Incoming LSK JSC women Representative Ekaterina Handa Urges Young Advocates Not to Despise Small Briefs
Incoming Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Women Representative Ekaterina Handa has urged young advocates to value every legal brief, regardless of its size, arguing that small matters often provide the experience and skills needed to handle major cases in future.
In her latest Advocate’s Voice message, Handa said young lawyers should not judge opportunities by the financial value of a matter, the influence of a client or whether a case is likely to attract public attention. She noted that every demand letter, court mention, application, agreement, negotiation and courtroom appearance provides an opportunity to learn, earn, build confidence and establish a professional reputation.
“Your first clients are not interruptions to your career. They are the beginning of your career,” Handa emphasized, encouraging young advocates to learn from experienced practitioners while developing their own professional paths.
She further urged advocates to serve every client with dignity and professionalism, stressing that successful legal practices are built gradually through consistent work. Handa said every great practice was once built “one brief at a time,” encouraging young lawyers to embrace each assignment as part of their journey towards professional growth and excellence.