Law360: Reflections on Starting a Legal Career in a Pandemic

Law360 Pulse recently asked a group of Delaware attorneys, recent law school graduates, and mentors how they have navigated the pandemic-related challenges to starting a legal career. Morris Nichols partner Jason Russell and law clerk Catherine Butchy shared their insights.

With many working remotely and some bar examinations cancelled or delayed, 2020 was a more challenging year than others to begin a career as an attorney. Jason, chair of the firm’s recruiting committee, said one of the main goals early on “was to make sure the communication lines are open,” acknowledging that remote work arrangements can feel isolating at times. Every first year has “a supervising partner to make sure they are getting the experience they need.”

Cathy, a recent Temple law grad working at Morris Nichols under Delaware’s limited practice procedure shared her perspective as a first-year at the firm. “It’s a really challenging environment to be starting out,” she recognized, but “so grateful to be at a place that is investing in us and will be sticking with us through the process.”

“I think someday we’ll look back on this and be proud we got through it,” Cathy concluded.

Read the full Q&A on Law360 Pulse.