By Bailey Marshall
When I graduated from law school, I imagined I’d spend most of my time in court, arguing passionately in front of judges and juries. And for a while, I did exactly that. I began my legal career in criminal law — a field that is fast-paced, high-stakes, and emotionally charged. It was trial-heavy, demanding, and deeply meaningful work. But after some time, I felt a pull toward something different: civil law.
Now, as a new civil litigator, I find myself both a seasoned attorney and a newcomer. I know how to think like a lawyer. I know how to argue a motion, analyze a statute, and speak with clients. But the transition into civil practice — with its different procedures, client expectations, and subtleties — has humbled me and stretched me in ways I didn’t expect.
Learning to Slow Down
In criminal court, things move fast. Hearings are short. Dockets are long. Decisions are made quickly. Transitioning to civil law has required me to slow down. Deadlines are further out, but the stakes are just as high. There’s more written advocacy. More negotiation. More planning. It’s less about quick thinking on your feet and more about strategy, precision, and detail. It’s a different kind of puzzle, and I’m learning to enjoy putting the pieces together.
Embracing the Learning Curve
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay not to know everything. I used to feel pressure to be the “expert” in every room. But now, I’ve embraced the role of a learner again. I ask questions. I lean on my colleagues. I read—constantly.
I’ve also learned the importance of process. In criminal law, there’s often a narrow range of outcomes. In civil litigation, the path is winding. There are endless strategic decisions, from discovery battles to settlement negotiations, each requiring a slightly different skill set.
New Field, Same Skills
Despite the differences, I’ve found that many of the skills I developed in criminal practice have translated well. Client communication, for one. While I did not have “clients” per se in as an Assistant District Attorney, I still had victims relying on me to get the job done and keep our community safe. In both fields, the people I work with are often anxious, overwhelmed, and unfamiliar with the system. Taking the time to explain, to listen, and to build trust is just as crucial now as it was then.
Advice for Fellow New Lawyers (or Career-Changers)
If you’re just starting out — or starting over — here are a few things that have helped me:
- Stay curious. Ask questions. Take notes. Read everything twice.
- Find a mentor. Having someone to guide you, or even just listen, is invaluable.
- Be kind to yourself. Transitions are hard, even for high-achieving professionals.
- Don’t underestimate your past experience. You bring value — even if it’s from a different practice area.
- Celebrate the small wins. The first time you draft a complaint or navigate a deposition feels just as exciting as your first trial.
Moving Forward
Every day, I’m learning something new. I still miss the courtroom at times, but I’m beginning to see that advocacy doesn’t always require a jury box. Whether in a courthouse, a boardroom, or behind a computer screen drafting pleadings, we’re still doing what lawyers do best: solving problems, telling stories, and helping people.
I’m proud to be a new lawyer again. And I’m even more excited to see where this path takes me next.