Life of Newly Qualified UK Lawyer

Most Recent Posts from Learning Lawyer.

  • 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.

  • Mental Health and Being a Solicitor – My Own Personal Experience.

    I have been a qualified solicitor for just over one year! I noticed an immediate change in how my work life changed – which was a shock and surprise I was not expecting. It was almost as if the safety net I had been working with was very suddenly and quickly removed and to an extent which was noticeable. There is not doubt that working in the legal sector, in whatever role, can be rewarding but is also a challenging career. However, it is also a profession that is known for its high levels of stress and anxiety. In fact, there are studies out there which show that over 70% of solicitors have experiences some kind of stress and/or anxiety connected with their job and role. This is very evident with the push of Law Societies in the UK pushing mental health and wellbeing services to the solicitors they serve. There is not a month which goes by, where I get an email promoting various options available to solicitors who are experiencing mental health issues or need someone to talk too about the issues they are experiencing with work and their mental health.

    Whether it is just that mental health is a more open issue which people feel comfortable with or that it is a major issue in society, I have found that there are a number of factors that can contribute to mental health problems in the legal sector, some of which I have experienced myself and feel we should all be aware off to try and address any potential issues which could be on the horizon before they become big problems. These include:

    • Long hours and heavy workloads. Solicitors are often expected to work long hours and meet tight deadlines. This can lead to stress, burnout, and exhaustion.
    • A competitive culture. The legal profession is highly competitive, and solicitors, in particular newly qualified and junior solicitors, often feel pressure to excel. This can lead to anxiety and self-doubt.
    • The nature of the work. Solicitors often deal with difficult and sensitive cases, which can be emotionally draining. They may also be exposed to trauma, which can lead to PTSD.
    • Lack of support. Some law firms do not offer adequate support to their employees, which can make it difficult for their solicitors to cope with mental health problems. Although, thankfully Law Societies are trying to address this.

    What can be done to improve mental health in the legal sector?

    There are a number of things that can be done to improve mental health in the legal sector. These include:

    • Promoting a healthy work-life balance. Law firms should encourage their employees to take breaks and time off, and to set realistic workloads.
    • Creating a supportive culture. Law firms should create a culture where solicitors feel comfortable talking about their mental health and seeking support.
    • Providing training and support. Law firms should provide training to their employees on mental health and stress management. They should also offer support services, such as employee assistance programs.

    What can solicitors do to protect their mental health?

    There are a number of things that lawyers can do to protect their mental health. These include:

    • Setting boundaries. It is important for solicitors to set boundaries between their work and personal lives. This means not working long hours every night and taking time for themselves to relax and recharge.
    • Taking breaks. Solicitorss should take regular breaks throughout the day, even if it is just for a few minutes. Getting up and moving around, or taking a few deep breaths, can help to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
    • Talking to someone. If solicitors are feeling overwhelmed, they should talk to someone they trust, such as a friend, family member, or therapist. Talking about their problems can help them to feel better and develop coping mechanisms.

    Seeking professional help

    If you are a solicitor and you are struggling with your mental health, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you to understand your mental health problems and develop coping mechanisms. They can also provide support and guidance.

    There are a number of organisations that offer support to solicitors with mental health problems. These include:

    • LawCare (UK)
    • Mental Health in Law (UK)

    Please remember that you are not alone. Many solicitors struggle with their mental health. If you are struggling, please reach out for help.

  • Administration – Is it necessary?

    Watching TV shows like Ally McBeal and Suits, to name but a couple, you get the impression of this high-powered, high-stress, always-on-the-go job which is portrayed as being the norm if you become a solicitor. I hate to burst any bubbles, but in reality, that is, for the most part, not the case. Of course, there are times when excitement pertaining to court cases and the like happens, but solicitors are responsible for a wide range of tasks outside of the TV-portrayed excitement, which often takes up the bulk of a legal professional’s time. This includes providing legal advice and representation to clients, drafting legal documents, and conducting legal research. As well as that, there are always a number of administrative tasks that will need to be completed in order to keep everything flowing smoothly and to avoid calamity. Whether the solicitor does it themselves (which being the control freak that I am, I often do) or farms these out to paralegals, trainees, or junior solicitors, is a matter for the individual. One thing is for sure, if they are not doing it themselves, supervision will be needed and they will ultimately need to check and make sure that everything is correct, as they will need to sign off on them and it will be their “head on the block” if things are not as they should be.

    I have had a think through my daily tasks and have listed some of the most common administrative tasks that I do:

    • Managing client files: This includes organising and maintaining client files, as well as ensuring that all relevant documents are filed in a timely manner. This may include post from third parties related to the case or documents and items from the client. It is true that a lot of this is now done electronically and stored on an e-system, but I like having a folder containing the most pertinent information that I can look at and use at a glance. I think it also looks a bit more professional when meeting a client, that they can see a physical folder and not a laptop in front of them. It makes it a bit more personal. I think that the era of pen and paper is still here – not completely gone just yet!
    • Scheduling appointments: This includes scheduling meetings with clients, opposing counsel, and other professionals. I usually do this as I like to have full control of when I am seeing someone and gauge how much preparation time I will need before the meeting and in some cases, how much recovery time I will need after! Of course, if you have a secretary who knows you and knows your preferences and quirks, they probably can do this just as well and it is one less thing for you to keep hold of.
    • Filing documents: This includes filing documents with the court, as well as with other government agencies and solicitors. Although I get someone else to draft these papers, I look over, edit, amend, and approve them before asking a paralegal to serve.
    • Preparing correspondence: This includes preparing letters, emails, and other documents for clients. Alas, this is the bulk of a solicitor’s work. Although, this can be dictated and secretaries do the “writing”, I often find it quicker and easier to do a lot of this myself. The main reason is that I think my thought processes would be difficult for a poor secretary to figure out, and it would cause them stress and time trying to do this for me. This is ultimately, up to the individual solicitor and their way of dealing with this may be different from mine. There is no wrong way – you just find a way and system that works for you and go with it.

    Depending on the type of work that the solicitor is mainly engaged in and what the area is that they practice in there are other exciting elements such as:-

    • Drafting legal documents: This includes drafting contracts, wills, and other legal documents.
    • Negotiating settlements: This includes negotiating settlements with opposing parties.
    • Litigation: This includes providing support to lawyers during litigation, such as preparing witness statements and exhibits.

    The administrative tasks that a solicitor performs can be demanding and time-consuming, but they are essential and required. Over the past year practicing as a qualified solicitor, I have found the following to be critical in ensuring things run smoothly without hassle:-

    • Use a document management system: A document management system can help you to organise and store your client files and believe me it will save time, hassle and stress in the long run.
    • Automate as much as possible: There are a number of tasks that can be automated, such as scheduling appointments and sending out reminders. Automating these tasks can free up your time so that you can focus on more important things. This will depend a lot of how the company that you work for functions and what they have in place to assist with this. You may find that this may not be available to you and will rely on your secretary or paralegal.
    • Delegate tasks: If you have the ability to delegate tasks to others, such as legal secretaries or paralegals, do so. This can help you to free up your time and focus on the tasks that only you can do.

  • One Year Post Qualification – thoughts and musings.

    Yikes! That went fast! It has now been one year since I qualified as a solicitor. It feels like just yesterday when the time between training and qualification, but only a few months seemed like a lifetime. Waiting for that confirmation that my practicing certificate had been granted and I had been admitted into the noble profession I had worked so hard to get into. But now, I’m a fully-fledged solicitor, with all the responsibilities and challenges that that entails. I have documented some of those difficulties for you to read, and I really hope that you have enjoyed and gleaned something from my own experiences – both good and bad!

    There is no doubt in my mind that it has been a steep learning curve, moving from apprentice solicitor (with some form of safety net) to full-on solicitor, working things out as I go with sometimes a little dread and fear but marching on anyway. All being said I have loved every minute of it. I’ve had the opportunity to work on many cases and take responsibility for them. Meet and work for some amazing clients, some of whom have terrified me and some who have made me laugh a great deal with their amazing sense of humour and attitude to life. I have continued to learn much about the law and seem to learn new things each and every day. I work with amazing colleagues who guide and support me.

    Of course, there have been some tough times too. There have been cases that have been emotionally draining, and there have been times when I’ve felt like I’ve been in over my head. But I’ve always managed to pick myself up and keep going with the help of those around me. One of the main things that will stick with me is that you should never be afraid to ask for help or talk to someone. We sometimes have this idea that we are expected to work and deal with things on our own, but that is certainly not the case.

    One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about being a solicitor is the feeling of making a difference. I know that the work I do can help people, and that’s a really rewarding feeling.

    I’m still at the beginning of my career, but I’m excited to see what the future holds. I’m looking forward to continuing to learn and grow, and to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

    Here are some of the things I’ve learned in my first year as a solicitor:

    • The law is constantly changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date.
    • It’s essential to be able to think on your feet and adapt to new situations.
    • Communication is key. You need to be able to clearly explain complex legal concepts to clients.
    • Problem-solving is an essential skill. You’ll often be faced with difficult cases that require creative solutions.
    • Resilience is important. There will be times when you feel overwhelmed or defeated, but it’s important to keep going.
    • Never feel alone – speak up and ask for advice, help or someone else’s opinion – a fresh perspective can be a great help!

    If you’re thinking about becoming a solicitor, here are a few things I would recommend:

    • Get as much experience as you can. Volunteer at a law firm or legal aid clinic.
    • Get involved in extracurricular activities related to law. This will help you develop your legal skills and network with other lawyers.
    • Do your research and choose a law school that’s a good fit for you.
    • Be prepared to work hard. Becoming a solicitor is a challenging but rewarding career.

    Here is to year 1 and hopefully many more to come. I would love to hear from you and be able to advise help, guide or just read an email from a reader and your thoughts. Email me at hello@learninglawyer.co.uk or reach out on Threads, X(Twitter), or Instagram.

  • A Client has asked for a discount – what do I say?

    For many, in particular if you work for larger firms, you will probably not have to deal with this question from client. Most likely, someone more senior or in accounts will deal with the billing of clients. However, if like me, you are in a smaller firm, and dealing with clients on a one to one basis, you may well be asked this question – one which by all accounts could and sometimes does send a shover down the spine! Not because it is a bad question, but just one where, as a solicitor working in a firm with set fees, there is not much I can do. But the more prevalent question is, why should I even consider a discount?

    Perhaps, at the start of my career, I sometimes felt bad about charging clients the fees that I was, especially for work which was maybe not as complicated as areas I was dealing with for other clients. But as time has went one, I have thought this over, and take a completely different view now. I am offering a service which by all accounts is one which is specialised and so why should I not charge for that? For the time and expertise that I bring to any client’s issue that I have working on. In addition, at the very start of the process, the client will receive a letter detailing and outlining the fees before any work is carried out. They are well aware of what the potential cost could be, as an estimate is provided, and yet when asking for a discount at the end of the matter, why then should it be considered?

    It is certainly a question which will come up from time to time, and one to not take personally or a reflection on you. So I try to remember the following when that dreaded email or call comes in.

    1. Stay calm and professional. It’s understandable to feel frustrated or annoyed when a client asks for a discount, but it’s important to stay calm and professional. Remember, your client is probably feeling stressed and anxious about their legal situation, so it’s important to be empathetic and understanding.
    2. Find out why the client is asking for a discount. There are a few reasons why a client might ask for a discount. They may be struggling financially, they may not be aware of the full cost of your services, or they may simply be trying to negotiate a better price. Once you understand the reason for the request, you can better address it. As I said before, most firms will send a letter at the very start of the process providing an estimate, therefore clients should have a good idea of the final cost. It is probably worth referring them back to this letter in a polite and gentle way.
    3. Explain your fees. With reference to any letter setting fees out at the start of the process, explain why the fees are what they are. Always be clear and transparent about your fees. Explain what factors go into determining the final cost, such as the complexity of the case and the time involved. If the client is still not satisfied, you can offer to break down your fees in more detail or refer them to someone more senior.
    4. Offer a compromise. If the client is still adamant about getting a discount, you can offer a compromise. For example, you could offer to waive your hourly rate for the first few hours of work, or you could agree to them paying over a number of weeks. This would be unusual, and the case will have to be referred to someone more senior who can authorise this. To be honest, I would try to stay away from this, but take advice from your supervisor and see what can be done.
    5. Be prepared to take further legal action. If the client is not willing to pay your full fee, you may need to consider taking further legal action. This is not an easy decision, but it’s important to protect your own financial interests. Again, this will be the decision of someone more senior, but may be the only course of action to get the costs incurred by the firm and to get paid for work done and undertaken in good faith.

    It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best way to deal with a client who asks for a discount will vary depending on the specific circumstances. However, by following these tips, you can increase your chances of handling the situation in a professional and effective manner.

    Having said the above, some clients who have been with your firm for many years may qualify for some form of discount, so any rules the firm has on this could be referred to and applied in those cases.

  • Mental Health as a Solicitor: Challenges and Ways to Cope.

    It’s no secret that the legal profession is often associated with high levels of stress, pressure, and demanding workloads. As a solicitor, at whatever level you are at, whether trainee, junior solicitor, associate or higher you will often have significant responsibilities. Something that I have found out, is that it’s crucial to prioritise your own mental health. This in itself poses unique challenges considering what solicitors usually face on a daily basis never mind when it comes to mental well-being. However, here are some strategies to consider when trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

    Let’s start with some of the challenges faced by Solicitors:

    1. High Stress Levels: Legal cases can be emotionally charged and time-sensitive, leading to elevated stress levels. The weight of clients’ problems and the need to perform at a high level can take a toll on mental health.
    2. Long Working Hours: Solicitors often work long hours, including evenings and weekends whether that is to meet deadlines, client expectations or both! This can lead to burnout and have a negative impact on work-life balance.
    3. Client Expectations: Meeting clients’ expectations while managing realistic outcomes can be challenging. Striving for positive results while handling potential disappointments can contribute to emotional strain. We are trying to get the best possible outcome for clients, but sometimes we can only go so far, but often we are not willing to accept that and try to push further, adding unnecessary stress.
    4. Emotional Resilience: Solicitors deal with cases that involve sensitive subjects, making it essential to maintain emotional resilience and empathy while avoiding emotional exhaustion. This is easier said than done but as time goes on and experience gained you learn to build resilience.

    Maintaining Mental Well-being:

    1. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Dedicate time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.
    2. Prioritise Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep. These habits can enhance your ability to handle stress.
    3. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from colleagues, mentors, or professional counsellors. In fact, as part of some workplace health care policies there are ways to access professional therapists, so have a look to see what’s available. Discussing challenges with others as well as those who understand the legal profession can provide valuable insights and coping strategies.
    4. Time Management: Efficiently manage your time by prioritising tasks and breaking down large projects into smaller, manageable steps. This can help reduce feelings of overwhelm.
    5. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation techniques can help manage stress, improve focus, and promote a sense of calm amidst the chaos.
    6. Regular Breaks: Incorporate short breaks throughout the day to recharge. Stepping away from your desk, stretching, and taking a breath can refresh your mind and improve productivity.
    7. Delegate When Possible: Recognise when you can delegate tasks to colleagues or support staff. Sharing the workload can alleviate stress and prevent burnout.
    8. Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest legal developments and techniques. Ongoing learning can boost confidence and reduce anxiety when handling complex cases.

    As a solicitor, maintaining mental health is essential for both personal well-being and professional effectiveness. By recognising the challenges that come with the legal profession and implementing strategies for self-care and stress management, you can navigate the demands of the job while prioritising your mental well-being. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and taking steps to safeguard your mental health will ultimately benefit you, your clients, and the legal community as a whole.