Fort Lauderdale First-Time Lawyers: A Guide for New Attorneys
Starting a legal career in Fort Lauderdale can be an exciting yet daunting experience. As a first-time lawyer in the area, you’ll need to navigate the local legal community, understand the court system, build your reputation and find mentors. This article provides an overview of what new attorneys in Fort Lauderdale can expect as they launch their careers.
Getting Acquainted with the Fort Lauderdale Legal Community
Fort Lauderdale has a thriving legal community, with over 5,000 attorneys in private practice across Broward County[1]. The Broward County Bar Association (BCBA) is the main professional organization for lawyers in the area. Joining the BCBA as a new attorney is a great way to network, attend educational events, and get involved with pro bono initiatives[2]. The BCBA has sections for different practice areas like criminal law, family law, real estate, etc. so you can connect with attorneys in your specific field.
There are also specialty bar associations like the T.J. Reddick Bar Association, Goizueta Lawyers Association and Caribbean Bar Association that cater to diverse attorneys in Broward. Outside of bar groups, look for networking events hosted by local law schools like Nova Southeastern to meet other new lawyers.
Understanding the Court System
As a new lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, having a solid grasp of the court system is essential. The main state trial court is the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which covers Broward County. There are four courthouse locations – the main courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale plus branches in Hollywood, Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach. The 17th Circuit has six divisions: civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile and traffic[3].
For federal cases, the Southern District of Florida encompasses Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Highlands, Saint Lucie, Martin, Indian River and Okeechobee counties. There are federal courthouses in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Key West. Understanding the jurisdiction and procedures of the different courts will help new attorneys effectively represent clients.
Building Your Reputation as a First-Time Lawyer
As a new attorney in Fort Lauderdale, your professional reputation is everything. Here are some tips for establishing yourself:
- Do excellent legal work. There’s no substitute for providing top-notch service to clients. Produce high-quality filings, be prepared for court, meet deadlines, and communicate regularly.
- Be ethical. Follow the rules of professional conduct to the letter. Be honest, transparent about fees and don’t make promises you can’t keep.
- Get involved with the BCBA. Join sections and committees, write for The Broward Barrister publication, volunteer for the Ask-a-Lawyer program. Giving back builds goodwill.
- Network intentionally. Attend bar events, seminars, happy hours and conferences to connect with attorneys. Collect business cards and follow up.
- Be referable. Provide clients, colleagues and even opposing counsel with such great service that they’re eager to refer new business.
- Consider pro bono work. Taking on some unpaid public service cases can be rewarding and help boost your visibility.
- Manage your online presence. Claim profiles on Avvo and other attorney directories. Keep your law firm website updated. Be thoughtful on social media.
Finding Mentors as a New Lawyer
One of the most valuable things new attorneys in Fort Lauderdale can do is find one or more lawyer mentors. Seasoned attorneys can provide guidance on building a practice, managing clients, appearing in court, work-life balance and more. Good mentors will take an interest in your career and share practical advice.
Look for potential mentors among lawyers you already know and respect. Fellow alumni from your law school are ideal since you already have a connection. You can also seek out mentors through the BCBA and specialty bar associations. Experienced attorneys are often happy to pay it forward and mentor newcomers to the field. Don’t be shy about asking well-established lawyers to coffee or lunch to get their insights. Having an experienced attorney in your corner can help smooth the transition into practice.
Opportunities for First-Time Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale
Starting out as an attorney in Fort Lauderdale, you have options when it comes to building your career:
- Law firms. Large and mid-size firms frequently hire new lawyers. You’ll get experience in a variety of practice areas and the resources of an established firm to draw on. Partnership tracks are competitive.
- Solo practice. Going solo is risky but gives maximum independence. Have some experience under your belt first and get business mentoring.
- Public sector. The State Attorney and Public Defender offices hire new lawyers. Excellent trial experience and reasonable hours.
- In-house counsel. Many companies hire attorneys for their legal departments. Gain specialized expertise and a 9-5 schedule.
- Non-profits. Legal aid organizations provide opportunities to do good and gain broad experience.
Talk to other attorneys about the pros and cons of different practice settings as you map your career path. Fort Lauderdale offers diverse options for first-time lawyers.
Conclusion: Embrace the Adventure
Launching a legal career in Fort Lauderdale can be an amazing adventure. Immerse yourself in the local attorney networks, learn the courts, focus on building a sterling reputation one client at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask questions of experienced lawyers. Although the first few years are challenging, the rewards of helping shape people’s lives through the law makes it all worthwhile. Work hard, be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey. Your future as a Fort Lauderdale attorney is bright!