This month’s spotlight shines on Joel Morris of Harper Grey.
How did you first get involved with CLEBC?
When I started practicing, my mentors were actively involved with CLEBC—organizing courses, presenting, and contributing to publications. I quickly recognized the crucial role CLEBC plays in providing legal education to lawyers at all levels. Inspired by my mentors and the importance of the junior-senior counsel relationship, I approached CLEBC with an idea for a course called How to Be a Great Litigation Junior, based on the training at our firm. We launched the first course in 2017 and repeated it in 2019 and 2022.
What are you currently working on (or have most recently worked on) with CLEBC?
I am working with CLEBC on the next How to Be a Great Litigation Junior course, scheduled for Friday, September 20, 2024.
How did you decide to focus your practice in the area of civil litigation?
I was drawn to civil litigation because it offers a broad range of opportunities. While I am focused on civil litigation, this encompasses many areas of substantive law and different types of cases, including trials, appeals, administrative proceedings, and arbitrations. This variety suits my personal preference, as it keeps things interesting and rewarding—I am always learning.
You are the Mentor Partner at your firm, responsible for student recruitment and hiring. What is your best advice for a junior lawyer?
I often advise students and junior lawyers about where to practice. I encourage them to look for two things: work they are interested in and people they want to work with. If you don’t enjoy your work, practice will be even more challenging. However, no matter how much you enjoy the work, the relationships you have with your colleagues are the most important part of your practice.
And now looking at it from the other side, what is your best tip for being a good mentor?
Communication. I have benefited from great mentorship, which has been based on effective communication—a combination of listening, discussion, and respect.
What is the best thing since sliced bread?
Mobile technology—both the best and worst. It is the best when used to control when and where you work, providing flexibility and balance. It is the worst when that control is lost.