February 18, 2025
Growth is a Choice: Take Ownership of Your Legal Education
BY: Sharif L. Gray
Law school may teach you how to think like a lawyer, but the reality is that success in the legal profession isn’t just about what you learn in class—it’s about what you do to educate yourself beyond it.
When I was a cadet at the Virginia Military Institute, I walked under this quote every day:
You May Be Whatever You Resolve To Be.
I didn’t know it then, but life has taught me (the hard way) that we hold the keys to our growth. We get to choose what we want to do and how we want to do it. But it is our responsibility to put in the work to get there. And fortunately, when it comes to the legal profession, the resources to help us are abundant:
- Conferences, Conferences, and More Conferences
If there is an area of law that you want more exposure to, find a relevant conference, buy your ticket, and go. You will learn from the presentations, build connections with other lawyers, and enjoy some good food while you’re at it. There is no better way to get involved in a practice area.
- Practical Trainings
They exist, and they can be game changers. Let’s say that you want to learn how to take better depositions. Why not find a training that will teach you how to take an effective deposition and give you an opportunity to practice doing so? The skills you will learn at that training will benefit you the rest of your career.
- Get a Book (and Read It)
I emphasize “read,” because there are plenty of books on my shelf that look great but remain unopened. There are books on every legal topic out there, some better than others. I guarantee that if you want to learn something, you can find a book on it.
- Listen to Legal Podcasts
Podcasts are awesome! There are so many of them, you can listen to them anywhere, and you really can learn from them. RVA Trial Lawyers: Virginia’s Trial Lawyer Podcast is an excellent one (because I co-host it!). But, in all seriousness, we interview some of the best trial lawyers in Virginia and around the country, so if you want to learn more about trial work, check it out.
- Talk to Experienced Lawyers
Cold call (or e-mail) that lawyer about meeting for lunch or coffee. Chances are they will be happy to meet with you. When at an event, make a point to go introduce yourself to a lawyer you want to learn more about. And never be afraid to ask questions, because more often than not people will be more than happy to provide you the information and guidance you are looking for.
When you invest in your own education, the results don’t just add up—they multiply. Over time, those small investments will lead to opportunities you never imagined.
Take ownership of your legal education. You really can be whatever you resolve to be.