Eckert Seamans attorneys discuss possible advantages for millennials in law (Law360)
March 29, 2016
Eckert Seamans attorneys Lindsey Conrad Kennedy (Pittsburgh) and Michael A. Graziano (Washington, D.C.) were quoted in the Law360 article “Young In BigLaw: How To Use It To Your Advantage.”
Graziano, who was recently promoted to partnership at the firm, told Law360 that accessibility is one clear benefit young attorneys have to offer — having the time and motivation to get back to clients quickly can be a real asset for younger lawyers.
“I’m looking to build up my contacts, build up my Rolodex,” he said. “When I’m expected to build up my business, I’ll already have those clients.”
The article also explored how their ability to offer fresh and creative perspectives can make young attorneys important assets to the team.
“The more diverse the firm is, the bigger the pool is,” Kennedy said.
For example, Graziano said, an attorney who has worked on a lot of employment cases likely has a familiar refrain when a dispute arises over the scope of discovery: You don’t get companywide discovery, only access to the decision makers.
However, a newer attorney for whom this hasn’t proven true a dozen times won’t have that rote response, pushing them to think more deeply about the facts of the particular suit at hand, he said. Who knows? This suit might just be the exception to the general rule.
“If you do something 100 times, you’re set in your ways,” Graziano said. “But if you go to something with fresh eyes, you’re forced to be creative.”
The full article is available on the Law360 website. (Access to content on third-party websites may require subscription.)