I would advise my younger self to work for other attorneys, either part-time or as a contractor. I started my own firm out of law school. I would not change that decision because I would not be as knowledgeable on the business of the legal industry without starting early and being forced to learn. However, when I first started I did not want to work for anyone else. Now, I collaborate with other attorneys and firms, even doing work as an independent contractor. I've learned a lot from other attorneys, which has helped me improve my own business, and have been able to maintain my independence. I would advise my younger self that this is possible and will accelerate your growth as an attorney.
Ask extra questions early on. Do not assume you know the whole story. People omit essential facts, which may dramatically change the outcome of a case. Listening effectively makes you a stronger advocate. Take better care of your time. Earlier in my work, I attempted to handle everything myself. Delegating sooner would have allowed me to progress quicker and avoid burnout. Treat time like a tool. Remain steady, not reactive. This work has both highs and lows. I've learned to keep my emotions under control, particularly during trials and negotiations. Clients trust you more when you remain cool. Relationships are more important than winning. Judges, clients, and peers remember how you treated them. Long-term respect usually exceeds short-term success.
If I could talk to my younger self, I'd keep it simple: Slow down. Listen more. When I first started practicing law, I was hungry to prove myself. I thought success meant having the right answers and saying them fast. But I've learned that the real value in this work doesn't come from how quickly you talk—it comes from how deeply you listen. To clients. To judges. Even to opposing counsel. The best results start with understanding what's really being said. Early on, I believed that being a great personal injury lawyer was all about legal skills—writing a sharp brief or winning a tough negotiation. And yeah, that stuff matters. But what really makes the difference is empathy. It's showing up for your client in a way that says, "I see you. I hear you. We're in this together." Some of the best lessons come from the toughest days—the cases that didn't go as planned, the moments you wish you handled differently. You learn, you get better, and you keep moving forward. This job isn't easy. But it matters. And what I've come to realize is that the quiet moments—the ones where you just sit and listen—often end up meaning more than any courtroom win ever could.