As a corporate transactional lawyer in fast-paced, often high- pressure environments, I often hear these words when someone requests something challenging and typically urgent.

While I appreciate the sentiment, there are times when I feel a disconnect between external expectations and the realities I face internally.

Externally, I’m responsible for ensuring deadlines are met and often find myself being chased for updates. Try drafting a paragraph while external parties text you every 10 to 15 minutes asking for status updates.

Internally, I often have to drive the urgency and navigate the complexities on my own. It’s a role that can feel isolating at times.

The responsibility of associates doesn’t end when they send work to partners for review. I would like to think we’re in this together, all the way through to the final deliverable being sent out and the project completed.

#malaysiancorporatelawyer

This post was first posted on LinkedIn on 8 January 2025.