Any tips for managing/delegating to first years? I’m a second year and will soon be overseeing other associates for the first time. Any pointers appreciated.

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Try to take time on the front end to give as much detailed information as you can about what to do and when it needs to be completed. Try to have patience when they don’t do everything correctly and take time on the back end to explain changes. Keep an open door so they can ask questions if needed. All of this is a lot of work for you, maybe more than it would take to just do it yourself initially. But, it will teach them and set them up for success so that you know you can trust their abilities moving forward.

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Don’t over delegate or be patronising is always good to remember, when you are so close in level you have to be extra careful of that!

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I'm also a second year, but some things I've found useful are:

Providing good examples.

Including with my instructions some common traps / mistakes. Also telling them to reach out with any questions.

If a batch job, asking them to send me their first one to review and/or doing the first one myself and sending to them as an example.

Giving them lots of time and telling them to prioritize quality over speed.

Working with the most reliable people.

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The above are all great recommendations. One addition: provide as much context as you can for what’s going on in the matter, why a particular assignment or project is necessary, and what the goals of the assignment are. This not only helps the juniors feel included and valued, but also sets them up to make their own contributions. It’s much easier to think flexibly and creatively when you understand the aims of the thing you’re working in.

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In addition to everything already said, one thing I’ve found useful is to share an example of any mistakes you made on similar assignments, and why it was a mistake, and how you fixed or avoid the mistake. We were all first years who went off down the wrong path on an assignment, so giving an example of common mistakes or issues can help younger attorneys determine the true parameters of their assignment and avoid common pitfalls.

If there’s any foundational case law that would make understanding the “world” of the assignment (the stature, the type of motion, etc.) make more sense, provide it as guidance.

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As a first year, all of the above would make a world of difference to me when receiving a new assignment from anyone at my firm. Often times, I’m left spinning my wheels to figure out the where, why, who, what, when before I can even begin to try my hand at the actual deliverable. It makes things very stressful and always makes me feel like I’m in the wrong for not readily knowing or understanding the things I’m confused about. Being a member of this bowl, and a few others, helped me realize the questions I have are valid and I am eternally grateful for that lol.

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Be realistic about your expectations. There would be no role for more senior attorneys if junior lawyers did everything perfectly on the first try.

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Leave nothing to chance. Provide structure and guidance. Clearly identify the assignment, due date, call out anything you need, build in time for your own review and coaching sessions. Billable hours talks. Check in but not micromanage or do drive by status; annoying AF and stressful. Schedule one on one sessions. Congratulations on getting here. Good luck 🥃

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