Published in Law.com’s The Legal Intelligencer
In an article published on March 19 in Law.com’s The Legal Intelligencer, VF Law Attorney Brittaney Bones discusses how reflexive apologizing can undermine early career confidence and credibility in everyday professional communication. She recounts how her interaction with a female partner early in her career changed her perspective on workplace communication and how small language shifts make a difference in how one is perceived.
“She explained that apologizing for asking a question, especially one that was part of my job, was unnecessary,” writes Bones. “It was a habit, she told me, that many women bring into the profession without even realizing it.”
Asking questions without fear is a crucial skill, and unnecessary apologies can frame routine work interactions as inconveniences, even when the intent is simply politeness. Bones shares practical alternatives that keep communication respectful and professional while sounding more direct and self-assured.
“These adjustments may seem minor, but they can have a lasting impact over the course of a career. Identifying habits that contribute to unnecessary stress—and taking steps to address them—can help young lawyers build resilience early on,” Bones writes. “Doing so not only improves day-to-day job satisfaction but also helps create a more sustainable path forward in a demanding profession.”
Read the article in full, click here (subscriber-based).