“In 2017, I was honored to give a commencement address to a group of law students. I wanted to offer them meaningful, valuable, and practical suggestions as they embarked on their legal careers. So, when I was invited to write a Lesson for this book, I decided to expand on those remarks and tailor them to my new audience. I want to make clear at the outset (and not to disappoint the readers) that I do not have a magic formula that applies just to women; rather, my suggestions apply to both men and women.

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There is a French proverb, “Petit a petit, l’oiseau fait son nid.” It is a charming little phrase that is widely applied and translated as, “Little by little, the bird makes its nest.” Like the little bird, you need to patiently build your nest.”