Find Your Niche, Grow Your Expertise and Add Value to Your Firm

Olshan corporate associate Dorothy Sluszka authored an article for The Legal Intelligencer (subscription required) entitled “Find Your Niche, Grow Your Expertise and Add Value to Your Firm.” In the article, Dorothy writes about the value of legal professionals finding a specific area of legal practice in which to specialize or develop an expertise in at the beginning of their careers. Dorothy relates that, early in her own career, she faced  challenging assignments outside of her comfort zone but, by viewing these assignments as opportunities to develop go-to knowledge for that niche area, she was able to immerse herself and become a resource for the topic at hand. “Putting in the extra effort on these assignments will yield exponential benefits,” she explains. “Once you start gathering information, you should always pause to consider what other follow-up questions may arise, in addition to the question at hand, and proactively address them.” Dorothy advises that, if you already have a particular niche in mind, study that subject matter extensively, especially if it concerns emergent legal matters such as artificial intelligence (AI). Learning all there is to know about AI or other newer areas of practice will make you the go-to person to provide insight concerning new laws and statutes as they arise. “As you develop your niche expertise, look for opportunities to cultivate knowledge on your own, including taking CLEs, attending panels, networking events or conferences,” Dorothy writes. “Before you become the go-to person in the firm, perhaps you’ll start off as the go-to person for your fellow associates.”