Life of Newly Qualified UK Lawyer

Category: Tips

  • The Attitude of a Property Solicitor: Navigating Client Queries with Expertise and Empathy.

    The world of property law can be intricate and difficult. Conveyance transactions can be fraught with complexity and uncertainty and the role of a property solicitor becomes indispensable. Whether facilitating a residential sale, negotiating commercial leases, or resolving disputes, property solicitors serve as guides, advocates, and problem-solvers for their clients. Central to their success is not only their legal acumen but also their attitude when dealing with client queries.

    Expertise: Firstly and high up the list, a property solicitor must possess a deep well of expertise in the intricacies of property law. From understanding the nuances of contracts and deeds to navigating building control regulations and the complexities of managing agents for apartments, a conveyancing solicitor’s knowledge must be both broad and precise. When faced with client queries, a solicitor’s expertise serves as the bedrock upon which trust is built. Clients rely on their solicitor to provide accurate, insightful answers to their questions, offering clarity and guidance in often murky waters.

    Empathy: Beyond expertise, empathy is important for effective client communication. Buying or selling property can be an emotionally charged experience, fraught with stress and uncertainty. A skilled property solicitor should recognise this and approach client queries with sensitivity and understanding. I have learnt, often the hard way, that it is important to take time to listen to your clients’ concerns and offering reassurance where needed but most importantly complete honesty. By demonstrating empathy, solicitors foster trust and rapport with their clients, paving the way for smoother transactions and more positive outcomes.

    Clear Communication: In the realm of property law, clarity is paramount. Clients often come to their solicitor with questions about complex legal concepts or convoluted contractual language. A skilled solicitor possesses the ability to distill these complexities into clear, digestible explanations that empower their clients to make informed decisions. Whether communicating via email, phone, or face-to-face meetings, clarity and transparency are very important. A solicitor who can communicate effectively instills confidence in their clients, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.

    Proactive Problem-Solving: Conveyancing can often bring up unexpected challenges which are part for the course, even in what at the beginning seem to be the most simple of transactions. From title defects to financing issues, solicitors must be adept problem-solvers, anticipating obstacles before they arise and swiftly addressing them when they do. When confronted with client queries related to potential roadblocks or complications, a proactive solicitor takes decisive action, exploring solutions and offering strategic guidance. It is easier said that done, but trying to stay one step ahead can often help avoid delays and problems later down the road.

    Property law is dynamic and each transaction is never the same. The attitude of the solicitor when dealing with client queries can make all the difference. By combining expertise with empathy, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving, solicitors not only provide valuable legal counsel but also foster trust, confidence, and peace of mind for their clients. As trusted advisors and advocates, property solicitors play a vital role in guiding their clients through the complexities of property transactions, ensuring that their interests are protected every step of the way.

  • 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!

  • 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.