Why You Might be Better Off Being an Average Attorney Than Trying to Be an Exceptional One

Description

In this webinar, Harrison delves into the often overlooked aspects of legal practice, shedding light on how prioritizing personal fulfillment can lead to long-term happiness and success. As attorneys, we're often caught up in the race for prestige and external validation, neglecting our own well-being in the process. Harrison's extensive experience in the legal field reveals that the pursuit of exceptionalism can sometimes lead to dissatisfaction and burnout.

Through practical examples and thought-provoking insights, Harrison challenges the notion that success is solely defined by prestigious positions or big-city firms. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and contentment in one's legal career, regardless of societal expectations. By prioritizing happiness over external measures of success, attorneys can cultivate fulfilling careers that yield greater rewards than mere financial gains.

Join Harrison as he navigates the complexities of legal practice, offering invaluable advice on achieving long-term satisfaction in your career. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain actionable strategies for maximizing your legal career happiness. Your happiness and satisfaction are the true markers of success.

Transcript

Welcome, good morning, or afternoon, depending on your time zone. This webinar is crucial for your career, potentially saving you from immense unhappiness in legal practice, even impacting your life expectancy. Attorneys I know, neglecting this advice, suffer heart attacks, breakdowns, divorces. This webinar offers insights into successful legal practice and maintaining happiness. Many ambitious attorneys push hard but encounter unforeseen problems, avoidable with proper guidance.

Live interaction is encouraged. Prepare questions regarding legal practice, career strategies, or market trends. With 25 years' experience, I assist with interviews, resumes, and business development. Your queries benefit not just you but hundreds of fellow attorneys tuning in.

Misconceptions about legal practice lead many to dissatisfaction or departure. Regardless of seniority or setting, these insights likely apply. Understand, most attorneys are average; few remain exceptional indefinitely. While I strive to elevate candidates, reality often levels them to average. Accepting this reality is crucial; aspiring for exceptionality demands deliberate effort.

Acceptance of average status varies; I'll delve into coping mechanisms. If you aspire beyond average, I can guide you. Despite my efforts, most settle as average or above-average attorneys. Exceptional attorneys are a minority; surpassing them requires exceptional dedication.

Accept this: as an average attorney, you'll likely be happier than those striving for exceptionalism.

There's nothing wrong with being average. Obviously, I'm into self-improvement. I've worked in the self-improvement industry. I understand it. But I just want to be clear. There's nothing wrong with being average. When I look at attorneys and work with them, I'm convinced that being average is actually good for most people who accept it.

I work with attorneys from the AMLA 100 law firms. They're often concerned about prestige and appearance, made to work long hours. Many aren't happy, especially at big firms. More average attorneys, though not at massive firms, are often happier. They may be talented but not at the top firms. As a general rule, these attorneys are happier.

I talk to attorneys in various practice areas like insurance defense, workers' compensation, personal injury, and immigration—areas big firm attorneys look down on. Attorneys in these areas are much happier than those at major law firms, who work hard all the time.

The happiest attorneys I notice stick with practicing law the longest. They're well-adjusted with happy families, few health or substance abuse problems, and long careers.

In my experience, attorneys happiest being average. Today, I review resumes of attorneys applying to BCG. Many are from major law firms, laid off due to slowdowns or seniority. Sad stories outweigh happy ones among top attorneys.

In smaller markets, attorneys work with smaller clients and companies, doing corporate law or IP. They're happier and less stressed, not surrounded by unhappy, competitive attorneys like in major cities.

Working in smaller markets, you're typically more satisfied because you're not surrounded by reminders of what you're not achieving. It's less stressful.

Most attorneys aren't at giant firms on the coast. Less than 5% are. Many attorneys feel bad about not being part of this elite group, like with law schools.

Personal injury attorneys often didn't attend top law schools or get top grades. Instead of getting sad, they get mad, fighting for their clients aggressively

In major cities, competitive attorneys always want to do better, get bigger clients, and prove themselves. Everyone has a need to feel significant.

People use various means to feel significant, like religion, awards, relationships, or skills. We all want to be valued and seen as significant by others.

It's very evident, everyone, I think it's ingrained in their DNAs, like I mentioned, religion; many people nowadays seek significance through social media, counting followers and likes. Some prioritize family lineage, belonging to elite social circles, or owning luxury items like cars, collections, or extravagant houses. People find significance in various ways, even if it seems absurd, like driving a Rolls Royce or owning unnecessary mansions.

I recently spoke with someone in the real estate industry in Aspen, Colorado, where billionaires flock, spending exorbitant amounts on properties. Despite infrequent visits, owning a house there adds to their perceived significance. Similarly, in professions like law, salary, firm reputation, and education signify importance. Individuals often boast about alma maters or prestigious workplaces to assert their status.

It's crucial, however, to prioritize valuable experiences early in one's career rather than fixating solely on salary. Working at a reputable firm can provide invaluable skills for future endeavors. Yet, many opt for high-paying positions, neglecting the growth opportunities essential for long-term success. Balancing significance with personal fulfillment is key; incessant pursuit of validation may lead to discontentment and burnout.

Reflecting on mortality reveals the transient nature of significance. Despite accumulating centuries of family history, the legacy fades with time. Obsessing over external validation distracts from genuine happiness and personal growth. Even achievements or possessions won't guarantee remembrance. People's obsession with projecting success through social media or material possessions serves no real purpose.

Comparing oneself to others' achievements can breed insecurity and dissatisfaction. Accepting one's limitations fosters contentment and self-awareness. Witnessing extreme wealth in affluent neighborhoods serves as a reminder of average status, which, instead of causing envy, can promote self-acceptance.

In professional settings, prioritizing work over personal life often leads to fractured relationships and neglected responsibilities. Many successful attorneys sacrifice family and personal well-being for career advancement, resulting in divorces and substance abuse issues. Focusing solely on professional excellence often comes at the cost of personal fulfillment.

The pursuit of significance, whether through career success or material possessions, is futile in the grand scheme of life. Prioritizing personal growth, relationships, and well-being ultimately leads to a more fulfilling existence, transcending fleeting notions of success and status. Balancing ambition with contentment is the key to a meaningful life.

Let's delve into what it takes to be exceptional because it's a desire many share. Understanding and addressing weaknesses is crucial. Law firms scrutinize weaknesses when considering partners, as it impacts profits. Listing weaknesses, such as client development or writing skills, is essential. Continuously improving weaknesses is vital for aspiring exceptional attorneys.

Striving for the best law firm is perpetual. Joining a prestigious firm enhances branding and attracts top clients. Like politicians, the competition never wanes. One attorney built a respectable $3 million book of business by consistently moving to better firms. She relentlessly pursues excellence, aiming for the most prestigious firms.

Being exceptional entails relentless dedication, whether as an associate or partner. Billable hours matter greatly, with firms often circulating monthly tallies for comparison. Partners face even higher expectations, often longing for the less stressful associate role.

Competing in major law firms demands continuous effort. It's a world of intense competition among the best-educated, hardest-working, and socially adept individuals. Maintaining high billable hours and securing large clients is imperative for success.

Anecdotes reveal the intensity of competition. Attorneys strive to maintain clients willing to pay premium rates, often through extensive networking and entertaining. Large firms may inflate bills, justifying thorough work to extract more from clients.

Success at major law firms requires sacrifice and relentless pursuit. Many find purpose and fulfillment in the challenging environment. While demanding, it provides a sense of meaning and accomplishment.

Your career should provide fulfillment and purpose, not just a paycheck. A job you enjoy makes waking up early and working eagerly worthwhile. Aim for a career that excites and motivates you, one where you eagerly anticipate each day's challenges.

Enjoying what you do is crucial. When I began, I found myself waking earlier, driven by passion. Unlike my previous legal practice, where waking at 7:30 felt burdensome, I now eagerly rise at 5:30 or even 4:30. It's essential to love your work and find purpose in it.

A wealthy Los Angeles family I once knew exemplifies this. At 25, the daughters inherited millions, yet found no joy. Previously motivated and content, they spiraled into unhappiness. Divorce, aimlessness, and extreme weight gain followed. Despite prestigious education and upbringing, they sought happiness in futile endeavors.

Money alone can't provide fulfillment. Purpose drives us. These women lost theirs, succumbing to despair. Wealth obscured their ambition, leading to self-destructive behavior. Purposelessness breeds discontent.

This tale holds relevance for many in high-pressure environments like large law firms. Some abandon law altogether, lacking purpose elsewhere. Purposelessness can derail lives, as seen in these sisters' downfall.

In a vast field like law, only a fraction reach the pinnacle. But that's okay. Success isn't exclusive to top-tier firms. Pursuing average can bring fulfillment and stability. Don't fixate on prestigious positions; find purpose where you can thrive.

Consider a lawyer I recently spoke with. Once employed at elite firms, he's now jobless. Limited to one practice area, he faces uncertainty. Pursuing prestige left him vulnerable, jeopardizing his livelihood and peace of mind.

Choosing average over elite can spare you such strife. It's about finding purpose and security, even if it means straying from the glamorous path. Don't chase titles; seek fulfillment where you can flourish.

Few make partner in elite firms, but that's not failure. Whether in-house or at a smaller firm, fulfillment is achievable. Remember, success isn't defined by prestige alone. Find purpose, and success will follow.

Large law firms have no issue with clients hiring their attorneys because they expect the attorney to continue working. However, transitioning in-house is challenging. People often overlook the risk, as companies go out of business daily. CEOs and general counsels frequently overhaul legal teams. Security in an in-house position is scarce. Obtaining such a job from a large law firm is tough, let alone after losing one.

Losing an in-house job is common, leading to months or even years of unemployment. Law firms rarely hire former in-house lawyers. Even if hired, one likely becomes a salaried non-equity partner, susceptible to dismissal for lack of business generation.

It's tough to attain the highest levels in any field, including law. Most individuals are average, and that's acceptable. Purpose and client service matter more than being in the top percentile.

Comparing oneself to exceptionally successful peers leads to dissatisfaction. An example from Harvard illustrates this. Constantly worrying about others' achievements is detrimental.

In legal battles, size doesn't guarantee success. Overestimating opponents leads to defeat. Stress and instability often accompany high achievements, and longevity isn't assured.

Many foreign attorneys pursue big law firms after LLM programs, despite better prospects in smaller firms. Thousands overlook this obvious choice, leading to disappointment and wasted money.

Unsuccessful attempts to join prestigious firms shouldn't deter aspiring attorneys. Satisfaction comes from doing well in one's chosen setting. It's crucial to manage self-talk and expectations for a fulfilling career.

Maximizing Legal Career Happiness: A Practical Approach. Achieving long-term success as an attorney doesn't always mean striving for the top-tier firms. While pursuing excellence is admirable, it's essential to recognize individual strengths and inclinations.

Consider the LSAT as an example. A high score showcases problem-solving abilities, but it doesn't define your potential entirely. I once hired a prodigy with a perfect LSAT score, demonstrating exceptional talent at a young age. However, competing against such intellects can be daunting.

Similarly, not excelling in every field is okay. Just as not everyone plays for professional basketball teams, not everyone needs to join elite law firms. Success should be measured by personal fulfillment, not external standards.

I recall a personal injury attorney who attended a lower-ranked law school but thrived in his practice, eventually owning two planes. It's about finding what works for you, irrespective of conventional benchmarks.

Purpose and happiness should drive your career choices. If you dread work daily, reevaluation is necessary. Your role's prestige matters less than your satisfaction.

Contrary to popular belief, success isn't solely tied to prestigious positions or big cities. Many attorneys find contentment in smaller markets, enjoying stable careers without the stress of metropolitan life.

Ultimately, prioritize happiness over societal expectations. Whether you excel in family law or personal injury cases, fulfillment matters most. A fulfilling career yields greater rewards than mere financial gains.

In conclusion, don't be fixated on external measures of success. Embrace what brings you joy and purpose in your legal practice. Your happiness and satisfaction are the true markers of success.

QUESTIONS

So, we're going to get to questions in just a second. Let's skip to questions. You can ask any question you want. These are some good questions. If you have a question about your career, I'm happy to answer it. It doesn't have to be about this. I'd love to discuss questions out loud. The legal profession is weird. People are self-conscious about showing weakness. It's embedded in the legal profession.

This is the first question. I never realized striving for exceptionalism could affect my happiness until this webinar. I've been feeling dissatisfied despite achieving professional milestones. Is there a way to prioritize my well-being?

If you're always going to be second-rate in a law firm and you don't see that changing, why stay there? In large law firms, there were always nervous guys working for partners, never feeling powerful. They'd be happier in a different environment. If you won't feel successful, why stay?

For firms in Akron Cleveland area in labor and employment or health care, it's simple. Search Google. Most firms don't take unsolicited applications. Find firms and apply directly. Look at smaller firms like Holland Myers. They might need help. Larger firms like Boris Sater are good too. Check their teams.

When considering employment opportunities in labor and employment law, it's essential to target the right individuals. For instance, reaching out to managing shareholders like John McKenzie via email or letter could be a strategic move. Expressing genuine interest in working in Akron and emphasizing your potential fit for the role can significantly enhance your chances.

Small firms often offer a more fulfilling work environment, evident in the satisfaction of their employees, even commemorating retirees with respect. This indicates a positive workplace culture, unlike larger firms where employees may appear less content.

To find suitable job opportunities, focus on firms that foster happiness and satisfaction among their staff. Creating a spreadsheet of prospective firms, including contact details and reasons for interest, simplifies the application process. Utilizing Google and other online resources can also aid in identifying potential employers.

Regarding remote job opportunities, many firms and in-house positions are now advertised as remote-friendly. This opens up possibilities for lawyers in smaller to mid-sized cities to secure positions with firms in larger markets. Bar reciprocity and waivers facilitate admission to multiple states, making remote employment more accessible.

For those considering in-house roles in challenging markets like California, special exceptions exist, easing the process of bar admission. Additionally, stay updated on upcoming webinars and resume review sessions for valuable career insights and guidance.

Thank you for joining this webinar. I trust it has provided valuable insights into navigating the legal job market. Stay tuned for future sessions and opportunities for career advancement. Goodbye for now!