Page 6 - Dallas Vol 6 No 2

MARK SHANK
OVERCOMING THE STEEP CURVE
TIPS FROM THE TOP
AALM: What is the best advice you received from a mentor gure?
Shank: My personal motto is “do less, but do it very well.” is ap- plies to all areas of life—from personal, to work, and everywhere in between. When I was a young lawyer, I remember my mentor gure telling me that potential clients watch you, their chosen counsel, to determine if you are a person of your word and if you actually do what you say you will do. e best advice I have ever received is to take the time to do your work well and pay attention to the details. e words from my mentor have stuck with me a er all these years, and I hope to pass them down to any young lawyers who may read this.
AALM: What qualities do you believe separate a good attorney from an excellent attorney?
Shank: ere is a steep curve between a “good” attorney and an “excellent” attorney. roughout my time practicing law, I’ve found that many “good” lawyers struggle with getting the details right. ose attorneys whom I would consider “excellent” attorneys have a keen attention for detail in every aspect of the case – in dra ing, in com- municating with the client and opposing counsel, and in creating case strategy. e practice of law also is an exercise in overcoming di cul- ties and hardships. When things do not go completely as you may have planned or hoped, it is sometimes hard to not take those small failures personally. Instead, be humble and learn from your mistakes in order to press on. ose who persevere are more likely to be successful.
ATTORNEY AT LAW MAGAZINE · DALLAS· VOL. 6 NO. 2 6