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“Accompany him to meet clients and other advocates during the entire 5 years. Travel with him. Meet them, make friends and give an impression that you are competent as your father. Like, take the active role. Don't be just his 'Junior'.”
Do this carefully without treading on the toes of either other juniors in the office or on the toes of other advocates who may come to your father for any work. Fine line to be drawn, but it helps. It is one thing to be a little overconfident with some clients (I say overconfident because no matter how competent, you do not have your fathers experience yet, so there will always be something for your to learn and develop more): but other advocates, as well as “serial” seasoned clients, especially those who have worked with your father for several years, will spot the overconfidence especially if it is not backed by substance. You want to give them the impression at the beginning at least that you are learning and soaking in as much as you can, as well, and gradually come into your own over time.
Think of the 3 - 5 year period not as simply a waiting period: but you also want to learn and develop relationships and show, after 5 years, that you do deserve to inherit the practice too. Maintain good relationships and do not be brash with them. Do not boast about your father’s successes and practice as if it is already your own.
In other words: be as confident as possible - no doubt - but also keep backing that confidence up with substance. If you are caught out as being based only on bluster and air, it will be all the more difficult to get back on track.
It depends on what kind of a practice your father has. Was he making good money etc. Also on your situation - are you already having a good job.
Think whether is it worth to leave your present situation (whatever it is) to join your father practice. Only if you feel it's totally worth, leave. Otherwise your father would be able to give the practice and legacy to his other juniors-and make some money for his retirement through that way.
If you want to inherit his practice keep a few things in mind.
Accompany him to meet clients and other advocates during the entire 5 years. Travel with him. Meet them, make friends and give an impression that you are competent as your father. Like, take the active role. Don't be just his 'Junior'.
Otherwise yours fathers clients will no longer give work to you. Also over the time you must have a control over his practice.
If you want to really benefit from your father's practice. It will take 3 to 5 years.