NEW FEATURE! LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CLASS

From the Membership Advice to New Attorneys Amidst the Global Pandemic

By Masallay N. Komrabai-Kanu Esq. 2020-2021 DBA Leadership Development Class Sebaly Shillito + Dyer masallaykanu92@gmail.com | 937.226.5613

Covid-19 has affected all of us in different and long-last ways – a statement which surely has become mundane at this point. It probably feels like this is the only topic we will discuss forever since it seems like everyone is still trying to find a sense of normalcy during this looming, and very serious, pandemic that began almost one year ago. As we have seen on the daily news cycles, there is no telling when this will end or what life will look like if it ever does. Put simply, we are all trying to make do while still not being sure about what is next.

What is painfully clear, as we can all probably agree, is that there is no going back to “normal”. And despite our best efforts, the “new normal” (another clichéd statement) may never be definitively defined in a way we are used to. For many of us, the goal for 2020 was to simply survive – emotionally, financially, and literally. With the end of what was undoubtedly an unforgettable year, we must ask ourselves if simply surviving this new year is enough.

This article is dedicated specifically to those attorneys who never had a chance to truly embark in the new, and scary, career that is the legal profession before Covid-19 forced all of us into a newer and even more uncomfortable environment. Those newly admitted attorneys who never had a chance to develop a strong professional network or formulate a name for themselves within their business organization before everything came crashing down. Many that fall into this category were (and still are) just beginning to navigate through their interests and passions while internally defining their professional goals when Covid hit. Some may still feel uneasy about the status of their professional, and once easily attainable, goals that may have taken a back burner in 2020.

The objective of this article is not to diminish the very real challenges individuals are facing as a direct result of Covid. The impact of this past-year has completely reshaped our understanding, personally and professionally. While we are all in the middle of this thing, attorneys who began their practice shortly before the pandemic began are in unique position over those attorneys who have multiple years of experience and a certain professional stature already established. Even the attorneys just admitted into the practice in the last few months have a certain advantage given that their career began during the pandemic when every aspect of their newfound livelihood is fresh and different. Those that fall somewhere in the awkward middle are left not knowing what their next career steps should be or where to put the most focus in such a dynamic environment.

For those that resonate with this feeling – you are seen and your concerns are valid. It can be hard to juggle the stress of the pandemic and daily demands, while still attempting to have a positive outlook on what our career could be and the steps to obtain it. But life goes on, and with it comes a responsibility to continuing learning and adapting. Below are a few goals to keep in mind as you continue to steer your successful and noteworthy career despite the uncertainties to come.

Keep your professional goals in the forefront: If you do not take anything else from this article, remember one thing – keep your eyes on the prize! You are not alone. There is an entire community through the DBA that is ready and willing to assist you in any way possible. You are the future of the legal profession and nothing (not even a global pandemic) will stop all the good that can be accomplished through your dedication and hard work. - Continue finding new hobbies:

For many new attorneys, this is either your first career choice or is a career completely unlike anything you have done before. Continue (or begin for the first time) taking advantage of this uncomfortableness – reinvent yourself, try new things, and see where your passions align along the way.

- Be honest with your employer about your needs:

Many new attorneys may be the newest employees in their organization and may not feel comfortable making professional demands just yet. But if you don’t stand up for yourself, who will? This is something to think about as more employers are preparing to head back into the office in the next few months. Perhaps you are someone who cannot wait to be back in your dedicated office space, or maybe you have found that working from home, even on a part-time basis, is more ideal. Whatever the case is – be honest. Together, you and your employer should be able to recognize your concerns and reach an amicable resolution that works for all parties.

- Stay connected:

Whether you are still zooming from home, or only making 6-feet *masks on* contact with others – do not forget to stay connected. Not only with your loved ones but with co-workers and colleagues as well. Join virtual happy hours or take advantage of the first or last 5 minutes of your next team meeting to chat about anything except work. Also, don’t forget to stay connected with the devoted and supportive - organization that is the DBA, which continues to offer virtual programs and meetings. 937.222.7902