I Am Young - But I Am Good At What I Do

...no this is not a play on words...

Attorney William Young

Today, I was in a meeting speaking to a potential client and her family. As the meeting was coming to a close I asked if anyone had any further questions I could answer. The potential client sat there looking like something was just on the tip of her tongue, waiting to get out. I immediately knew what her concern was; it is a concern I have dealt with over-and-over again. After taking a moment to compose her thoughts this concern was given voice: "You are young!"

Although this potential client seemed to be embarrassed by this (she was blushing and trying to laugh it off), it is a reasonable concern. If I was on the other side of the table I would be asking the same question: would someone older, someone who has been doing this longer, give me a better chance of a good outcome?

I am young, no way around it. I can not magically add ten years to my age (even if I could, I wouldn't want to). However, I am good at what I do. My clients think I am good at what I do (take a look at my reviews: click here). Instead of seeing my youth as a weakness, I see it as an advantage. So do my clients. Don't be fooled into believing age is critical to success in this profession - anyone who tells you otherwise is making a sales pitch. Yes, experience can lead to positive results. I readily admit that there must be some relationship between experience and skill - I am proud to say that I learn and grow with each passing day. However, this is not my first rodeo: I have helped hundreds of clients covering nearly every type of criminal case, I have more practical experience than many attorneys with a decade of legal experience, and I learned under the tutelage of some of the most skilled criminal lawyers in Idaho.

Relying purely on the grey in someone's hair or their years in practice is a mistake that can lead you to spend more money on an attorney who is bored, jaded, overworked, or just going through the motions.

I would never want someone to hire me if they did not trust that I give them the best chance at a positive outcome. Trust is the most critical element to any attorney-client relationship. I can not magically add 10 years to my age or work experience (even if I could, I wouldn't want to). If you are uncomfortable with my age or want to hire an attorney with more experience, I understand your concern. I am happy to recommend a couple of "more seasoned" attorneys who I highly respect.

I take my responsibility seriously. Unlike many other attorneys, my success is not determined by profit or status; it is a determined by client satisfaction. This is not achieved through "tricks of the trade" or slick "legal maneuvering." Client satisfaction requires empathy and a great deal of hard work - qualities that have nothing to do with age or experience.

Yes, I am "young" but if you give me the opportunity I will to prove that I am worthy of your trust.