On Thursday, March 27, 2014 a panel with members of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers (ABTL) spoke to students at Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law to discuss “If I Knew in Law School What I Know Now: What “Business Litigation” Really Means.”

The panel included Justice Richard D. Fybel, California Court of Appeal; Sean P. O’Connor, Partner, Sheppard Mullin; and Maria Z. Stearns, Partner, Rutan & Tucker. The event was moderated by David Gibbs, Associate Professor of the Practice of Law, Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law.

How a Young Lawyer Can Make a Good Impression on Partners and Associates
Justice Fybel suggested showing the value a young lawyer can add, sharing a list of possible reasons they were hired in the first place. Stearns wants the associate to care about the case as much as she does, while O’Connell noted that he is impressed when an associate stays on top of the case and makes things easier for the person they are working for.

How to Make a Good Impression in Court
With his years of experience seeing new lawyers in the courtroom, Justice Fybel stressed the importance of the first impression – especially through writing. He also said to be prepared when you get to court and to be respectful. O’Connell urged counsel to be courteous to the court staff, especially the court clerks. He has found this to be very helpful when he is looking for information about a court start date and other general information.

If I Knew in Law School….
Justice Fybel shared the significance of having a mentor. “They happen organically; pay attention to those people that take an interest in you and take advantage of that opportunity,” he said. Each panelist has a mentor and favors students and new associates tapping into this valuable resource.

At the end of the event, Stearns pointed out the distractions of technology, specifically cell phones. She advised the audience to pay attention to people around them, instead of focusing on their cell phones, so they don’t miss out on a networking opportunity. “Make sure you network and build your network by going to events and building relationships,” she said.

ABTL was founded in 1972 to provide a collegial forum for the discussion of business litigation issues. From the very start, the organization has been committed to promoting and enhancing communications between the bar and the federal and state benches. ABTL is distinguished by its heavy focus on involvement with judges.