What Separates Lawyers Who Are Stars from Lawyers Who Are Superstars

In early September I spoke to first year lawyers going through orientation at their firm. Right before the conclusion of my presentation, I asked for questions. A very astute first year lawyer who had listened intently asked: “What is the difference between lawyers who are stars and lawyers who are superstars?”

Later in September I posted a blog on how the best lawyers keep getting better.

The young lawyer’s question caused me to remember that David Maister wrote a chapter about dynamos, cruisers and losers in his book True Professionalism. After I collected my ideas and wrote this post, I went back to the chapter and read what he said about cruisers. First he indicated that we all cruise at sometime in our career. Then, he said: “Cruising means working at what you are already good at, and in consequence usually means a low-stress comfortable work live.” Finally he wrote: “The difference between Dynamos and Cruisers is rarely one of ability. Rather, it is one of attitude.” If you have a copy of the book or can get a copy of the book, I urge you to read this chapter.

Here is what I have seen when successful lawyers are not getting better. They do some or all of the following:

1. Become content with their achievement
2. Focus on what they already know rather than what they don’t know
3. Quit doing the things that got them to $1 Million
4. Do not pay attention to their health
5. Do not pay attention to their families
6. Take clients for granted
7. Quit trying to attract new clients
8. Become cautious, like a sports team with a lead playing not to lose
9. Refuse to share credit with their colleagues
10. Do not look for opportunities to add value for their clients with work the firm does outside their practice area.
11. Hoard associates instead of helping those associates become successful in their own right
12. Make it difficult for associates and young partners to work with them
13. Let any disappointment or setback cripple them
14. Fail to keep up with changes in the legal profession
15. Simply begin their retirement on the job

Superstar lawyers I know view a great year to be an event not an achievement. The achievement comesfrom continuing to strive to get better.

Cordell Parvin has practiced law for more than 36 years and has developed a highly successful national construction law practice. He is a rainmaker and has taught, mentored and coached young lawyers on their careers, work-life balance and rainmaking. To learn more about Cordell visit http://www.cordellparvin.com/about_cordell.html.