Staff Attorney: Your First 30/60/90 Day Plan

So, you’re a new Staff Attorney? Congratulations! The first 90 days are crucial for setting the tone and demonstrating your value. This isn’t about just showing up; it’s about making an impact. This is about building a foundation for long-term success. This isn’t a generic onboarding guide; it’s a Staff Attorney-specific roadmap.

Your 90-Day Staff Attorney Advantage: Stop Guessing, Start Delivering

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a concrete plan to hit the ground running. You’ll walk away with:

• A 30/60/90 day checklist to prioritize your initial tasks and avoid common pitfalls.
• A stakeholder mapping template to identify key players and understand their priorities.
• A communication script for introducing yourself and setting expectations with stakeholders.
• A risk assessment framework to proactively identify and mitigate potential legal issues.
• A project intake process checklist to ensure all new projects are properly vetted.
• A performance review self-assessment template to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.
• A list of key legal and business resources to quickly access relevant information and support.
• Decision rules for when to escalate issues to senior counsel or external experts.

You should expect to apply this plan within your first week, leading to a faster understanding of the organization and a more confident start. By following this plan, you can realistically expect to decrease your onboarding time by 25% and build stronger relationships with key stakeholders within the first 90 days.

What you’ll get

• 30/60/90 Day Checklist: A detailed checklist for each period, focusing on learning, relationship building, and project contribution.
• Stakeholder Map Template: Identify key stakeholders, understand their priorities, and build effective relationships.
• Communication Script: Introduce yourself to stakeholders and set clear expectations for collaboration.
• Risk Assessment Framework: Proactively identify and mitigate potential legal risks.
• Project Intake Checklist: Ensure all new projects are properly vetted and aligned with legal requirements.
• Performance Review Template: Track your progress, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate your value.
• Resource List: A curated list of legal and business resources to quickly access relevant information.
• Escalation Rules: Clear guidelines for when to escalate issues to senior counsel or external experts.

Staff Attorney: Your First 30 Days – Learning and Observation

Your primary focus in the first 30 days is to learn the landscape. Don’t jump into fixing things immediately. Observe, listen, and understand the organization’s culture, processes, and legal challenges.

1. Meet key stakeholders. Schedule introductory meetings with key internal stakeholders like the General Counsel, senior attorneys, and relevant business unit leaders. The purpose is to understand their priorities and expectations. Output: A list of key stakeholders with notes on their roles and responsibilities.
2. Review existing legal documents and policies. Familiarize yourself with the company’s key contracts, policies, and procedures. The purpose is to identify potential gaps or areas for improvement. Output: A summary of key legal documents and policies with identified areas of interest.
3. Attend relevant meetings. Observe team meetings, project meetings, and other relevant discussions. The purpose is to understand the flow of information and decision-making processes. Output: Notes from meetings with key takeaways and observations.
4. Identify key legal risks. Start identifying the most significant legal risks facing the organization. The purpose is to prioritize your efforts and focus on the areas that matter most. Output: A preliminary risk assessment with identified risks and potential mitigation strategies.

Staff Attorney: Your First 60 Days – Building Relationships and Contributing

Now it’s time to build on your initial understanding and start contributing to the team. Actively seek out opportunities to assist with ongoing projects and demonstrate your value.

1. Participate in legal reviews. Offer to assist with reviewing contracts, policies, and other legal documents. The purpose is to apply your legal skills and provide valuable feedback. Output: Reviewed legal documents with your comments and suggestions.
2. Contribute to ongoing projects. Volunteer to assist with ongoing projects or initiatives. The purpose is to demonstrate your willingness to contribute and learn from experienced colleagues. Output: Contributions to projects with measurable results.
3. Develop a stakeholder communication plan. Create a plan for communicating with key stakeholders on a regular basis. The purpose is to keep them informed of your progress and build strong relationships. Output: A stakeholder communication plan with scheduled updates and key messages.
4. Identify areas for process improvement. Identify areas where the legal department’s processes can be improved. The purpose is to increase efficiency and reduce risk. Output: A list of proposed process improvements with potential benefits.

Staff Attorney: Your First 90 Days – Taking Ownership and Driving Results

By day 90, you should be taking ownership of your responsibilities and driving results. Proactively identify opportunities to improve the legal department’s performance and contribute to the organization’s success.

1. Lead a small project. Take the lead on a small project or initiative. The purpose is to demonstrate your ability to manage projects and deliver results. Output: Successful completion of a project with measurable outcomes.
2. Implement a process improvement. Implement one of the process improvements you identified in the previous month. The purpose is to demonstrate your ability to improve efficiency and reduce risk. Output: Implemented process improvement with documented results.
3. Present your accomplishments to stakeholders. Prepare a presentation summarizing your accomplishments over the past 90 days. The purpose is to showcase your value and build support for your future initiatives. Output: A presentation summarizing your accomplishments and future plans.
4. Develop a professional development plan. Create a plan for your ongoing professional development. The purpose is to ensure you continue to grow and develop your skills as a Staff Attorney. Output: A professional development plan with specific goals and activities.

What a hiring manager scans for in 15 seconds

Hiring managers need to quickly assess your potential for success. Here’s what they look for in the first 15 seconds:

• Clear understanding of the Staff Attorney role. Do you demonstrate a grasp of the responsibilities and expectations?
• Relevant experience. Do you have experience in the areas of law that are relevant to the position?
• Strong communication skills. Can you communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing?
• Problem-solving skills. Can you identify and solve legal problems effectively?
• Ability to work independently. Can you work independently and manage your time effectively?
• Commitment to professional development. Are you committed to ongoing professional development?

The mistake that quietly kills candidates

Trying to be a “yes” person without understanding the tradeoffs. This signals a lack of independent judgment and an inability to prioritize effectively. Strong Staff Attorneys know when to push back and when to find creative solutions.

Use this when responding to an unrealistic deadline request:
Subject: Re: Urgent Contract Review
Hi [Stakeholder],
Thanks for flagging this. I see the deadline is tight. To meet it, we could [Option 1: focus on key clauses only] or [Option 2: extend the deadline by [X] days]. Option 1 carries [Risk A] and Option 2 impacts [Project Milestone]. Let me know your preference.
Best,[Your Name]

FAQ

What are the key responsibilities of a Staff Attorney?

A Staff Attorney typically provides legal advice and support to an organization on a variety of legal matters. This can include reviewing contracts, conducting legal research, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. They may also be involved in litigation or other legal proceedings. For example, a Staff Attorney at a tech company might review software licensing agreements and advise on intellectual property issues.

How can I quickly learn the company’s legal policies and procedures?

Start by reviewing the company’s employee handbook and any other relevant policy documents. Then, schedule meetings with key members of the legal team to discuss specific policies and procedures in more detail. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification on anything you don’t understand. For example, ask about the process for submitting contracts for legal review and the turnaround time you should expect.

What are some common legal risks that organizations face?

Organizations face a variety of legal risks, including contract disputes, intellectual property infringement, data privacy violations, and employment law issues. The specific risks will vary depending on the industry and the nature of the organization’s business. A Staff Attorney should be familiar with the common legal risks in their industry and be able to identify and mitigate those risks effectively. For instance, a healthcare organization faces significant risks related to patient privacy and data security.

How can I build strong relationships with key stakeholders?

Building strong relationships with key stakeholders is essential for success as a Staff Attorney. Take the time to understand their priorities and expectations, and communicate with them regularly. Be responsive to their needs and provide them with timely and accurate legal advice. Building trust and rapport will make it easier to collaborate effectively and achieve common goals. For example, proactively communicate updates on key legal matters to the CFO and other senior executives.

What are some effective strategies for managing a heavy workload?

Managing a heavy workload requires effective time management and prioritization skills. Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, and prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. Delegate tasks when appropriate, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. It’s also important to set realistic deadlines and communicate effectively with stakeholders about your workload. For example, use a project management tool to track your tasks and deadlines and ensure you’re staying on schedule.

How can I stay up-to-date on the latest legal developments?

Staying up-to-date on the latest legal developments is crucial for providing accurate and effective legal advice. Subscribe to relevant legal publications and attend continuing legal education (CLE) courses. Network with other attorneys in your field and participate in professional organizations. Staying informed about changes in the law will help you anticipate potential legal risks and advise your organization accordingly. For instance, attend webinars on new data privacy regulations to stay ahead of the curve.

What are some common ethical challenges that Staff Attorneys face?

Staff Attorneys face a variety of ethical challenges, including conflicts of interest, confidentiality concerns, and the duty of candor to the court. It’s important to be aware of these ethical challenges and to seek guidance from senior counsel or external ethics experts when needed. Adhering to ethical principles is essential for maintaining your professional reputation and protecting the interests of your client. For example, if you discover a potential conflict of interest, immediately disclose it to all parties involved and seek guidance on how to proceed.

How can I demonstrate my value to the organization?

Demonstrating your value to the organization requires tracking your accomplishments and communicating them effectively to stakeholders. Quantify your contributions whenever possible, and highlight the positive impact you’ve had on the organization’s bottom line. Showcase your ability to identify and mitigate legal risks, improve efficiency, and provide valuable legal advice. For example, track the number of contracts you’ve reviewed and the amount of money you’ve saved the organization through your legal expertise.

When should I escalate an issue to senior counsel or external experts?

You should escalate an issue to senior counsel or external experts when it’s beyond your level of expertise, when it involves significant legal risk, or when it could have a significant impact on the organization’s operations. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance when you’re unsure of how to proceed. It’s better to err on the side of caution and seek expert advice than to make a mistake that could have serious consequences. For example, escalate a complex litigation matter to senior counsel or an external litigation expert.

What are some key performance indicators (KPIs) for Staff Attorneys?

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for Staff Attorneys can include the number of contracts reviewed, the time it takes to review contracts, the number of legal risks identified, the amount of money saved through legal expertise, and stakeholder satisfaction. Tracking these KPIs can help you measure your performance and identify areas for improvement. For example, track the average turnaround time for contract reviews and set a goal to reduce it by 10%.

How can I effectively communicate legal advice to non-legal professionals?

Communicating legal advice to non-legal professionals requires using clear, concise language and avoiding legal jargon. Explain the key legal concepts in a way that’s easy for them to understand, and focus on the practical implications of the legal advice. Use visuals and examples to illustrate your points, and be prepared to answer their questions patiently and thoroughly. For example, when explaining a complex contract clause, use a real-world example to illustrate how it applies to their business operations.

What are some common mistakes that new Staff Attorneys make?

Common mistakes that new Staff Attorneys make include failing to ask questions, not seeking guidance from senior counsel, and not understanding the organization’s business. Other mistakes include not communicating effectively with stakeholders, not prioritizing tasks effectively, and not staying up-to-date on the latest legal developments. Avoiding these mistakes will help you succeed in your role and demonstrate your value to the organization. For example, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the organization’s business operations and how they relate to legal matters.

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