Tag: firm

  • How to decide on what area of Law to Specialise in.

    My main areas of practice are private client and residential conveyancing. The question a lot of trainees ask themselves during their training period, is what area to qualify into. Some may already have a good idea and know exactly what they are going to practice. Equally, quite a number, like myself, will be less sure and will be dipping their feet into different areas during their training contract in order to get an idea of what to go into. It is a big decision as it will affect your career path, your salary, and your overall satisfaction with your work. So how do you choose the right area of law for you?

    Here are a few things to consider:

    • Your interests. What are you passionate about? What kind of work do you find stimulating and rewarding? If you’re not interested in the subject matter, you’re less likely to be successful in it. I know that some will not have a choice in the firm they are with and it may be a case of sticking with it until you find somewhere that will offer you the role and area you want to go into. I was fortunate that I was doing my training in a firm which settled me into the areas I wanted to practice in and once qualified, I “hit the road running!”
    • Your skills and abilities. What are you good at? What kind of work do you enjoy doing? If you have natural talents and abilities in a particular area, you’ll be more likely to succeed in that area of law.
    • The job market. What are the job prospects in the area of law you’re interested in? Is there a demand for solicitors with your skills and experience gained during your training period. It is often the case though that the areas of work you want may not be available. More often than not the most popular areas of law like litigation, corporate etc are filled and many companies recruit from within. Some areas of law like conveyancing will have a lot of vacancies as they seem to be areas lacking professionals. Many maybe think this area does not provide as much glory but it is a very highly skilled area, worth going into.
    • Your career goals. What do you want to achieve in your career? Do you want to work in a big law firm? Start your own practice? Do public interest work? Your career goals should also factor into your decision about what area of law to specialise in.

    Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you can start to narrow down your choices. Just from looking at my own friends who qualified along with me, here are a few of the most popular areas of law I found them going into:-

    • Corporate law: This area of law deals with the legal issues that businesses face. Corporate solicitors help businesses with a wide range of matters, such as mergers and acquisitions, securities law, and contract law. Usually big international firms are offering this area and from what my friends have said there can be many perks, but equally a lot is demanded in terms of work hours and dedication to the job.
    • Intellectual property law: This area of law protects the creative works and inventions of individuals and businesses. Intellectual property solicitors help clients with copyright, trademark, and patent law.
    • Criminal law: This area of law deals with the prosecution and defense of individuals accused of crimes. It can take quite some time to establish yourself so worth getting in early and having a mentor to train and help you as your progress.
    • Civil litigation: This area of law deals with disputes between individuals and businesses. Civil litigators represent clients in a wide range of cases, such as personal injury, contract disputes, and employment law as well as land and boundary issues and other matters. Again, worth getting in early and having a mentor to train and help you get to grips with the practicalities of this area of law.
    • Family law: This area of law deals with the legal issues that arise from divorce, child custody, and adoption. This area of law can be emotionally charged and very draining but equally rewarding both personally and professionally.
    • Residential Conveyancing: Often a forgotten area and treated as a “hobby” by many firms to help bring in revenue quickly and have a cash flow as other areas are “long burners” and often payment could be years down the road whilst in conveyancing it is months. This is a highly specialised area as it takes someone very particular and aware of the nuances of land law in order to do it right. Often trained solicitors in this area are lacking and often as a result things can go wrong.
    • Private Client: This area of law deals with Wills, administration of Estates, Probate and advising on Inheritance Tax. Again, a very specialised area of law which takes a lot of time and training to become versed in.

    These are just a few of the many areas of law to specialise in. The best way to choose the right area of law for you is to do your research, talk to solicitors in different fields, and shadow solicitors to get a sense of what their work is like. With careful planning and consideration, you can choose an area of law that you’ll be passionate about and that will set you up for a successful career.

    Here are some additional tips for deciding what area of law to specialise in:

    • Take advantage of your law school resources. Many law schools offer courses and clinics in different areas of law. This is a great way to explore different fields and see what you’re interested in.
    • Talk to solicitors or friends in different fields. Ask solicitors and friends you have qualified (or are in the same boat as you) about their work, their career paths, and their jobs. This can give you valuable insights into different areas of law.
    • Shadow solicitors. This is a great way to get a firsthand look at what solicitors do in different fields. You could do this in the summer with schemes that run during this time or look for a week here and week there during breaks to get a feel.
    • Do your research. Read books and articles about different areas of law. This will help you learn more about the subject matter and the career opportunities in each field.
    • Trust your gut. Ultimately, the best way to choose an area of law to practice in is to follow your gut. I have found this to be something to always do – believe me, trust yourself – you will know!
  • Tips to deal with coming back to work after a holiday.

    For me, a holiday is great and I love to cut work ties, relax and forget about clients and everything sitting on my desk. However, about two days before I know my break is coming to an end, I start to get that feeling! The slight dread and fear of what lies on my desk and in my email. Returning back after a long break can feel daunting, especially if you have a lot of work to catch up on. Having done it a few times, here are some things I’ve picked up.

    1. Schedule a buffer day.

    If you can, try to schedule a buffer day before you officially return to work. To me, this is a day where no meetings or calls are scheduled. It is a day which I can use to ease in, look through post, review colleagues notes on files and start to review emails. I can start to compile a to do list, schedule my diary and organise my desk. Trust me, if you can put in a buffer day, do it!

    2. Check in with your team.

    During the first day back, check in with those who were looking after your files and other members of your team. This will help you to get up to speed on what’s been happening while you were away and to identify any urgent tasks that need your attention.

    3. Prioritise your tasks.

    Once you know what needs to be done, it’s important to prioritise your tasks. This will help you to focus on the most important things and to avoid getting overwhelmed. It will also help you identify which clients need that urgent call back and which can wait a little bit longer.

    4. Set realistic expectations.

    It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself when you’re trying to get caught up on work after a holiday. Don’t try to do everything at once, or you’ll just end up feeling stressed and overwhelmed as well as making mistakes which you wouldn’t ordinarily make.

    5. Take breaks.

    Don’t be tempted to try to do everything at once and neglect coffee breaks or lunch. Believe me this does not help you, you end up not being able to concentrate, loosing focus and just not feeling great!

    6. Ask for help.

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your team members or your manager. Don’t be a martyr! Get help, you will get to return the favour when they go on leave.

    Also, some side notes;

    • Use a to-do list to keep track of your tasks.
    • Set deadlines for yourself and stick to them.
    • Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.
    • Take advantage of technology to help you stay organised.
    • Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to others.

  • Writing emails to clients as a solicitor

    As a solicitor, effective communication with your clients is paramount to building trust, maintaining strong relationships, and delivering exceptional legal services. I have found that email is usually the primary means of correspondence. So, the question is what makes an email professional and makes the right impression on clients, ensuring clarity, professionalism and knowing you are coming across well to them.

    I think that the first thing is to make sure that you establish a Professional Tone. Maintaining a professional tone in emails is crucial. Always address clients respectfully, using appropriate salutations and formal language. Avoid jargon or legal terminology that clients may not understand. But, the number one rule is to be clear and simple while still maintaining the necessary level of professionalism.

    Try and see things from your client’s perspective. Try and consider your client’s level of legal knowledge and tailor your communication accordingly. Explain legal concepts and processes in a way that is easily understandable to them. Avoid overwhelming clients with excessive legal terminology or complex details.

    Think about the subject heading of your email. Craft subject lines that are concise, informative, and relevant to the content of the email. A clear subject line will help clients quickly identify the purpose and importance of your message. For example, instead of “Update,” use “Important Update Regarding Your Case: [Brief Description].”

    Structured and Organised Content.
    There is no excuse for sending sloppy email content to a client. Write in a logical and structured manner. Use paragraphs to separate different points or topics, making it easier for clients to follow along. Start with a brief introduction or summary of the purpose of your email. Present information in a sequential order. I have found that headings or bullet points for clarity work wonders with clients and will make your life easier as it will limit the back and fourth with questions and queries.

    Provide Context and Background.
    When discussing legal matters, it is essential to provide context and background information. Briefly summarise relevant events, case details, or any changes that have occurred since your last communication. This will help clients understand the context and relevance of your email, ensuring they are well-informed.

    Be Clear and Concise.
    Clients appreciate clear and concise communication. Use plain language to explain legal concepts, avoiding unnecessary jargon or complex terminology. Use short, focused sentences and avoid lengthy paragraphs to maintain readability.

    Anticipate and Address Questions.
    Consider the questions or concerns your clients may have after reading your email. Anticipate these queries and proactively address them in your message. Providing answers or suggestions in advance can save clients time and demonstrate your proactive approach to their legal matters.

    Proofread and Edit.
    This seems something that most would automatically do but I have found that in the heat of the moment and in the need to be quick and efficient this is often forgotten. Thoroughly proofread your emails before sending them. Correct any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure your message is clear and coherent. Pay attention to formatting, such as font styles and sizes, to maintain a professional appearance. A well-edited email reflects your attention to detail and professionalism as a solicitor.

    Respect Confidentiality and Security.
    As a solicitor, it is your duty to safeguard client confidentiality and sensitive information. Ensure you are using secure email platforms and take necessary precautions to protect client data. Be cautious about sharing sensitive information in emails and consider using encrypted attachments or secure file-sharing platforms when necessary.

    Timely Follow-Up.
    This one can is the one I find a solicitor can fall down on, and I include myself. Nothing annoys a client more than having to wait days for a response. Please, save yourself unnecessary heartache and respond to client emails promptly. Clients appreciate timely updates and acknowledgment of their concerns. Even if you cannot provide a detailed response immediately, acknowledge receipt of their email and set realistic expectations for when they can expect a thorough response.

    Without a doubt, effective email communication is an essential skill for solicitors to provide exceptional legal services and maintain strong client relationships. By adopting a professional tone, providing clear and concise information, and anticipating client questions, you can enhance your email correspondence and ensure that your clients feel valued and well-informed throughout as well as save yourself from heartache and fighting “battles” that don’t need to be fought!

    I’d love to hear from you and your thoughts. Follow me on Instagram @learninglawyeruk or email me at hello@learninglawyer.co.uk

  • 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.

  • How to create a good impression as a Trainee Solicitor.

    During my time as a Trainee I had good days and bad. Some were tougher than others and there were times, I questioned if the legal world was for me. But I pressed on and worked through everything with support from work colleagues and others. Here are a few things I learnt!

    • Be enthusiastic. Show your supervisors that you are eager to learn and that you are interested in the work. This will make you a more enjoyable person to work with and it will also make you more likely to be given challenging assignments.
    • Be proactive. Don’t wait to be told what to do. Take initiative and look for ways to contribute to the team. This will show your supervisors that you are a valuable asset to the firm.
    • Be reliable. Be someone that your supervisors can rely on to get the job done. This means being on time for work, meeting deadlines, and following instructions carefully.
    • Be resilient. The legal profession can be challenging at times. There will be times when you make mistakes and there will be times when you feel overwhelmed. It is important to be able to bounce back from these challenges and to keep moving forward.
    • Be personable. Get to know your colleagues and build relationships with them. This will make your time as a trainee more enjoyable and it will also make it easier for you to ask for help when you need it.
    • Be visible. Make sure that your supervisors and colleagues know that you are there and that you are willing to contribute. This means attending meetings, participating in discussions, and volunteering for new assignments.

    As always, these are just a few things, but it is also worth trying to do some other things which I’ve spoken about before, but I feel they are important.

    • Take good notes. This will help you to remember what you have been taught and to refer back to it later.
    • Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something. Your supervisors and colleagues are there to help you learn.
    • Be organised. This will help you to stay on top of your work and to meet deadlines.
    • Use technology to your advantage.There are many legal technology tools available that can help you to be more efficient and productive.
    • Take care of yourself. The legal profession can be demanding, so it is important to make time for your health and well-being. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly.

    I hope these tips help you to be a successful trainee solicitor.