Lawline recently hosted two rising stars from Cohen Seglias’ Federal Construction and Contracting groups: Maria Panichelli, a newly-made partner in the firm’s Philadelphia office, and associate Amy Kirby.

Learn more in their CLE Courses:

REA’s and Claims: Seeking Compensation for Issues Arising from Government Contracts (earn 1 credit) and

Debriefing and Protests in Federal Government Contracts (earn 1.5 credits)

After presenting their two programs, Maria and Amy shared some insights about government contracts, the right kind of networking opportunities, and avoiding lawyer burnout.

What made you decide to practice law, and more specifically, your practice area?

Maria: I was drawn to the law because I have always enjoyed problem solving and logic. It was kind of a natural fit. I fell into government contracting completely by chance. I was working at another firm, doing general commercial litigation, when I was offered the opportunity to interview for my current firm’s federal contracting group. After learning more about the field, I thought it sounded great. It was specialized but still covered so many different types of practice. I liked the idea that I could have variety — doing something different every day — but still develop a more marketable, niche practice.

Amy: I really like thinking on my feet and problem solving, so law —and specifically litigation — was a natural choice. I like the pressure of crafting arguments on the fly and coming up with creative, compelling ways to advocate for my clients. After law school, I was fortunate to take a job with the Army Corps of Engineers. Prior to that, I didn’t know anything about government contract work (or what the Army Corps of Engineers even did!). It is such a unique field that has constantly moving parts, and I was immediately hooked.   

What is one thing you wish you knew when you were still in law school?

Maria: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Law can be a very stressful profession. There are enough big things to worry about. So let the little stuff go! Yes, law is a very type-A environment, and you are brainwashed into feeling like you have to be 100 percent perfect 100 percent of the time. But stress too much and you just burn yourself out. Work hard (sometimes, really, really hard), take responsibility for your mistakes, be respectful to everyone in the office, and use common sense — you will be fine. No need to obsess over every administrative detail.   

Amy: It is called the “practice” of law for a reason. Law is as much an art as it is a science. There are many different ways to craft a legal argument, and depending on any number of factors, your strategy can and should change. A strategy that may have worked once may not work another time. Don’t get caught up in that, just remember that every day you continue to practice, and practice makes perfect.

What advice would you give attorneys at the start of their careers?

Maria: As cliché as it sounds, networking is really important. The key is to find a type of networking that works for you. Don’t fall into the trap of believing the only way to network is going to giant conferences, suited up and armed with your memorized “elevator speech.”  Find a type of networking that you enjoy because if you hate it, you won’t do it. Find a group you like and start there — it doesn’t even necessarily have to be law related. It could be a neighborhood board, an interest group, whatever. Go once or twice (even if you feel a little awkward), and you will be amazed how naturally “networking” comes after that. The important part is to stay open to meeting new people, and don’t get discouraged! Everyone felt awkward when they first started. It gets easier!

Amy: Be confident in your skills. You made it this far, so don’t hamper yourself by lacking the confidence to speak up and let people know that you know your stuff. Too many times, young attorneys, especially women, will defer to their more senior co-workers when they know just as much on the subject or could bring a different perspective to the conversation. The flip side of that, which is just as important, is to always ask questions if you don’t know the answers. Especially just starting out, there is no such thing as a dumb question, and as long as you don’t ask the same questions over and over, everyone will respect your desire to learn.

What does your firm look for in hiring interns and first-year associates?

Maria: When interviewing, I am most impressed by candidates who show they can creatively solve problems, and those who take a “big-picture” view. I look for associates who will take the initiative to really help develop a case, as opposed to those who mechanically complete the tasks assigned to them without any independent thought about the purpose of the task. Taking ownership of your assignments (and the cases they relate to) is critical to gaining the respect of your supervisors. A generally friendly demeanor and a sense of humor is always a plus, as well. We spend long hours at work. It’s better to work with people you also like.

Amy: To go back to my previous answer, someone who is not afraid to ask questions. As an intern or recent grad, I don’t expect you to know everything, but I do expect you to tell me when you don’t know something so we are all working on the same page. Communication is key.

What is your favorite part of practicing law? Least favorite?  

Maria: You can be doing this for 50 years and you won’t ever know it all. You are always going to be growing and expanding your capabilities. That is my favorite part of legal practice. My least favorite? Answering written discovery. It never gets any more interesting.

Amy: My favorite part is problem solving. If I am sitting down to write a brief or craft an opening, I think of it as a puzzle that has to be solved. The creativity that you have in figuring out how to make an argument in the strongest, most creative way possible is challenging but also really rewarding. My least favorite part is the deadlines. Especially in government contracts where deadlines can be as short as five days, everything moves very quickly. This does not always allow you the time you would like to spend on an argument or get one more round of edits into your brief. That can be frustrating.

Maria, what has the transition to partner been like?

Maria: The biggest difference is learning to delegate. As an associate, you are responsible for every moving piece. As a partner, you are still responsible, but you have to learn how to delegate certain aspects of it — and how to do so in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. The easiest way to do that is to make sure you have associates you can trust to handle things the way you would handle them yourself.