The Importance of Having an Innovative Mindset as a Lawyer
Just like any career today, the law profession must adapt to an ever-changing world. Because of this, experienced lawyers as well as those just completing law school are finding it’s best to be open to new ways of thinking and learning new skills. This is especially important in terms of creative thinking, which many in the legal profession have hesitated on through the years. However, whether used in the courtroom or the office, today’s attorneys are realizing the importance of having an innovative mindset. By combining consistency and goal-orientation with creativity and an occasional dose of risk-taking, lawyers can be regarded as some of today’s most innovative and progressive thinkers. To learn how to become a lawyer who has an innovative mindset, here are several ways to change your thinking. Never Accept the Status Quo: While in many situations it may be easier to simply sit back and accept things as they are, lawyers who develop innovative mindsets do just the opposite. By questioning not only how things are done, but also how others conduct themselves as well, positive change can often occur. For example, after examining other law firms, you may find it’s more beneficial and efficient for your firm to forgo face-to-face meetings, and instead use a chatroom or Skype. Not only will this likely reduce the time of meetings, but also combine the best of technology and real-world applications.
Analyze Data: To get the best possible results, it’s always crucial to take a long, objective look at your firm’s data. Whether this involves looking at your firm’s expenses, the number of cases won and lost, or the efficiency of putting topics discussed in staff meetings into practice, data analysis will serve two main purposes. First, it will let you spot both current and future trends, which can open up new and exciting opportunities for your firm. And second, it will allow for an in-depth analysis and discussion of pertinent topics as spending, which when carefully analyzed may ultimately let you gain an advantage over your competitors. Leave Your Comfort Zone: Easy to say but hard to do sometimes, leaving your comfort zone can often be the best thing you can do for your firm and your career. For example, by choosing to attend various types of events, read trade magazines from many different industries, or even start a new hobby, creativity and inspiration often come your way. And when they do, your innovative mindset will then enable you to combine the logic and discipline learned in law school with the variety of new and innovative ideas you now possess. As a result, you can then turn these ideas into reality, creating a much stronger law firm along the way. By becoming a person who is never afraid of a new challenge, your personal and professional lives will flourish. As a person who now possesses an innovative mindset, you will pull far, far ahead of your competitors, rather than be left behind to wonder what might have been.
Jay Sekulow is an American attorney for the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ).