Life of Newly Qualified UK Lawyer

Tag: productivity

  • New Year, New Start? How to Re-Energise for 2026 Without Losing Your Mind (in my humble opinion).

    New Year, New Start? How to Re-Energise for 2026 Without Losing Your Mind (in my humble opinion).

    Welcome to 2026. If you’re reading this, congratulations—you survived the 2025 December rush, three office parties you didn’t want to attend, and at least one family dinner where you had to explain that no, you can’t “just quickly look over” a 50-page legal document agreement for your uncle or some other relative.

    But now it’s January. The caffeine high of the holidays has worn off, your inbox looks like a game of Tetris played by someone who is losing, and the prospect of 1,800 billable hours feels less like a professional goal and more like a prison sentence.

    How do we get that spark back? How do we transition from “Out of Office” mode to “Partner/Director/Senior Track” energy without burning out by February? Here is the Learning Lawyer guide to starting 2026 with intent (and a little bit of sanity).

    1. Perform a “Digital Autopsy” on 2025

    Before you charge into 2026, look back at the carcass of last year. What killed your productivity? Was it the endless “quick calls” that lasted forty minutes? Was it the habit of checking emails at 11:30 PM?

    The Fix: Identify one boundary you will actually keep this year. Maybe it’s not looking at your phone until you’ve had your first coffee, or maybe it’s finally admitting that “Reply All” is a tool of the devil.

    2. The “Power of Three” Rule

    If you are like me, you will know that lawyers love lists. We love them so much we make lists of our lists. But staring at a 40-item To-Do list on January 2nd is the fastest way to induce a panic attack.

    The Fix: Pick three “Big Wins” for the day. If you finish those, you’ve won. Everything else is a bonus. Remember: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and even if it were, the planning permission alone would have taken six months.

    3. Upgrade Your “Work Uniform” (Even if it’s Virtual)

    There is a psychological link between what we wear and how we perform. If you’ve spent the last two weeks in a dressing gown that has seen better days, putting on a crisp shirt (even if you’re wearing pajama bottoms off-camera) can trick your brain into “Professional Mode.”

    The Funny Slant: If you’re still working from home, please check your background. That leftover holiday tinsel hanging off the bookshelf doesn’t say “Professional,” it says “I haven’t moved from this chair since Boxing Day.”

    4. Reconnect with the “Why” (No, not the money)

    Let’s be honest: the billable hour is a soul-crushing metric. To stay motivated, you need to remember why you chose this path. Was it to help people? To solve complex puzzles? To wear a wig? (No judgment here).

    The Fix: Find one pro bono project or one interesting piece of research that actually excites you. Use it as a “carrot” to get through the “stick” of administrative filing.

    5. Movement is Non-Negotiable

    We spend our lives hunched over screens like gargoyles guarding a Gothic cathedral. This year, prioritise movement.

    The Fix: A 15-minute walk without your phone won’t make your cases collapse. In fact, your best legal breakthroughs usually happen when you aren’t staring at a blinking cursor.

    Final Thoughts for 2026

    You don’t have to be a “new you” this year. The “old you” passed the exams, got the job, and handled the pressure. You just need to be a rested you.

    Let’s make 2026 the year we bill efficiently, litigate fiercely, and actually remember what our friends look like.

    Happy New Year from me to you!

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  • The Future of Law Isn’t Robots — It’s Resilient Humans

    The Future of Law Isn’t Robots — It’s Resilient Humans

    The Future-Proof Lawyer: How AI, Soft Skills, and Sanity Will Shape the Next Decade of Law.

    If you trained as a solicitor thinking your biggest challenge would be mastering basic legal concepts and applying then to the weird and wonderful cases presented to you, you’ve probably realised that’s not how it works anymore. The real test isn’t just knowing the law — it’s staying relevant in a profession that’s changing faster than it ever has before.

    AI can now draft contracts in seconds. Clients expect instant answers and real empathy in the same breath. And law firms, for all their prestige, are quietly asking one question behind closed doors: Who’s actually ready for what comes next?

    The truth is, the future of law won’t belong to the most academic lawyers — it’ll belong to the most adaptable ones. The ones who can use technology intelligently, communicate like humans, and still keep their sanity intact.

    In this piece, we’ll look at three pillars every “future-proof” lawyer will need:

    •	how to work with AI instead of against it
•	why soft skills are the new hard skills
•	and how staying mentally and physically healthy will become your biggest professional edge.
    1. Working with AI, Not Against It.

    At some CPD courses and indeed in my own workplace, the phrase “AI is coming for lawyers” has been repeated quite a few times, so much so that it’s practically background noise. However, the reality is more nuanced. AI isn’t replacing lawyers; it’s replacing the repetitive, mechanical parts of what lawyers do.

    I have come to think of it this way: AI can summarise cases, draft first-pass contracts, and even predict litigation outcomes faster than most. The big negative is that it can’t understand context, persuasion, or trust — the parts of law that clients actually pay for.

    The solicitors who’ll thrive in the next decade are the ones who see AI as an amplifier, not a threat. The ones who can ask, “How can this tool make me sharper, faster, or more focused on the strategic side of my work?”

    The thing is that Legal tech isn’t just for big firms anymore. From contract-review bots to AI-driven research assistants, accessible tools are now levelling the playing field for small practices and solo lawyers. The question isn’t whether you’ll use them — it’s which ones you’ll choose, and how quickly you’ll adapt. From Adobe to Microsoft, where AI is integrated into the tools we use every day, it is so easy to bring up a .pdf with 30 pages and ask AI to summarise any covenants contained within it and in 10 seconds you have saved yourself an hour of reading.

    I think that If you’re a company working on AI tools for solicitors, this is your moment. The legal profession is hungry for technology that saves time without stripping away judgment.

    1. The Human Edge: Why Soft Skills Now Matter More Than Case Law.

    With the vast amount of information that is easily accessible and at the tips of everyone: knowing the law isn’t rare anymore. Everyone in your firm knows it. AI tools know it. Google knows it. What’s rare — and what clients quietly crave — are solicitors who can explain complex ideas clearly, stay calm under pressure, and actually listen.

    Legal education has traditionally rewarded precision over empathy. But the market is shifting fast. Clients want solicitors who can translate, not lecture. Partners want junior solicitors who can hold their own in a room, not just behind a screen. And in-house teams want colleagues who can negotiate, not just cite.

    The irony is, soft skills are now the hardest to master — because they take self-awareness, practice, and humility. You can’t automate empathy or presence. You build them through experience, feedback, and a willingness to sound human in a profession that often hides behind jargon.

    If you’re training the next generation of solicitor, this is your opportunity. Courses, mentorships, even communication platforms that help legal professionals grow this side of their skillset — that’s where the long-term value lies.

    1. Sanity as a Strategy: The Future Lawyer’s Real Advantage.

    There’s a quiet truth about the profession no one likes to say out loud: most solicitors are running on fumes. We normalise exhaustion. We treat burnout as a badge of honour. But in a future defined by speed, the real competitive edge will be endurance — mental, physical, and emotional.

    Because here’s what’s coming: constant change, tighter margins, and new technology every quarter. You can’t outwork that. You can only outlast it. That means learning how to protect your focus, your energy, and your ability to think clearly when everyone else is drained.

    It’s not self-care for the sake of it — it’s professional survival. The solicitors who swim, meditate, sleep properly, or just know when to step back aren’t being soft. They’re being strategic.

    For companies in wellbeing, productivity, or nutrition, this is the part of the legal story that’s still wide open. Law firms are starting to take wellness seriously, but they’re desperate for practical solutions that actually work — and that’s where collaboration with the profession can make a real impact.

    ⸻

    The next decade of law won’t be about the smartest solicitors. It’ll be about the ones who adapt, communicate, and stay healthy enough to keep going. AI will change what we do. Soft skills will change how we do it. And wellbeing will decide whether we can sustain it.

    If you’re building something that helps solicitors thrive — whether through tech, training, or health — now’s the time to get involved. The future-proof solicitor isn’t a concept. It’s already being built.

    ⚖️ Solicitor by day | 🚢 Cruising the seas and navigating the law | Sharing legal tips & travel tales | 📲 Follow my journey on Instagram | Threads | TikTok | BlueSky |

  • Drowning in Admin? How TextExpander Can Be a Solicitor’s Secret Weapon

    Drowning in Admin? How TextExpander Can Be a Solicitor’s Secret Weapon

    As a solicitor, your days are a relentless whirlwind of client calls, drafting documents, possible court appearances, and, let’s be honest, a mountain of administrative tasks. While you’re dedicated to providing the best legal help to your clients, the sheer volume of repetitive typing can eat into your valuable time – time that could be spent on other matters that require that legal brain.

    This is where an unassuming yet incredibly powerful app called TextExpander steps in. Think of it as your personal typing assistant, ready to instantly transform short abbreviations into frequently used phrases, paragraphs, or even entire documents. For solicitors, it’s not just a convenience; it’s could be a game-changer for administrative efficiency.

    What is TextExpander and How Does It Work?

    At its core, TextExpander allows you to create “snippets” – blocks of text that you frequently type. You then assign a short “abbreviation” to each snippet. When you type that abbreviation anywhere on your computer (emails, Word documents, case management software, even your browser), TextExpander automatically expands it into the full text.

    For example:

    • Instead of typing “Yours faithfully, [Your Name], Solicitor at [Your Firm Name]” every time, you could type yfsig and have it instantly expand.
    • Need to insert a common legal disclaimer? Type discl and watch it appear.
    • Regularly use a specific clause in contracts? A few keystrokes for clc1 could save you minutes of typing and ensure consistency.

    How TextExpander could Empower Solicitors in Their Administrative Tasks:

    The benefits for legal professionals are immense:

    1. Turbocharge Document Drafting:
      • Boilerplate Clauses: Easily insert common clauses for contracts, Wills, or other legal documents.
      • Conveyance Contract Special Conditions – I use this often to insert my more frequent used special conditions into contracts.
    2. Streamline Client Communication:
      • Standard Email Responses: Draft and save snippets for common client queries, status updates, or requests for information.
      • Onboarding Information: Quickly send out welcome packets, engagement letters, or intake forms.
      • Fee Agreement Language: Standardise your fee agreement terms with easy-to-insert snippets.
    3. Enhance Accuracy and Consistency:
      • Eliminate Typos: When TextExpander types for you, it’s 100% accurate every time, reducing the risk of costly errors in critical documents.
      • Uniformity Across the Firm: Share snippet libraries with your team to ensure consistent language, branding, and legal terminology across all communications and documents. This is particularly valuable for larger firms.
    4. Save Precious Time (and Billable Hours!):
      • The time spent on repetitive typing adds up. TextExpander users often report saving hours per week, allowing solicitors to focus on higher-value, billable work, or simply reclaim their evenings.
      • Imagine the cumulative time saved by not typing out your firm’s full address, your contact details, or common court names dozens of times a day.
    5. Simplify Administrative Chores:
      • Meeting Notes: Quickly insert common phrases or questions during client meetings or court hearings.
      • File Naming Conventions: Standardize how you name and date files with automated snippets like ddateexpanding to the current date in your preferred format.
      • Billing Entries: If your time and billing software accepts text input, you can even use TextExpander for quick descriptions of common tasks.

    Beyond the Basics: Advanced TextExpander Features for Legal Practices

    TextExpander offers more than just simple text replacement:

    • Fill-in Fields: Create snippets with interactive fields that prompt you for specific information (e.g., client name, date of birth, case number) when you expand them, ensuring documents are customized effortlessly.
    • Date and Time Calculations: Automatically insert future or past dates, perfect for deadlines or scheduling reminders.
    • Optional Sections: Include sections in your snippets that can be toggled on or off as needed, providing flexibility for different scenarios.
    • Shared Snippets: For legal teams, TextExpander allows for easy sharing of snippets, ensuring everyone is using the same, approved language and templates.

    The Verdict: A Small Investment, a Massive Return

    In a profession where every minute counts, I have personally found this app a time saver and very useful. There are other apps out there which may be cheaper or free but I have used this one for so many years and love it.

    It may not be for everyone but it is worth giving it a shot to see just how much time you could save on not having to repeat and type the same things over and over.

    ⚖️ Solicitor by day | 🚢 Cruising the seas and navigating the law | Sharing legal tips & travel tales | 📲 Follow my journey on Instagram | Threads | TikTok | BlueSky |

  • Back to the Grind: A Solicitor’s Guide to Post-Holiday Blues

    Returning to work after a relaxing holiday can be a bittersweet experience. While it’s great to be back in familiar surroundings, and back to routine, the transition can often be challenging. Solicitors, in particular, face unique pressures and stresses as they dive back into their demanding workloads. In this post, I want to highlight some common hurdles I and other colleagues have encountered and offer practical tips to help you overcome the post-holiday blues and transition smoothly back into your professional life.

    Common Challenges for Solicitors Returning to Work

    • Overwhelming Workload: This is one that I dread and the daunting feeling starts to mount on the day before I go back to work. The thought of returning to a backlog of emails, court case updates, and client meetings can be daunting. This sudden influx of tasks can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.
    • Difficulty Focusing: After weeks of relaxation, it can be difficult to concentrate and maintain productivity. Distractions and a lack of motivation may hinder your ability to focus on your work.
    • Jet Lag and Fatigue: For those who traveled to different time zones, jet lag can take a toll on your energy levels and concentration. This physical fatigue can make it challenging to adjust to regular work hours.
    • Emotional Letdown: The transition from a carefree vacation to the demands of work can cause emotional letdown. This can lead to feelings of sadness, frustration, or even burnout.

    Tips for a Smooth Transition

    1. Plan Ahead: Before you leave for vacation, take the time to organise your workload and delegate tasks whenever possible. This will help reduce the stress of returning to a mountain of work.
    2. Set Realistic Expectations: Don’t expect to be immediately productive upon your return. Allow yourself some time to adjust to your regular routine.
    3. Prioritise and Delegate: Once you’re back at work, prioritise your tasks and delegate whenever possible. Focus on completing the most urgent and important tasks first.
    4. Take Breaks and Practice Self-Care: Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as exercise and always take your full lunch break. Use it to chat with colleagues and get away from your screen and desk. The temptation will be to work through lunch, but believe me, you need to take that break!
    5. Seek Help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, in particular, if there are urgent tasks that need done and there is a time frame in which they done. Do not suffer in silence and let things slide.

    This is by no means an exhaustive list, but just some of the things I have found. Perhaps these can help you and I am always keen to hear from you! Email or contact me through social media!

    Links to Social Media Accounts

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    Twitter – @LearningLawyer

    Threads – @learninglawyeruk