The Skills Coach: The art of delegating: Because you can’t do it all

By Lori Berman

Many lawyers struggle with delegating. When asked why, I typically hear one of two reasons: “The work product needs to be perfect, and I can do it better myself,” or, “It will take longer for me to explain to someone else than for me to just do it myself.” But this mindset often leads to burnout, underdeveloped associates, and missed opportunities to leverage your time.

Learning to delegate effectively will ultimately help you and your team work more efficiently and grow professionally. Here are some tips on how to delegate like a pro:

1. Figure out what to delegate

The first step is deciding what can be handed off. It might feel like everything needs your personal touch. But think about which tasks—like research, drafting, or reviewing documents—don’t really need your direct involvement. This gives you more time for high-level work while giving others opportunities to learn and step up.

2. Pick the right person

This brings us to the second tip: Delegating is not just about getting things off your plate—it’s about developing people who are more junior than you. When you choose someone to take on a task, think about who will benefit from performing it. Who needs the challenge? Who can grow from doing this? Delegation should give your associates room to stretch their skills, not just take over the boring work. For example, asking a junior associate to take on a research project or manage a small part of a case can help them develop their confidence and expertise.

3. Explain the big picture

Give context so the people you are delegating to understand how their piece fits into the bigger picture. If they know why the task is important and how it connects to the larger project, they can make smarter decisions and approach it with more focus and creativity. They will also feel more ownership for their work. Often, lawyers don’t take the extra time to do this, and as a result, the work and sense of commitment suffer.

4. Set clear expectations and deadlines

When you delegate, be crystal clear about what you need, including the deadlines. Ambiguity only leads to confusion and missed expectations. Make sure the person knows exactly what the end result should look like and when you need it. For example, do you want a one-page, client-friendly memo or a five-page detailed legal analysis? Setting clear goals will save both of you time in the long run.

5. Check in and be open to answering questions

Don’t just hand over a task and walk away. Young associates are often hesitant to ask questions. They fear being judged or seen as incompetent. This just leads to mistakes, rework, or missed deadlines. So, asking if they have questions, as well as being approachable and non-judgmental, is key to successful delegation. Regular check-ins can help ensure the task progresses as expected, but it’s equally important to foster an environment where your team feels comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance in real time, while they are doing the work. The more approachable you are, the more likely they’ll reach out when they need clarification.

6. Give feedback after completion

Once the task is done, take the time to give constructive feedback. Recognize what went well and point out areas that can improve. This will help your team learn and grow, and it shows them that you’re invested in their development.

The bottom line is this: Mastering delegation is one of the best investments you can make in your career and your team’s future.

NEXT: How to provide effective feedback.

 

Lori Berman, Ph.D., is an organizational psychologist and vice president of learning at Legal Innovators, an end-to-end, talent management solution for law firms and corporate legal departments. Previously, Dr. Berman was director of professional development at Hogan Lovells. She is also co-author of the book, Accelerating Lawyer Success: How to Make Partner, Stay Healthy, and Flourish in a Law Firm. You can reach her at [email protected].