Monday Mentors with Austin Construction Lawyer Jeff Chapman
Jeff Chapman is a construction law expert who leads his own firm, The Chapman Firm, in Austin.
Jeff shared a number of great insights for young lawyers:
- have confidence to take opportunities that are presented to you
- always make sure your work is of the highest quality
- ask for, and be willing to accept and (most importantly) implement, feedback
- continue to stay in touch with your law school classmates; they are your future referral sources
- Look for opportunities to write/publish/speak to get your name out there
- Business development is a long game; don't expect to get a client in the short-term
- Work-life balance is very difficult when you're at a firm requiring 2000+ billable hours per year; but many smaller firms don't require that and are better able to provide that balance
- Strong academic credentials are important when hiring because they show the person has a big brain and drive
- Typos/grammar issues in resumes are fatal - the candidate won't get an interview
- Confidence and interpersonal skills important as well so you can grow organically and engage with clients
- Look interviewer in the eye
- Able to carry on a conversation
- Have intelligent questions to ask during the interview
- Take advantage of new technologies to become the most efficient lawyer you can be
- Trait you most want to see in an associate: Confidence
- Habit that is key to his success: Attention to detail
- Best app/productivity tool: Notability (for iPad)
- The Paper Chase