This time of year has suddenly become very busy for us and we have heard from many of you that the same is true. That got us thinking about decision making, specifically big decisions. Not every day is the same when decision making is concerned. Here is a framework to help you decide whether today is a good day or a bad day to make a big decision.

Putting a pause on networking may seem counterproductive, but it is in fact the opposite. We all have different seasons in our lives. The timing, length, and reason for the season may all vary. But sometimes you just do not have the time and energy to execute your networking plan.

This fall Haley has spent time within her firm looking for summer associates. Now that the interviews are done, she is sharing three lessons learned from her perspective as an interviewer.

As an attorney, many people will come to you with what they think is a crisis. Being able to make that independent assessment when you are presented with a situation helps set the tone for the way it is handled moving forward. Discerning a crisis is important because everything that happens cannot possibly be a crisis. The panic of thinking everything is a crisis keeps you constantly on high alert and can be exhausting and inefficient.

This week we are sharing four fall networking tips to help you kick off the year and set yourself up for success.

Today we are focusing a bit more on that “mutually beneficial” part and discussing why and how you can expand your networking for the benefit of others. This expansion is critical for the success of younger attorneys as they are looking to grow and expand their networks. An attorney fresh out of law school will have a less expansive and responsive professional network than someone that has been in practice for 10 years.

Law school was hard and scary and intimidating for us and it still is for most of you. From day one (and what felt like every day afterward) we both questioned whether we should be there and whether we would make it through. Now that we are on the other side of it we can see that it was our nerves telling us that this would be a big challenge. This is important. This is a priority. And now we know that it was worth it. But we see and hear so many of you now thinking those same things we thought.

Even though we may not be students anymore, the transition from summer to fall still feels like the beginning of a new chapter to us. We think this is the perfect opportunity for some networking reflection.

To do this, we have a simple four question model that will guide us through the reflection into a plan for the rest of the calendar year.

In honor of all of the bar exam takers last week, we are celebrating! The bar exam is a notorious milestone, for good reason. If you have ever taken the bar exam you understand why it has this reputation. No matter the results, just making in to the point of completing the examination is an accomplishment that cannot be overlooked. Take this as a sign that you should be celebrating this major achievement. Bar exam eligibility is such a challenge that should not be underestimated.

We sat down with Ashley and discussed her journey to law school, her life as a family law attorney, writing her first book, and, of course, how networking has helped her navigate it all. Ashley shared some of her law school experiences, not measured by a transcript, that helped propel her on her path to eventual partnership.

Taking final exams and waiting for your final grades can be excruciating. If you are disappointed in a grade that you received, take a deep breath. We are here for you. While we are not saying that grades are not important, your grades do not define you. Your transcript does not measure your ability to learn practical skills, real legal skills, or networking. There are three things that you can do this summer that can have more impact that your transcript.

We have long advocated for mission statements, both professional and personal. This week we are taking it a step further and talking about why law firm mission statements are beneficial and how to get started. A mission statement is a summation of your goals and values. It answers why you do the work you do the way that you do it. As an attorney, having a mission statement can give you a clearer lens to look at the work that you do each day. As a law firm, a mission statement can help guide you as you make decisions that impact the firm from the practice areas you specialize in, attorneys and staff that you hire, firm expectations, and so much more.

We are now officially in summer mode. While that means the days are longer and the weather is warm, our calendars and to do lists are busting with new projects and obligations. This week we are sharing five wellness tips to help you avoid burnout and enjoy all of the fun that this time of year has to offer.

It is so easy to slip into a have to mentality when we are thinking about our ever growing to do lists. So that is why this week we are going to talk about a mindset shift and going from a have to mentality to a get to mentality.

As the summer approaches and we are recharged and refreshed by warmer days, we want to encourage you to think about refreshing your networking plan and inspire you to put it into action. Whether you have a plan that just needs a bit of a recharge or you have no plan at all - this refresh is for you.

This week we are sharing more effective networking planning. Speaking engagements are an efficient way to network. We share our thoughts on why, as well as practical tips for booking your next speaking engagement.

What we wish we knew on law school graduation day.