5 top tips for success from 2 powerhouse attorneys

From public defense to private practice, sisters Koren and Alyssa Bell have navigated the legal world with remarkable success.

The sisters recently sat down for an in-depth interview with Cal Lawyer, covering everything from their early inspiration to the mistakes that taught them lifelong lessons. It's a long read that's well worth the time, but in the meantime, if you're looking for the TLDR version you can find Cal Lawyer's handpicked highlights below.

1. Don't let first-year competition define you

The cutthroat atmosphere of 1L year can be overwhelming, but don't get caught up in the competitive culture. Alyssa Bell learned this lesson firsthand at NYU Law. "I had something to say? I raised my hand and I said it, and I very quickly had a target on my back," she recalls. But rather than conforming, she focused on building genuine relationships. "Things do really calm down after that first year; that first year, I think everyone is sort of struggling to establish themselves somehow," she advises. "Building and maintaining relationships is going to be one of the most important things that you do in your career."

2. Use clinics to test your interests

Theory and practice can be worlds apart. Both sisters emphasize the importance of clinical experience in finding your path. "I think using the clinic opportunities that you have in law school can be a great way to see whether you're interested in the actual practice of what it is you think you might be interested in intellectually," Alyssa explains. Consider practical questions like: Do you prefer working with people? Are you comfortable in court? Do you want to work on large team projects or handle smaller cases independently?

3. Keep your career options open

Don't feel pressured to lock yourself into a specific path early on. As Koren notes, "You can do many different things with your law degree, in and out of even the field of law, and certainly within the field of law." She encourages students to regularly reevaluate their goals, emphasizing "There's nothing negative about not being sure at any point in your life, really, but especially when you're so young and thinking, what's meaningful to me now."

4. Prioritize relationships over study time

While academic success is important, don't isolate yourself in the library. "There's this tendency to think, 'Oh, there's so much to do. I'm going to just study and be attached to my computer and my books.' And you miss out a lot, I think, on the law school experience," Koren observes. She points out that some of her closest law school friends are now clients, highlighting how professional and personal relationships often intertwine.

5. Challenge your own assumptions

One of the most valuable lessons came from Alyssa's clerkship experience, where a seemingly minor footnote turned out to be crucial to a case. "Don't jump to conclusions. Always question if you think you've gotten the answer, always be open to being wrong, and do that extra bit of digging," she advises. This approach has shaped her current practice, reminding us that thorough analysis and openness to opposing viewpoints are crucial skills for any lawyer.

Stay tuned to Cal Lawyer for more of key insights from legal industry leaders.