Tag: balance

  • Working with legal secretaries – my experience.

    Without a doubt, whether you are a trainee or solicitor, whether in a big firm or small local one, you will come across Legal secretaries. They are without doubt, an essential part of any law firm. They perform a wide range of tasks, from managing calendars and scheduling appointments to drafting legal documents and preparing for court appearances. In short, they keep the law firm running smoothly and I have found, worth their weight in gold!

    Given the importance of their role, it is essential that we solicitors treat their secretaries with respect and courtesy. I have been amazed at how some, including trainees and legal executives, in the past firms I’ve worked with have treated the legal secretaries as beneath them and underestimated their abilities vastly! I have found the opposite to be true, where legal secretaries know a huge amount, and have a vast amount of experience in many areas of law. I have often relied on them for help and advice and they have often come to my aid. I think, starting as a NQ, you should keep the following in mind;

    • Be polite and professional. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating. Secretaries are professionals, and they deserve to be treated as such. Always use a respectful tone of voice, and treat them as you would want to be treated.
    • Be clear and concise in your instructions. Secretaries are busy people, often doing work for two or three different solicitors, so it’s important to be clear and concise when you give them instructions. This will help to ensure that they understand what you need and that they can complete the task as quickly and efficiently as possible.
    • Be appreciative of their work. Secretaries often go above and beyond their job descriptions. Take the time to thank them for their hard work and let them know that you appreciate their contributions to the law firm. It costs nothing to do and makes them feel part of the team. If they feel you appreciate them, believe me, they will do what they can for you.
    • Be open to feedback. Secretaries are often in a position to see things that solicitors don’t. If they have a suggestion or a recommendation, be open to hearing it. They may be able to offer valuable insights that can help you to improve your work. I often would give my secretary my bill drafts to review, and other documents to clients. They have founds things I’ve missed and saved me future hassle.

    Here are some additional tips for treating your secretary in a law firm:

    • Be respectful of their time. Don’t expect them to drop everything they’re doing to answer your questions or complete your requests. If you need something urgently, let them know ahead of time.
    • Be organised. If you have a lot of tasks that need to be completed, try to organise them in a way that makes sense for your secretary. This will help them to prioritise their work and to get things done more efficiently.
    • Be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan, so be prepared to be flexible with your secretary. If they need to adjust their schedule or take on additional work, be understanding and supportive.
    • Be communicative. If you have any questions or concerns about your secretary’s work, be sure to communicate them in a clear and respectful way. This will help to ensure that you’re both on the same page and that any problems can be resolved quickly and easily.

    Essentially, just remember that your secretary is going to be vital to you and treat them with respect and from time to time show them that you value their work and that you appreciate their contributions to the law firm. This will help to create a positive and productive work environment for everyone involved.

  • Work Life Balance for a Newly Qualified Solicitor

    The legal profession is known for its demanding nature, long hours, and high levels of stress. Balancing work and personal life can be challenging for an experienced solicitor, never mind a newly qualified one who is trying to impress and build a career. It is essential for overall well-being and professional success to try and figure our some kind of balance, and important to remember that what may work for me, may not work for someone else. Here are some thoughts and things I have learnt:-

    1. Set Clear Boundaries
    2. Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Define specific working hours and stick to them as much as possible. Avoid checking emails or taking work calls during non-working hours unless it is an emergency. Communicate these boundaries to colleagues and clients to manage expectations effectively.
    3. Prioritize and Delegate
    4. Efficient time management is crucial in the legal profession. Prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance, and focus on high-value activities. Delegate non-essential tasks to colleagues or support staff whenever possible. Learning to delegate effectively allows you to reduce your workload and free up time for personal commitments.
    5. Schedule Personal Time
    6. Intentionally schedule personal time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, exercising, or simply unwinding, allocate dedicated slots in your calendar. Treating personal time as non-negotiable will help maintain a healthy work-life balance.
    7. Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms
    8. The legal profession can be stressful, so it’s essential to develop healthy coping mechanisms. Engage in activities that reduce stress, such as regular exercise, meditation, or mindfulness practices. Consider seeking support from mentors, therapists, or support groups to help manage work-related pressures.
    9. Learn to Say No
    10. As a newly qualified solicitor, there will always be demands on your time and you will want to take on as much as possible to impress and show that you can handle and manage your workload. However, it’s important to recognise your limits and learn to say no when necessary. Overcommitting yourself can lead to burnout and negatively impact both your work and personal life. Prioritise your well-being by setting reasonable limits on your workload.
    11. Utilise Technology and Flexibility
    12. Embrace technology to enhance efficiency and flexibility. Take advantage of legal software, productivity tools, and virtual collaboration platforms to streamline tasks and enable remote work when appropriate. Embracing flexible work arrangements can help you better manage your time and achieve a healthier work-life balance.
    13. Communicate with Your Firm or Supervisor
    14. If you are struggling to maintain a work-life balance, have an open and honest conversation with your firm or supervisor. I have found that my manager and firm are very understanding and willing to help and assist if you speak and be honest about the struggles you may be having. I have never found myself being singled out and “punished” for speaking the truth.

    Finding a work-life balance in the field of law is a continuous effort, but it is crucial for your personal well-being and long-term success. By setting boundaries, prioritising tasks, scheduling personal time, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and utilising technology and flexibility, you can navigate the demands of the legal profession while still maintaining a fulfilling personal life. Remember, taking care of yourself is not only essential for your happiness but also enhances your ability to serve your clients effectively.