Life of Newly Qualified UK Lawyer

Category: Day to Day

  • Dealing with Difficult Solicitors.

    There will always be that one solicitor on the other side, whether it is in a conveyancing transaction, litigation or something else, that will be hard to work with. It will seem they are deliberately trying to make things more difficult than they have to be and most of the issues they have raised are non-existent and nothing that needs to be debated about. Generally, the legal profession is in itself demanding and often an adversarial one, so it is one more added factor when you have to deal with difficult Solicitors, in particular, especially when it is in a high-pressure situation, and you are dealing with complex legal issues and often difficult clients. I should say that in most cases many of the solicitors I have worked with are professional and courteous, but there have been a couple of difficult ones.

    Dealing with difficult solicitors can be challenging, and believe me you will come across them sooner or later, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are a number of things that I have learnt going through this which I hope will help you too.

    Here are some tips for dealing with difficult solicitors:

    • Identify the source of the conflict. What is causing the difficulty? Is it a personality clash, a difference in working styles, or a disagreement over legal strategy? Sometimes it is because the solicitor on the other side is a lot more experienced and believe that their way is the best way and that know what is best. It is important, from your own perspective to try and think about what the issue is and use this to move on and realise that the issue is not with you and is entirely on them.
    • Communicate assertively. Stick with what you know and asset your position firmly with reasoning but in a polite manner. These emails are difficult and can take a few drafts but have confidence in your ability and your legal understanding. If needs be get a second opinion from someone in your own firm and get their take to make sure you are on the right track and take confidence from that and adjust your position accordingly. Don’t feel shame for being wrong or having to amend your position. We are all learning.
    • Listen actively. Try to understand the solicitor’s perspective. What might be motivating their behavior? Put yourself in their position, especially in a conveyancing transaction. Are they just trying to protect their client’s interests? Would you do the same if you were on the other side of the transaction?
    • Establish clear boundaries. In the very rare occasion that a solicitor crosses the line and actually is rude or unprofessional, call them out and make it clear that you will not accept that kind of behaviour.
    • Seek support from others. Don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted colleagues or mentors for support and advice. Discussing the situation with others can help you gain perspective and develop effective strategies.
    • Prioritise your well-being. Remember to take care of yourself. If dealing with a difficult solicitor is causing you significant stress or anxiety, prioritise your mental health by taking breaks and seeking professional help if needed.

    Here are some additional tips for dealing with difficult solicitors:

    • Focus on the client’s best interests. Never let your personal feelings about the solicitor interfere with your duty to your client.
    • Document your interactions. Keep a record of your communications with the solicitor, especially if there are any disagreements or conflicts. This documentation can be helpful if you need to escalate the issue to your supervisor or the Law Society.

    Remember, dealing with difficult solicitors is a part of the job. But at the end of the day they are your colleagues and often things work out. Always seek help if you need it, never feel you are on your own or have to deal with things yourself.

  • The Power of Doing Nothing: Why Creative People, like solicitors Need Downtime.

    I don’t think that it is stretching logic for me to say that solicitors are creative individuals. It is part of the job – we can come up with solutions to problems that our clients are having. It can be a fast-paced, achievement-oriented job and the idea of doing nothing is often met with skepticism and disapproval within firms or even by colleagues and those higher up in the company. We’re constantly bombarded with messages that tell us to be productive, to make the most of every minute, and to never stop striving for more. But in the midst of this relentless pursuit of productivity, we often overlook a crucial element for creativity: downtime!

    I agree with the above statement and believe that creative people, more than most, need time to just sit around and do nothing. This may seem counterintuitive, but periods of rest and idleness are essential for fostering innovation and generating new ideas. When we allow our minds to wander freely, we open ourselves up to unexpected connections and insights that might otherwise elude us. I have found that a lot of the solutions I have come up with for some quite complex scenarios came from just sitting and allowing my mind to wander in the direction that it wanted.

    So what what have I found personally and from research?

    1. Incubation Period: Creativity often doesn’t happen in a sudden burst of inspiration; it often involves an incubation period where ideas simmer and percolate in the subconscious mind. Downtime provides the space for this incubation to occur.
    2. Mental Recharge: Just like our physical bodies need rest to recover, our brains also need time to recharge. When we’re constantly engaged in focused mental activity, our cognitive resources become depleted. Downtime allows our brains to rest and replenish these resources, making us more mentally refreshed and receptive to new ideas.
    3. Mind-Wandering: Daydreaming and mind-wandering are often seen as distractions, but they can actually be powerful tools for creativity. When we let our minds wander, we make unexpected connections and associations that can lead to novel ideas.
    4. Perspective Shift: Stepping away from a problem or task can give us a fresh perspective and allow us to see it in a new light. Downtime provides the distance we need to break out of our habitual thinking patterns and generate innovative solutions.

    So, perhaps the next time you feel tempted to fill every moment with activity, remember that doing nothing can be just as productive. It is not always possible but take some time each day to simply relax, let your thoughts wander, maybe at your coffee break or lunch break – another reason why some time away from the desk is vital – never ignore your breaks!

  • Encouragement helps you move forward.

    Why encouragement is important at work!

    Let’s face it – we have all worked for firms or companies that took us for granted. Who didn’t make us feel appreciated or valued. I have found that the larger the law firm, the more this applies, although this is now changing. I have led teams and been a team member and have always felt the encouragement of others in that team was crucial to motivation and success. Encouragement is essential for success in any workplace. It can help employees to feel valued, motivated, and engaged. It is no surprise that when employees are encouraged, they are more likely to perform well, be innovative, and go above and beyond their job duties.

    So why is encouraging others so important?

    • Increased productivity. If people feel valued and appreciated they are more likely to be productive. They are also more likely to take on new challenges and go that extra mile.
    • Improved morale. A positive and supportive work environment is essential for morale. Encouragement helps to create a culture where people feel valued and respected. 
    • Enhanced creativity. Encouragement fosters a creative and innovative work environment. I have found that if people feel comfortable expressing their ideas and taking risks they are more likely to come up with new and innovative solutions.
    • Improved teamwork. Encouragement helps to build trust and cooperation among those in the team. When team members feel supported by their colleagues, they are more likely to work together to achieve common goals.

    Encouragement can come from a variety of sources, including managers, colleagues, clients, and customers. It can be as simple as a word of praise, a handwritten note, and sometimes even a small gift. Even small gestures of encouragement can make a big difference.

    I do not think that all the responsibility lies with managers or directors in the firm to take it upon themselves to purposely go around, in almost an insincere way, to encourage people. It should be done by everyone to each other. Encouraging work colleagues and people can have such a profound impact on them and you and I have found creates a much better work place environment.

    At the end of the day, it costs nothing to be nice to each other and if some genuine encouragement can be thrown in to support people, what harm does it do to you? Try it and take a positive approach to working with people in your firm. You will see a difference!

  • A Day in the Life of a Conveyancing Solicitor.

    Although the title is, “A Typical Day in the Life of a Conveyancing Solicitor” it is probably somewhat inaccurate as there is no typical day for a conveyancing solicitor. Perhaps that is why it is such a good job – no two days are the same and each day is scattered with different problems and issues that need addressing. One day you could be booked solid with appointments with clients, and another dealing with queries from solicitors working for the respective Vendor or Purchaser. The work will also vary depending on what stage of the conveyancing process the clients are at. However, after a long think and a look through my diary, here is a general overview of what a typical day might look like:

    Morning

    • Arrive at the office and check emails and voicemail as well as get a coffee on the go, which is an absolute necessity!
    • Prioritise tasks for the day, looking at any urgent matters or deadlines.
    • Review contract and title deeds, raise enquiries, and report to clients on their contents (I tend to wait until everything has been provided before drafting a comprehensive report on title to the clients and providing them a copy of the most important documents. This is very time-consuming and takes a lot of time and focus. I would also leave any draft report a day or two before reviewing again and checking if anything needs to be changed before sending it. This was some advice that was given to me by a senior solicitor who said that you should never send a document of any importance straight away but leave it a day or so and reflect and re-read it to make sure it is correct. Time away from something that you have been focusing on for so long can help you spot any errors that you might not pick up on.
    • Draft and send legal documents, such as contracts and transfer deeds.
    • Liaise with other parties involved in the transaction, such as estate agents, other solicitors, and lenders.

    Afternoon

    • Continue to review and draft documents.
    • Respond to emails and phone calls.
    • Chase up outstanding matters with other parties.
    • Update clients on the progress of their transaction.
    • Attend meetings with clients or other parties, if necessary.

    Evening

    • Finish off any urgent tasks that need to be completed.
    • Review and prepare for the following day’s work by “rolling over” any tasks that I just was not able to get to.

    I wish I could say that everything runs smoothly and there are never any issues, but that of course would be quite a lie! These are some of the things that I have noticed:-

    • Conveying can be a complex and time-consuming process, with many different parties involved. This can lead to delays and frustration for clients, not to mention the frustrations and disappointments you face as a solicitor.
    • Conveyancing solicitors must be able to understand and apply complex legal principles. This requires a high level of knowledge and expertise.
    • Conveyancing solicitors must be able to manage their time effectively and prioritise tasks. This is essential to ensure that deadlines are met and clients are kept informed of the progress of their transaction.
    • Conveyancing solicitors must be able to deal with difficult clients and other parties. This can require good communication and negotiation skills.

    Despite the challenges, conveyancing is a rewarding career. Conveyancing solicitors play an important role in helping people buy and sell their homes, and they can make a real difference in their clients’ lives. Usually, the pros outweigh the cons in this profession and the thanks and gratitude of the people you help is genuine and definitely help you feel you have made a difference in the life of someone.

  • Lacking Motivation? It happens! More often than you think!

    After the excitement of qualifying and shock of sudden responsibility one you get into the daily grind there can be days where you simply can lack the motivation to work, not because of anything particular, but for some reason, you open that file you have been working on and you find it difficult to get started or you find yourself just staring out the window not doing anything with a empty mind. I think this is a more common experience for people than is admitted. Having thought about this and spoken to other colleagues who have experienced the same thing, it can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, burnout, boredom, or even dissatisfaction with what you are doing. Whatever the cause, lack of motivation can make it difficult to focus, be productive, and achieve your goals for that day or even that week or month.

    Whenever I start to experience lack of motivation at work, there are a few things I have found that have helped me to get back on track. These may not work for you, but I though it was worth sharing them and maybe something will help someone:

    1. Identify the root cause. The first step is to try to figure out what’s causing your lack of motivation. Once you know the cause, you can start to work on addressing it. For example, if you’re feeling stressed or burned out, you may need to take some time for yourself to relax and recharge. If you’re bored or dissatisfied with your job, you may need to talk to your manager about taking on new challenges or finding a new role.
    2. Set realistic goals. When you’re feeling unmotivated, it’s important to set small, achievable goals for yourself. This will help you to feel a sense of accomplishment and build momentum. Start by breaking down your larger goals into smaller tasks. Then, set deadlines for yourself and stick to them.
    3. Take breaks. It’s important to take breaks throughout the workday, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Get up and move around, or step outside for some fresh air. Taking breaks will help you to stay focused and motivated.
    4. Reward yourself. When you achieve a goal, reward yourself with something you enjoy. This will help you to stay motivated and on track. Your reward can be anything from taking a break to do something you love to buying yourself a small gift.
    5. Talk to someone. If you’re struggling to deal with lack of motivation on your own, talk to a friend, family member, therapist, or coach. They can offer support and guidance.

    I have also found that it may be useful to consider doing some of the following:

    • Find a purpose. Think about what’s important to you and why you’re doing this work. Having a sense of purpose can help you to stay motivated, even when things are tough.
    • Set goals for yourself. What do you want to achieve in your career? Having specific goals in mind can help you to stay focused and motivated.
    • Break down large tasks into smaller ones. This will make them seem less daunting and more manageable.
    • Take breaks throughout the day. Get up and move around, or step outside for some fresh air. Taking breaks will help you to stay focused and motivated.
    • Reward yourself for your accomplishments. This will help you to stay motivated and on track.
    • Surround yourself with positive people. People who are positive and supportive can help you to stay motivated and upbeat.

    I am not saying that any of these things will work for you, it will depend on you as a person, your role, the work you are doing, amongst other things. Personally, I have found some of these work well and have helped me to re-focus and get back on track. I am not saying that the days of no motivation will not come back, they do – from time to time – but I find I can, for the moment, find my way out.