Not all lessons are created equal.

Some lessons we learn are small. They are little reminders along the way of what truly matters.

Other lessons are giant. They fundamentally change the course of our entire lives.

Over the past 18 years working in legal, this is one of the most important lesson I've learned:

It's not about law

And here's why:

• Law is a business, and business is about people. Who you're working for (both clients and partners), and what drives them, is as important as what you know about the law. They will determine the quality of the work you do and impact - positively or negatively - your enjoyment and satisfaction.

• The business of law is about applying legal principles to context. Practice applying what you know to client problems as soon as you're able. This is crucial to providing value and building your reputation.

• Communication is key. The precision of your written and spoken words is paramount. Hone your communication skills and you'll go far.

Understanding people, applying the law to context, and good communication have been by far the most important aspects of my practice as a lawyer.

What lessons have you learned?