Author Jeff Baldassari practiced law from 1990 to 1995 in Cleveland, USA and has been a client of legal services in his subsequent career as CEO in the manufacturing sector and as a director on six boards in the private and nonprofit sectors. In this book he shares clear and to the point advice about how one could best advance their legal carrer. Although this is aimed at those starting their career in law, a lot of the advice could be applied more generally to anyone looking to make the most of their career. Learning from your mistakes and the mistakes of others; pushing past your comfort zone to know your limitations; setting goals; being punctual; giving praise and being a good marketer of your company’s brand are all areas that could have universal application.
Although this book is written from Baldassari’s experience of working within the structures of the US legal system, I think interested readers in other countries could still apply the advice in this book. This is because of the structure of the book, From Associate to Ambassador offers to-the-point advice, but then asks questions that encourages the reader to reflect with a broad enough scope to allow for any possible regional differences.
This is a clear and concise, interactive guide for those wanting to thrive in their legal careers, sharing tips and advice for working life success that aren’t found in a textbook. Focusing on the interpersonal, management and behind the scenes skills needed to excel, this career advice has broad applications across all areas of legal practice and beyond.
From Associate to Ambassador speaks to law students, summer associates and young associates who aspire not only to be elected a partner at a law firm but to achieve extraordinary outcomes in their careers. It is a roadmap for this journey that provides a collection of foundational values and principles to employ. You will have an interactive experience with the content of this book. You will be asked to reflect on key points and take action steps to embed these skills into your daily habits.
The vast majority of these skills are not taught in law school nor are they particularly intuitive. They are derived from observing senior associates and partners who possess the demonstrated ability to build extraordinary relationships with their clients, support staff and colleagues. These "best in class" attributes, practices and habits are timeless. They have proven to be successful in the dynamic marketplace where attorneys operate regardless of their field of practice or firm size. From Associate to Ambassador will accelerate your career arc and take you places few in the legal profession reach.
