Own The Case from Day One

And why what you have to offer matters even as a summer

Earlier this summer I wrote about the feeling of being underutilized (see “You Have to Start Somewhere”). But an equally big challenge for many summer associates and summer interns is not stepping up and contributing when they actually do have something to add.

The reality is that even as a summer associate you are doing work that matters. And even if you are assigned a specific project with a specific objective, you often become such an expert on that narrow topic (see “Become an Expert on a Tiny Topic”) that you are in a unique position to offer insights beyond what you were originally asked to do. When that happens, speak up. Share your idea. Be willing to suggest a new direction or offer a strategic suggestion.

That is what most lawyers mean when they say it is important to “own the case.” Don’t see yourself as a machine that is asked to complete tasks with blinders on. Instead see yourself as a part of the team that is only successful when it is more than the sum of its parts.

This mindset can and should start day one. So don’t be afraid to speak up, make a suggestion, or propose an alternative approach. Be humble about it. Don’t be disappointed if your suggestion is not followed. Make sure to listen as much as talk. But also don’t sit back and keep your head down. When you have something to add, add it.

Keep standing out,
Jonah