This month, I begin my 10^th year as a lawyer.  As I near completion of my first decade of practice and start my last year as a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Florida Bar, I would like to take a moment to reflect on some the most important lessons I have learned during my time as a young lawyer.  I have included seven of the most important lessons below.

Learn the basics.
It may seem like it goes without saying, but learning the basics is essential to developing a vibrant practice in any area of the law.  Once you learn the basics of a specific practice area or type of case, and learn how to do the basics well, the practice becomes easier.  It affords you more time to focus on the multitude of other, more exotic, issues that can come up in a case.

Find a Mentor/Be a Mentor.
This should probably be Number 1.  One of the greatest lessons I have learned as a young lawyer is that finding a mentor or mentors is one of the most important thing you can do to help develop your practice.  I truly believe that no one should practice law without having mentors, regardless of their age or experience.  Mentors help when faced with a difficult case/client/situation.  They can provide you with guidance as to issues of professionalism or practice development.   Mentors can introduce you to other influential individuals in your practice area.  As such, I would encourage any attorney to find a mentor as early in his/her practice as they can and to rely on those mentors for help when needed.  The Florida Bar’s and The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division’s  Lawyers Helping Lawyers program is a fantastic resource if you are at a loss on how to find a mentor.

The flip side of this is, make sure you offer your wisdom and experience to other lawyers in need.  Just because you are a young lawyer or have just a few years of experience, does not mean that you cannot be a resource for young and more experienced lawyers alike.  Take the time to provide guidance and/or support to those around you that need it.

Do Something For Yourself Every Day.
This lesson is much easier said than done.  Numerous studies, however, have shown that taking time for yourself and promoting wellness in your own life can lead to significant physical and mental health benefits over time.  Find yourself a “thing.”  Whether it’s jogging, tennis, knitting, goat yoga (yes that’s a thing), something else, try to make time to do your “thing” on a daily basis. #livewell.

Get Involved in Your Community.
Giving back feels good.  It also can provide a huge benefit to those less fortunate than you.  By giving back to your community, you invest in your community.  Consider taking a pro bono case or volunteering with a local organization.  Being involved in not-for-profits, charity programs, or community initiatives can also provide you with a unique networking opportunity not realized in other settings.  Whatever your interests are, there is likely an organization or cause that aligns with those interests.  Seek those organizations out in your community and give back.

Develop a Niche.
Become the “go to” guy or girl on a specific issue or a specific area of the law. The longer I practice, the more I rely on individuals who specialize in various issues and areas to help me with my practice.  Develop a niche around an area of interest or an area of need in your community.

Get Involved with the Florida Bar or Your Local Bar.
The Florida Bar has an incredible number of ways in which a young lawyer can get involved.  Whether it is at the local level or at the state level, the Florida Bar and the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division offer an incredible number of opportunities in which to participate.  One of the most rewarding things I have done as a young lawyer is become involved in my local bar and at the state level.  I have made incredible and lifelong friendships and business contacts which will benefit me throughout my career.  I have also met mentors that have helped me immeasurably in my relatively short career.

Be Professional.
I am sure you have all heard this before, but your reputation is your greatest asset.  Try to focus on professionalism in every aspect of your practice as well as outside of your practice. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to zealously represent your clients while remaining collegial and professional.  Try to embody the spirit of professionalism in everything you do.

As indicated above, this is not intended to be an exhaustive list.  Also, I am sure my list may be different from what other attorneys might choose as their seven most important lessons.  Regardless of what your list looks like, I hope these lessons prove helpful in some way in your practice.

John Miller is a shareholder at the law firm of Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt in Fort Myers, Florida.  He focuses his practice on tort defense.