Your Success As An Attorney Does Not Depend On An Exam Grade.

In law school students incessantly worry over grades because the traditional law school mantra is: graduate with top grades and you will be a successful attorney. This requires acing law school exams. Then students enter the “real world,” which could care less about exam grades.

Mike Maslanka, managing partner of Ford & Harrison in Dallas, wrote in his Work Matters blog that law school exams fail to measure the skills necessary for law practice. He says “The lawyers I want working with me are those who have my back like I have theirs; who possess the character to speak up when they think I am wrong or am missing something; and who understand that being quiet and saying nothing is not the safe choice. Perhaps law schools were never meant to teach these qualities, but wouldn't it be nice if they tried?”

How do you develop those qualities? Here are my suggestions:

1. Get a mentor. Find an attorney whose character and attitude you admire.
2. Step outside of your box. If you are fearful of public speaking, try out for Mock Trial or Moot Court, or join a Toast Masters. If you shy from leadership positions, take on a leadership role or apply for a leadership class. Whatever you do, do what makes you uncomfortable – it will help you grow.
3. Consistently volunteer for a non-profit organization. Being able to help those less fortunate has a humbling effect and builds integrity. I have volunteered for Legal Aid of Northwest Texas since February 2006. Every time I volunteer I have the same feelings of “I am blessed,” and “I have a responsibility to help others.”
4. Put yourself out there. Take a strategic risk in law school or your career that could end up in rejection or possibly, failure. That risk could also lead to success. Either way, take a risk despite your fear.

Law school grades may get you an interview or an initial job, but they will not help you succeed in practice. As my mentor, Cordell Parvin, frequently says, “knowing the law is the price you pay to play in the game.” The other qualities are what will determine your success as an attorney.