This year, I had the great pleasure of welcoming the third attorney into the Berman household, a proud moment that inspired me to reflect on the legal field as a profession and, in earnest, what it truly means to be an attorney.

Modern times are placing new and intense pressures upon many of us, and the landscape as we know it is changing in real time. This means lawyers must stay nimble, yet also not forget some golden rules. A classic piece of advice I received as a young lawyer – Keep It Simple, Stupid – has stayed with me through my career, and so, I extend a heartfelt congratulations to the tens of thousands of 2026 J.D. grads across the country and offer some advice for new lawyers.

  • Support the Rule of Law. It keeps our country stable and free of tyranny, and ensures liberty for all.
  • Defend our free and independent judiciary vigorously from political encroachment.
  • Know that your reputation is what is most important. Your integrity in the legal community is your calling card. 
  • Always do what is right. The cliché “do the right thing” has meaning, and the end does not always justify the means. 
  • You are the guardian of your morals as well as the gatekeeper of those of your clients.
  • Return calls and e-mails promptly.
  • Never stop learning. Stay inquisitive.
  • Seek the truth. There are no stupid questions, and discussing issues with your colleagues is one of the best ways to grow.
  • Build relationships and learn to network. Be especially good at this.
  • Reread “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
  • Be proactive. Make your own opportunities.
  • Nothing stays the same. View change as a vehicle for growth.
  • Give back through pro bono work. Give as much as you get. Then give some more. 
  • Make your mother proud. Whatever you do, assume your mom knows all about it. 
  • Maintain your fitness, both physically and mentally.
  • Know that time and commitment will determine your level of success. 
  • Be honest.
  • Love what you do. Your life’s work will not be a “job” if you do. 
  • Think out of the box for solutions. Ideas can be powerful, and creativity is your tool to use. 
  • Remember the importance of loyalty.
  • Learn to laugh. Have fun! Try to bring that to every meeting and call.
  • Study other lawyers. You can learn from how poorly some lawyers perform as much or more than from really good ones.
  • Focus on what you can control. Don’t worry about what you can’t.
  • While the law is important, always make time for family and friends.
  • Be humble with your clients, with other lawyers and mostly with judges.
  • Simplify the complex. Making things seem complicated isn’t helpful.