Day in the Life of an Associate Attorney: Chattanooga, TN
Day in the Life of a New Associate
By Laura Ketcham
Associate Attorney:
2005-present
Every day at Husch Blackwell Sanders is a new and exciting challenge and learning experience. You truly are given real work, real responsibility, and real client contact from day one.
On a typical day, I arrive at the office and begin by checking my calendar to see what lies ahead for the day. I then respond to any outstanding e-mails or voicemails and come up with a to-do list based upon upcoming deadlines. Most days I spend at least a couple hours on the telephone with clients and local counsel discussing the current status of files and strategizing regarding our next steps. I also draft numerous pleadings, letters, and memoranda.
In my first year, I covered countless hearings and handled numerous files on my own. Although this might seem overwhelming, the office is filled with attorneys who are more than happy to listen to questions and assist you with matters, so it is easy to quickly learn by doing. Also, because the firm is very integrated, I have had the opportunity to work on complex and interesting matters with attorneys in the other offices and learn from them as well.
At the end of the day, I leave the office feeling like I have in fact made a contribution. My life is not totally consumed by work, and yes, even as a new associate, I am able to leave at a reasonable hour. Although I recognize that I still have lots to learn, as many attorneys have gone out of their way to mentor me and help shape my career thus far, I am confident that Husch Blackwell Sanders will be a great place for me to continue to grow as an attorney.