We are one week into the new school year and at the tail end of the “back to school” season. I always find this season to be a good time to refocus on my personal and professional learning goals.
For lawyers, this time of year can also serve as a reminder of the importance of continued professional development (CPD). Just as students return to their studies to gain new knowledge and skills, lawyers are required to continuously educate themselves to stay current on the law and provide the best possible service to our clients.
Below are some of the things I still like to do at the beginning of the school year even though I am thankfully no longer a student:
- Set Clear Goals: Identify specific areas where I want to improve or expand my knowledge.
- Explore Various Learning Formats: Education no longer needs to be simply sitting in a classroom. Some of the ways lawyers can continue to learn in a non-classroom setting include webinars, online courses, workshops, and conferences.
- Network with Peers: Finding new ways to engage with the legal community and my personal network.
The “back to school” season is also a great time to recommit to personal development. This can be done through learning a new skill, taking on a new hobby or even simply keeping your workspace cleaner this year.
I like to embrace this season as an opportunity to grow, learn, and advance both personally and professionally. After all, constant improvement is a lifelong journey because there is always room for improvement.
Ariel Dorfman, Associate Lawyer