The effective mentoring of new associates used to be a natural part of the process for law firms, but nowadays economic pressures are inhibiting the practice; personal mentoring is being eliminated by the fiscal restraints of higher starting salaries and client insistence on fewer lawyers, and hands-on experience is hard to come by. Raising the Bar: The Mentor Guidebook for New Lawyers directly addresses this problem by creating one compact guide to relay the information necessary for success as a lawyer.

This practical guidebook offers information, examples and anecdotal stories similar to the mentoring experience young lawyers used to enjoy in person. With its useful "takeaway tips" at the end of every chapter, Raising the Bar will help law students and new lawyers face the hidden challenges of practicing law. Beginning with career planning and the transition out of law school, the book's 13 chapters cover topics ranging from mastering basic skills and dealing with clients to establishing trust and staying sane. It tackles delicate issues like fixing mistakes and surviving office politics. Finally, it closes with a discussion of other paths for those who decide to apply their legal education outside law practice.

Written for new lawyers, law students, law firms and law schools, Raising the Bar offers, in a single book, what hours of close contact with experienced colleagues would provide a new lawyer when making the difficult transition from school to office.

About the Author

JB Burtch is a lawyer who has practiced labor and employment law in large, medium-sized and small law firms since 1973. He is an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Richmond School of Law, teaching Negotiations and Client Counseling since 1994. He has personally mentored scores of law students and new lawyers throughout his career. In 2023 he was elected to the Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame.

Reviews

"As a fledgling lawyer struggles for traction, practical wisdom about the nuts and bolts of success is vital, but often missing. Reading and heeding the good counsel in Raising the Bar will make a significant difference for the better."

W. Taylor Reveley III, Former President, The College of William & Mary and former Dean of the Law School; Former Managing Partner, Hunton & Williams, USA

"JB Burtch has devoted his distinguished 50-year career to modeling the heartful wisdom contained in this essential book...a must-read for any new lawyer.

Raising the Bar successfully brings to the printed page JB's master-level, hands-on mentorship, which helped this lawyer get his professional footing and launch a successful start-up."

Daniel Seaman, Founder, Optimus, USA

"Raising the Bar should be standard reading for new lawyers, no matter the setting in which they practice. Allowing lawyers to find their version of success is JB's gift - and now his wisdom and guidance are available to everyone launching a legal career."

Henry D. W. Burt, Chief Administrative Officer, Troutman Pepper, USA

Through accurate insights and analysis that demonstrate an intimate understanding of the challenges so many committed attorneys face, The Thriving Lawyer offers a helpful roadmap for critical individual and institutional change needed to improve lawyer well-being. This book is a must read for both attorneys and HR professionals across all legal organizations - Claire Coleman, State of Connecticut Consumer Counsel; former Biglaw firm associate, non-profit and government attorney.

The interest in wellness and self-care has gained unprecedented momentum among professionals in general and lawyers, in particular. The available resources, however, tend to be repetitive and non-directive. With this book, Dr. Cipriano has filled a critical void through a scientifically based model wellness as a way of life, the basis for decision-making, and the guide for actions. She has seamlessly integrated philosophy, psychological research, and pragmatic interventions within a persuasive narrative about making a commitment to wellbeing. Although this book will be of interest to any professional, Dr. Cipriano incorporates her education and experience as an attorney to address the unique challenges in the practice of law. Practicing attorneys, law students and law schools, and mental health professionals who advise and counsel the legal community will gain insights and strategies for promoting genuine well-being.
Dr. Cipriano introduces a model of wellbeing that goes far beyond usual stand-alone recommendations for specific behaviors. After reading her book, I realized that I cannot attain wellbeing through any routine of meditation and yoga or any other add-on activity. True wellness is a state of being that affects all life domains, true wellness encompasses all aspects of professional and personal life.
Dr. Cipriano does not stop with her unique theoretical model of wellbeing; she incorporates in an informative, compelling narrative, pathways for translating the concept of wellbeing into pragmatic actions. Lawyers, law students and law schools and those who give counsel and treatment to the legal community will find this book a valued and lasting resource. - Madelon V. Baranoski, PhD, Yale School of Medicine

Book Information
ISBN 9781032876290
Author Jack W. Burtch, Jr.
Format Paperback
Page Count 124
Imprint Informa Law
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd