What Invaluable Advice Have You Received From a Mentor?

What Invaluable Advice Have You Received From a Mentor?

We asked eight attorneys to share the most invaluable advice they've received from mentors, ranging from the big picture of understanding client needs to the simplicity of picking up the phone. Here are their insights.

• Understand Client Needs
• Listen Closely to Clients
• Never Compromise Ethical Standards
• Approach Cases With Empathy
• Prepare Every Case for Trial
• Confidently Make Decisions
• Explain Things Clearly
• Pick Up the Phone

Understand Client Needs

One invaluable piece of advice from a mentor who guided me through the transition from litigator to mediator has greatly impacted my legal career. Understanding the client's needs beyond the legal issue is key. It's about looking at the bigger picture for a divorcing couple—considering their overall goals, objectives, and family circumstances, not just the legal problem at hand. This approach leads to better legal outcomes and fosters stronger, more trusting client relationships.

Listen Closely to Clients

As a new lawyer, a mentor taught me that mastering the technical aspects of law was table stakes—to truly serve clients, I needed to understand their deeper motivations and priorities. I learned to ask probing questions, listen for what wasn't said, and gain insight into my clients' values and objectives.

Early in my career, I worked with a tech startup negotiating a strategic partnership. By listening closely in our initial meetings, I recognized their key goal was building a long-term, trusted relationship, not maximizing short-term gains. Based on this insight, I suggested good-faith concessions that sealed the deal. The partnership proved transformative for the client's business.

In my practice today, I start each new engagement with in-depth discussions to understand what really matters to the client. I provide legal advice custom to their unique needs and values. Mastery of law is essential, but wisdom is knowing how and when to apply it. My mentor taught me the difference.

Never Compromise Ethical Standards

One piece of advice that has been invaluable in my legal career came from a mentor early on: "Always prioritize your client's well-being, but never compromise your ethical standards." This has shaped my practice at Melmed Law Group. I believe that while we are fierce advocates for our clients, it's critical to maintain integrity and professionalism in every case, as it builds long-term trust and respect in the legal community.

Approach Cases With Empathy

One invaluable piece of advice I received from a mentor early in my legal career was to always approach cases with empathy—not just expertise. My mentor emphasized that while legal knowledge is critical, truly understanding a client's emotional and personal situation can make all the difference in how you approach their case and represent them. This advice has shaped the way I connect with clients, particularly in emotionally-charged areas like divorce and child custody.

By listening carefully and acknowledging the human aspect of each case, I’ve been able to build stronger relationships with clients, earning their trust and helping them feel supported during challenging times. This empathetic approach doesn’t just help in client interactions—it also informs my legal strategy. Understanding what matters most to the client allows me to tailor my approach in a way that aligns with their personal goals, ensuring both a strong legal argument and a more satisfying outcome for the client.

This advice has been a cornerstone in my practice, reminding me that law is as much about people as it is about rules and procedures.

Prepare Every Case for Trial

One of the best pieces of advice I received early in my legal career was from a senior attorney who told me, "Always prepare your case as if it's going to trial." At first, I didn't fully understand the weight of that advice, but it's become invaluable over time. Whether negotiating a settlement or heading into the courtroom, I've learned that meticulous preparation is key.

In one case, an insurance company refused to offer fair compensation, believing we'd settle before trial. But because I had prepared every detail as if I was stepping into court, we ended up securing a multi-million-dollar verdict. That mindset—being ready for anything—has not only helped me win cases but also earned the trust of my clients, who know I'll fight relentlessly for their justice.

Confidently Make Decisions

Oftentimes, there is more than one right way to do something. Although you must know the black-letter law as it applies to any legal issue, when strategizing about trial or negotiations, multiple courses of action can emerge. The various choices can be paralyzing. Seasoned lawyers understand that you must consider all the relevant factors and then confidently move forward with your decision. This advice has helped me reduce anxiety about my decisions—so long as I consider all the competing factors when determining a course of action, I know that I have made a reasonable decision and can move on to the next task.

Explain Things Clearly

A mentor once told me, "Never assume your clients know what's going on, no matter how straightforward it may seem to you." That advice has been invaluable in my career. It reminded me that as lawyers, we live and breathe legal processes, but for clients, this might be their first or only time navigating something so complex. Taking the time to explain things in clear, everyday language and ensuring clients feel supported and understood is key. It’s about making sure they never feel in the dark and always know they have someone advocating for them every step of the way. That’s how trust is built, and that trust is everything.

Pick Up the Phone

Someone once told me something very simple, but it has been the one piece of advice I always think about: Pick up the phone. Speaking directly with a person, as opposed to email communication, can save you from a lot of misunderstandings.