlines (Chapter Six)

Communicate with supervisory attorneys about the progress and status of assignments (Chapters Three and Six)

Efficiently handle record-keeping duties (Chapter Six)

Develop a plan for conducting meetings (Chapter Six)

Understand the different cultures and expectations of corporate law departments as compared with law firms (Chapters Seven, Eight, and Nine)

Learn how in-house corporate lawyers, general counsel, executives, and law firm attorneys interact (Chapters Seven, Eight, and Nine)

Work toward long-term career and business opportunities (Chapter 11)