'And Bad Mistakes? I've Made a Few': Sharing Mistakes to Mentor New Lawyers

Abstract

A new lawyer’s long-term success can be determined by the lawyer’s ability to acknowledge, accept, and learn from mistakes and disappointments. This article helps new lawyers understand that mistakes can be career-boosters, not career-killers. The authors note that mistakes are an inevitable part of any human endeavor, particularly one as complicated, and therefore as thrilling, as the practice of law. New lawyers are often resistant to talking about or recognizing mistakes. The authors urge new lawyers not to be afraid of making mistakes, but to instead embrace mistakes as one part of the journey to becoming a professional. The second section of the article includes examples of the authors’ own mistakes. Hearing about mistakes helps new lawyers learn both the technical knowledge and the ethical conduct required to be a successful lawyer. Sharing these stories of mistakes is a crucial way to help mentor the next generation of lawyers.

Keywords: legal profession, professionalism, mentoring, professional responsibility, legal education