Listen to Ted

In the throes of the pandemic, and the associated uncertainty that followed, it is unsurprising that Apple TV’s “Ted Lasso”—a show about a quirky coach from Kansas City adapting to a new kind of football—stole the hearts of audiences, including my own. While the show is light in nature, the complexity of life and the challenges we all face both professionally and personally is highlighted throughout the first and second seasons.

Through it all, the beauty of the show lies in Ted’s unwavering optimism against all odds. In the football world of established rules and practices, Coach Lasso proves that a little ingenuity and a whole lot of heart can make a difference both on and off the field.

The lessons from the show’s titular character go beyond sports and translate into the world of law. While I’m sure Coach Lasso could teach anyone a thing or two, his example of adaptability and positivity is especially relevant to young associate attorneys, who, just like Ted, have suddenly been thrust into a new and perplexing environment.

While law school and bar preparation go a long way in priming new lawyers to practice, some things just have to be learned “on the field.” With that said, the following Lasso-isms (and technically one Tartt-ism) serve as reminders to us as associate attorneys to follow Coach Lasso’s lead and approach the practice of law with adaptability, ingenuity, and (mostly) unwavering optimism.

1. “You could fill two internets with what I don’t know about football [or law].”—Ted Lasso

As an associate, no matter what your practice area, new issues will always present themselves. Practicing law is an exercise in lifelong learning. Take each new issue as an opportunity to learn, expand your knowledge base, and slowly fill up your playbook. Also, fortunately for us as associates, we have access to wonderful legal resources to help fill our own personal internet. Word of advice, always save good practice guides and legal precedent.

Also, never forget that the practice of law is often a team sport. Rely on the experience and mentorship of your colleagues, just like Ted relies on the expertise and knowledge of his colleagues, Nathan and Coach Beard. 

2. “Be a goldfish.”—Ted Lasso

Ted reminds us the happiest creature in the animal kingdom is a goldfish. And why is that? Because a goldfish (allegedly) has a memory of only three seconds. One of the biggest pitfalls of our profession, especially in the first few years, is getting into your own head. While it is best not to forget those mistakes—and learn from your experiences—fear of failure can be crippling to your practice. Don’t let the memory of past missteps cloud your future. Just keep swimming, embrace those redlines, learn from your mistakes, and be the goldfish.

3. “Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, probably doing it wrong.”—Ted Lasso

Tackling a new assignment or project can be daunting. In law and in life, we are constantly pushed out of our comfort zone. When challenges present themselves, don’t settle for staying within your comfort level—push yourself to embrace the uncomfortable and build up your legal “muscles” until what used to be uncomfortable becomes second nature.

4. “Coach, I’m me. Why would I want to be anyone else?”—Jamie Tartt

Ted’s retort to the egotistical Jamie Tartt’s profession of self-love is worth noting. He remarks, “I’m not sure you realize how psychologically healthy that actually is.” At times, it’s hard to appreciate our own skill sets and expertise. Don’t be afraid to be confident in what you know, and never stop pursuing personal and professional growth.

Furthermore, emphasis on the mental health of lawyers and acknowledging the need to care for, and about, ourselves has been a growing consideration in the practice of law. As my mother—who’s a bit like Ted herself—says, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” So, on those days when you maybe aren’t feeling Jamie Tartt-level confidence, take a moment to focus on yourself so you can be your best individually and as a team player.  

5. “As the man once said, ‘The harder you work, the luckier you get.’”—Ted Lasso

This quote speaks for itself. While pure dumb luck strikes every once in a while, the most surefire way to get lucky is to work hard. You don’t have to be a genius to push yourself and improve every day. 

6. “He thinks he’s mad now, wait till we win him over.”—Ted Lasso

Embrace the philosophy of Ted and don’t let anyone discourage you from being the best you can be—whether that be opposing counsel or that partner or senior associate. Go high when others go low, and respect will follow. You never know when you just might win someone over.

7. “There’s two buttons I never like to hit: that’s panic and snooze.”—Ted Lasso

It’s no secret that the legal profession can be stressful. It is easy to get caught up putting out fires, and even easier to burn out from constantly applying the panic button. As a new associate, or even a mid-high level associate, it can be difficult to tell a true emergency from what really could be completed tomorrow. This uncertainty can lead to keeping a heavy hand on the panic button.

Constant stress and pressure can lead to burnout, which leads to pressing snooze on those annoying assignments you never seem to get off your plate. While there is no perfect solution to the highs and lows of associate life, when you are tempted to go into panic mode, or you cannot find the motivation to lay off the snooze button, take a deep breath, collect yourself, communicate with your team, and determine what needs to be done now versus what can take the back burner (temporarily). Don’t wear yourself out stressing over the small stuff.

8. “I always thought tea was going to taste like hot brown water. And do you know what? I was right. It’s horrible”—Ted Lasso

This Lasso-ism speaks to my own heart. Personally, there’s not much a cup of coffee—or three—can’t fix. While all that caffeine is necessary in some situations, sometimes it is OK to slow it down and maybe try out a nice chamomile or decaf tea—even if it tastes like hot brown water.