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Keys to Success
When Joe Baker discovered The Jaklitsch Law Group, my tiny three lawyer firm in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was named the "Top Personal Injury Trial Law Firm" in the entire country, he asked if I would give advice to young alumni just starting their careers and families.
One key to our success was to hire only superstars, whether a trial lawyer or a receptionist. Be patient enough to find and hire the very best, and then treat them that way. In past years, we took the entire firm and their "Plus 1" on several Caribbean cruises. This year, we are taking 40 people to China. The cost of that trip is far outweighed by the return comradery, morale boost and effort of each employee to be their very best.
As much as we value our staff, we treat every client like they are the most important person in the world. They are. Because they know how much we appreciate each client, they send us an amazing amount of referral business. The firm's reputation is everything, so every effort is made to make every client believe the very best decision he ever made was hiring The Jaklitsch Law Group. Clients know our motto of "Be the Best" is the goal of every single person at our firm, and they feel that drive from each employee in every phone call and every meeting.
As important as hard work is to success, so is hard play. Balance is crucial, as is family time. I block off time for family and refuse to have that time invaded by work. I insist employees leave work early to attend their kids' games and I ensure that every one of my trial attorneys take at least four weeks vacation. If not, they will burnout quickly. I scuba dive, ski and powerboat, so months ahead I will block out a day here and there during the week to be on the boat or on the slopes. I'll come back from that one fun day completely re-energized and ready to charge ahead.
The final bit of advice is to give back. Find a charity, a school (Calvert Hall!), or a cause and give your time and treasure. You will be rewarded in return many times over. My wife and I have given a "Leadership Scholarship" to Calvert Hall every year since tuition was only $2500 per year, and I've given endless hours to the University of Maryland serving as Terrapin Club President and President of the Maryland Gridiron Network. The charity work never ceases to be fulfilling, not only for the help provided to others, but the networking with others will also help jumpstart your business with referrals from people that will see your drive and commitment.
I owe Calvert Hall for so much of what I am. I became an Economics major in college because of Lou Heidrick's course at Calvert Hall. I discovered in high school that I wanted to be a trial lawyer. I learned time management, individual responsibility and the importance of getting involved in something that sparks interest outside of the classroom. To pay back, I promise that if any Calvert Hall alum is interested in law school or a career in law, you can call or write, and I will be happy to give winning advice on college majors, LSAT courses, LSAT testing and law school application hints to help you succeed.
