Why Every Associate Should Keep a Running List of Matters
When you’re deep in the grind of practice, it’s easy to lose track of all the cases, deals, and projects you’ve worked on. But keeping a running list of your matters is one of the smartest professional habits you can build as an attorney. Whether you’re a litigator or a corporate associate, a matter log pays dividends over time.
Here’s why.
It Makes Transitions So Much Easier
If you decide to explore a lateral or even an in-house move, a matter list becomes invaluable:
Writing Samples: For litigators, a list helps you quickly identify briefs, motions, or other documents you can use (subject to confidentiality rules) when firms request a sample.
Deal Sheets: For corporate attorneys, firms often expect a detailed deal sheet as part of your application. If you’ve kept a running list, compiling one is painless. If not, you may find yourself scrambling to remember deal terms from two years ago.
Interview Prep: Having a list of matters and deals you’ve worked on helps enormously when preparing for interviews. At a glance, you can take stock of the types of clients you typically work with and the skills you’ve honed over time.
It Helps You Reflect on Your Career
A matter list isn’t just for job applications—it’s also a career compass. By looking back at your work, you can see the types of matters you’ve handled most often, and which ones you’ve enjoyed (or not).
This reflection can help you think strategically about where you want to go next. Do you want more trial experience? A shift toward a different industry group? More public-facing work? A record of your matters makes those insights clearer.
How to Keep a Matter List
The key is consistency, not complexity. A simple spreadsheet or private Word doc is enough. Include:
Client name (or a generic description, if confidential)
Type of matter or deal
Your role and responsibilities
Key skills developed (e.g., deposition prep, drafting M&A agreements, negotiating terms)
Outcome or status
Set a reminder once a month to update it—ten minutes is all it takes. Avoid storing it on firm servers; keep it personal and private.
A Recruiter’s Perspective
When candidates come to us without a matter list, the lateral process almost always takes longer. They spend days digging through old billing entries or trying to remember deal terms, which slows down applications. By contrast, candidates who keep an updated log can move quickly, present polished deal sheets, and stand out as organized and prepared.
The Bottom Line
Your matters are your professional story. Keeping an updated list helps you tell that story—whether to a future employer or to yourself. Even ten minutes a month is enough to jot down key details and keep your log current. Trust us: your future self will thank you.
