ABA releases an early career guide for law school grads

A new American Bar Association book, “The Early-Career Guide for Attorneys: Starting and Building a Successful Career in Law,” equips law school graduates with the knowledge they need to thrive as new lawyers.

Author Kerry Lavelle breaks down the legal profession’s best practices, productive habits and office values with measured wisdom and kind consideration.

“The Early-Career Guide for Attorneys” ensures that young lawyers can enter their first law firm prepared, enthusiastic and ready to do quality work. New hires will gain valuable insight into becoming a five-tool attorney and a reliable associate, as well as basic procedures for research, billing and client meetings. The book provides over 100 pages of sample forms and fosters an understanding of the systems, training and experience necessary to work toward partnership.

Lavelle earned an MBA in Finance and Economics from DePaul University before pursuing his J.D. at the DePaul University College of Law. He started his own practice, Lavelle Legal services, in 1989, focusing primarily on matters of tax law. Today, the firm Lavelle Law, Ltd., has grown to include 31 attorneys with multiple practice groups.

A frequently published attorney, Lavelle has also hosted a weekly public policy television program and, along with the other attorneys in the firm, is a regular contributor to the weekly podcast series “Chicago’s Legal Latte.” He is the author of “The Business Guide to Law: Creating and Operating a Successful Law Firm” from ABA Publishing, and has served as an adjunct faculty member at John Marshall Law School and William Rainey Harper College.

“The Early-Career Guide for Attorneys: Starting and Building a Successful Career in Law” costs $59.95 and can be ordered by calling 800-285-2221 or online at shopaba.org.