1st Edition
Raising the Bar The Mentor Guidebook for New Lawyers
Introduction I. Building Your Career II. Transitioning into Practice III. Advancing Your Career IV. Mastering Basic Skills V. Conducting Legal Research VI. Practicing in a Firm VII. Handling a Case VIII. Representing Clients IX. Establishing Trust X. Fixing Mistakes XI. Surviving Office Politics XII. Staying Sane and Solvent XIII. Exploring Other Paths Conclusion
Biography
Jack W. Burtch, Jr is a lawyer who has practiced labor and employment law in large, medium-sized and small law firms since 1973. He is an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Richmond School of Law, teaching Negotiations and Client Counseling since 1994. He has personally mentored scores of law students and new lawyers throughout his career. In 2023 he was elected to the Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame.
"As a fledgling lawyer struggles for traction, practical wisdom about the nuts and bolts of success is vital, but often missing. Reading and heeding the good counsel in Raising the Bar will make a significant difference for the better."
W. Taylor Reveley III, Former President, The College of William & Mary and former Dean of the Law School; Former Managing Partner, Hunton & Williams, USA
"JB Burtch has devoted his distinguished 50-year career to modeling the heartful wisdom contained in this essential book…a must-read for any new lawyer.
Raising the Bar successfully brings to the printed page JB’s master-level, hands-on mentorship, which helped this lawyer get his professional footing and launch a successful start-up."
Daniel Seaman, Founder, Optimus, USA"Raising the Bar should be standard reading for new lawyers, no matter the setting in which they practice. Allowing lawyers to find their version of success is JB’s gift – and now his wisdom and guidance are available to everyone launching a legal career."
Henry D. W. Burt, Chief Administrative Officer, Troutman Pepper, USA
