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Was told I will receive a caseload of 15-20 cases upon starting. Lit. Defense. What can you guys recommend I do on day one? Organize? Reach out? Status updates? What did you all do? Non-big law. Thanks!!

Uh read the files.

zot1 wrote:Uh read the files.

Here is your first step.

kellyfrost wrote:

zot1 wrote:Uh read the files.

Here is your first step.

You prioritize the cases. Start with the oldest, see where you are.

well come on op start looking for that smoking gun!

Ideally, you'll get some kind of organized hand-off of the files or training, maybe even a status memo for each one. Short of that, definitely read the files as others have suggested, with an eye toward:

1) Basic facts/procedure - who is suing, who is opposing counsel, in what court, how far have they gotten [If there is no status memo for the file, put together a cheat sheet of this and other key info as you review.]
2) Upcoming deadlines - get these on your calendar ASAP so you can start to prioritize your workload
3) Case team members - who are the senior attorneys on the matter? The paralegal? They will be your best resource to figure out what you need to do and when.

That seems like a lot right away, but depends on what practice are you are in.

On top of what everyone else here said, try to stay organized.

Start a spreadsheet and jot down important notes about each case so you don't need to re-read entire files. Make a chart of your deadlines. I have a little paper calendar in my office but others do digital or whiteboards. You're going to have questions so after you read files organize all your issues and approach the appropriate personnel ready to fire. It's annoying for a senior when a trainee comes in to ask questions, and then pops back in for an additional extra question minutes/hour later.