This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Dalton A. Breshears, J.D.
One of the most uncomfortable moments for any new lawyer is being asked a question you don’t know the answer to. Whether it’s a client looking for reassurance or a senior attorney expecting you to have it figured out, there’s a strong urge to come up with something, anything, just to avoid looking unprepared. But here’s the truth: learning to say “I don’t know” is not a weakness. In fact, it might be one of the most valuable habits you can build in your legal career.
Law school teaches you how to argue and find answers, but it doesn’t always prepare you for the moments when the answer simply isn’t clear, or when you haven’t had time to research it yet. The legal world is full of gray areas, moving targets, and exceptions. Pretending to know something when you can’t create serious problems, both ethically and practically.
Clients trust lawyers who are confident, yes, but more importantly, they trust lawyers who are careful and honest. Saying “That’s a great question, let me dig into it and get back to you,” builds far more credibility than guessing and having to walk it back later. Partners and colleagues appreciate it too. It shows that you take your work seriously and aren’t afraid to double-check when the stakes are high.
The pressure to appear knowledgeable is real, especially early in your career. But no one expects you to know everything on day one, or even year one. What they do expect is good judgment, humility, and follow-through.
So next time you feel that moment of panic, take a breath. You don’t have to fake it. You just have to own it, do the work, and come back with the right answer. That’s what being a good lawyer really looks like.
Created By: Dalton A. Breshears
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Dalton A. Breshears, J.D.