Skip to main content

4 Lessons for Young Attorneys from World Cup 2014

By Gabriella Khorasanee, JD on July 10, 2014 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

World Cup fever has swept up Americans, even if we stubbornly refer to the game of football as soccer. And with Germany and Argentina going head-to-head on Sunday, we thought now would be as good a time as any to reflect on what young attorneys could learn from World Cup 2014.

So here we go with four lessons for young attorneys from World Cup 2014.

1. You Win Some, You Lose Some

Yes, you're a type A personality that likes to win, but the reality of the situation is that you won't always win. In fact, sometimes there will be unforeseen upsets and you'll fall flat on your face like Brazil. The point is, you have to get back up on your feet and try again.

2. There's No "I" in Team

Soccer (or fútbol) is a team sport, and working on a case, or a deal, involves a team. As a team member make sure you carry your weight, and are easy to work with. Even if you're working on a project alone, you always have paralegals and admins to help you.

3. It Ain't Over ... Until the Penalty Shoot-Out

Soccer games can go on, and on, with no scoring -- that is until penalty kicks. The players will continue kicking and kicking until one player gets one past the goalie. Negotiations and litigation too can seem never-ending, but there is an end in sight. Just stay focused on your work and see things through to completion.

4. No Biting

Um, ever. And (speaking metaphorically here), we don't really need to remind you not to bite the partners you report to, or your fellow associates (no matter how much you may want to sometimes). The real purpose here of course, is to remind you to play nice and to have an excuse to link to this, this and this. (Ok one more, we can't help ourselves).

Dear intrepid young attorneys, as you may tell by now, there are lessons for you everywhere you turn. Never take anything at face value -- you can always learn from situations and apply them to your legal career. If not, we'll be here to remind you -- until our next lesson.

Going solo out of school? Spend more time developing practice skills and leave the marketing work for the experts.

Related Resources:

Copied to clipboard