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My First Month in a Law Firm

From being a student to being a Legal Assistant in a law firm

By R. E. DelacroixPublished 5 years ago 6 min read
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To be honest, law can be intimidating to the core. After two years of studying, finally, I am about to get to have a taste of what it is like to work in the legal field. I will be able to see the good, the bad, and the ugly life of a legal professional. I may have a little bit of qualms whether or not I will enjoy the job, but the fact that I get to advance my career is worth every effort I gave into this venture.

Two years ago, I sent my application for my legal assistant training. I pondered, “Why do I even want to take this program anyway?” I couldn’t think of any reason as to why I decided to take it. All I know was that there might be something that’s in store for me once I decided to take this program. My friend who was taking law overseas fueled my curiosity as I embark on the journey.

Along the way, I learned a lot about the law, its scope, and its procedures. But as I go along this journey, I met some of the most incredible people in my life who are now my friends. However, there’s a caveat—I lost a few of them. This loss had prepared me for who I must become, and in return, regained the senses that I once suspended.

After finishing all the semesters, I took my practicum to put all the things I’ve studied to the test. The six-week practicum was worth it because I get to apply everything I have learned. As I finish my practicum, I wondered, “What now? What’s next for me?” Although it’s true that I will submit my resume to other firms (hoping to get a job offer afterwards), I was caught in the middle. This middle is called waiting. Again.

One day, I reflected on what’s going to happen to me. Have I decided to pursue the profession of being a lawyer after this? Of course, I did. But I needed a bigger push, one that would tell me that ‘all these opportunities will open for you as you walk through the door.’ One day, I went to the court with the lawyer who was mentoring me to see a Court proceeding.

During our time there, she told me herself, “From the first two minutes I saw you, I can see that you have what it takes to become a lawyer.” That statement fired me up, unlocking the determination I never thought I never had.

When I finished my practicum, I waited for two months. During that time, I submitted my resume to numerous law firms and dealt with rejections. The competition was tough because the law firms around the city needed someone with more experience. I was discouraged.

Two months have passed, and I got an email from one of the law firms, asking me if I’m still interested for an interview. And to my surprise, the available time was the next day (talking about time pressure). But without any hesitation, I said yes because I might lose the opportunity. The day of my interview has finally arrived, and I was on the edge of my seat. But knowing how I have always believed in grace under pressure (all thanks to my food service job), I calmed myself down by reading a book. When the receptionist ushered me on one of the conference rooms, I could hear my heart throbbing tremendously. A few minutes later, the interviewers came into the room: a legal assistant, a managing partner, and a senior partner. Overall, the interview lasted for 45 minutes. Out of all the interviews I’ve had in my entire life, that interview was the longest of them all. They were serious with getting to know me entirely. But I felt it was necessary for them and for me to know where we all stand in this encounter. When I left the firm, I decided that my life would still go on with or without this interview because I was not rushing to get into the industry (a part of me, however, was rushing me to get into the field for reasons I don’t even know). Fifteen minutes later, I got the offer and took it wholeheartedly.

I started my job after the week of that interview. I was nervous to the core because the senior partner who interviewed me happened to be my boss. I was nervous and overwhelmed. The fact that I will be working side by side with the man who has been in the industry for three decades was an added pressure on my part. Therefore, for a first day, all expectations were up. And there I was, failing in so many ways. Thank God for my boss to have an immense patience for an amateur like me. Some lawyers tend to be impatient to the new assistants they hire. But this lawyer was different; probably, because he had seen them all and I am about to see everything.

The first week was daunting because it was one of his busiest weeks. Where was the training in all of these nerve-wrecking instances? There was training for sure—an On-the-Job Training. People would show me things and they expected that I would get it on the first try. I have always been a fast learner, but because I didn’t have the confidence to carry these tasks, it felt as though I was not learning fast enough. I was distraught on myself. But I had to give a positive light into this. I’m still learning and there would be more things for me to learn.

The second week was the same as the first week, with even more craziness in between. Each day was busy with so little time to unwind. Friday came and I was at my wits end. I was so ready to throw the towel and head back to where I was. I phoned my friend and she told me to take it easy. I was in a totally new environment and the adjustment period could take me a while. But there was one thing that I discovered: I was afraid of meeting this new version of me. This new version of me could only be unleased when I become more straightforward and assertive without being aggressive. Who could this new version of me be, you may ask? Honestly, I’ll never know until that time comes.

The third week was the complete opposite. Each day got a little blasé from all the busyness from two weeks. The first couple of days got busy. Then, from Wednesday 'til Friday, everything was mundane. It got me to a point of wanting to reorganize everything just to keep me productive. Every month, the firm set aside a time for everyone to hang out around the office for drinks. What a way to end a week, right?

The fourth week became a climactic week for me. There was an ample amount of productivity and relaxation. The best part of this week was how I could keep myself calm and collected. However, the days became more challenging. Despite these challenges, I still held my positivity because I know that I will become stronger in the future. I have to accept constructive criticisms in order for me to grow.

In the end of the day, it was a must for me to accept that my career now has gradually changed the trajectory of my life. I was hoping that I would be able to last at least a year in the firm I’m working now. If I were meant to be planted in the field of law, then so be it. What matters to me was that I am building my experience in this field and I get to learn something new each day.

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About the Creator

R. E. Delacroix

Disclaimer: Red is not my favourite colour.

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