Understand Your Rights. Solve Your Legal Problems
As part of our law school & careers features, for paralegals, newly graduates, and those simply hoping to jump into an exciting world of law, here Andrea Hall, Founder and Principle of US based The Hall Law Office, LLC, talks to Lawyer Monthly about the first steps in building your own firm and attracting your first few clients.
This is probably more of a question for someone who is out on their own as opposed to someone who is working at a law firm. With that being said I think some of the things I will mention are applicable to both.
When you are self-employed you eat what you kill. The more you kill of course the more you get to eat. I told that to someone one day who was not self-employed, and they still remember it and remind me quite often of my comment about how much money I earn.
Here are the top five things you should remember when thinking about getting your first few clients.
You always have to make a good first impression. If you are at the grocery store and you meet someone there is only one chance to make a good first impression. The minute people find out you are a lawyer they of course want to pick your brain. 9 times out of 10 people want your card as they never know when they just might need a good lawyer. Make sure that your business card show cases who you are and how you want to present yourself to the world.
For me this was the most import thing I could do. Now I am not saying that you need to spend all your time networking because this can become a second job for sure. Join the local Chamber or a networking group or meet-up group. Friends and family are always the best source of clients. They know you best and of course will have instant credibility with people they supply your name to. For me I took as many local criminal defense attorneys out to lunch to show them who I was, pick their brain for information and tell them to send me the clients who they didn’t want or who couldn’t afford their services. Which leads me into my next point.
I know this might sound counter intuitive as you are wanting to eat and make a living yet in order to build your practice and get your name out there you sometimes have to do things for a little less. For me I was able to build my reputation on the great work I did for my clients and over time I was then able to raise my rates to what other people were charging with no questions asked. Now my experience came from opening my practice right out of law school. If you are coming for another firm where you already have a reputation that precedes you the clients will come just be patient. It takes time for the community to know who you, recognize your talent and send you referrals.
I know that you are on a budget yet I firmly believe that what you give out you get back. Take at least 1 -2 clients a year that you work their case for free. Know that the client is someone who truly needs your expertise and is in a position financially that if you don’t help they won’t have someone who will fight the justice system for them. It will make your heart feel good and of course this client will be eternally grateful.
No matter how hard you strive to be successful if you don’t take time to create balance and happiness in your own life you will burn out. Make sure you are eating healthy, exercising, creating balance with your personal and professional life and most importantly don’t forget to have FUN! The best part about being your own boss and creating your own schedule and eating what you kill is having the life you always wanted so make sure you have FUN!
Maria Luz Vargas is the Managing Partner of Estudio Fernandez & Vargas Abogados. Her law firm has a client base in Peru and beyond, with international clientele also looking for legal support. With an impressive legal background, Maria speaks to Lawyer Monthly about her journey into law, US and Peruvian relations and how globalisation is impacting the legal sector for the better.
How do you see globalisation changing areas of law for businesses in 2018?
Globalisation has had a strong impact in all business areas. Companies want to expand their markets or areas of operation to countries which have had good economic success like Peru and either start operations or buy local companies. Strong understanding of the business and legal environment is critical to succeed. On the other hand, Peruvian companies have been experiencing strong growth in recent years and they are in turn looking to expand overseas.
This new economic order where companies want to be global players is an important challenge for lawyers who need to have an international background and experience and need to be able to understand and operate in other cultures. A strong understanding of other countries legal systems and ensuring an international network to support our clients worldwide is critical to succeed too.
How are current relations with the US and Peru? What do you think could be done to further improve change?
Current relations between Peru the US continue to be strong. The United States is one of our main trading partners and we have a Free Trade Agreement in place since 2009. Bilateral trade with the United States represent a fifth of all our international trade.
Our government has been committed for the last 25 years to an open trade and investment economy where US companies have played a very important role investing in several economic sectors. This is a very important factor for our Law firm since we have many clients from the US, and we are very active with the American Chamber of Commerce.
The United States is the second market in the world for our exports after China. Our exporters are not taking full advantage of the Free Trade Agreement. We believe our Ministry of Foreign Trade, as well as the National Association of Exporters, should make a bigger effort to raise awareness and to train our medium and small size companies how to take better advantage of this important market and our trade agreement. Likewise, our exporters should also explore and expand into different US markets beyond the main and best known ones (i.e. California, New York, Florida). The American Chamber of Commerce has been very active in inviting commercial missions of different states to meet new trade partners in Peru.
You are qualified in a range of legal areas; which is your favourite and why?
My favourite is corporate law, because it is a field of law with strong interaction with businesses across all sectors of the economy, where a more thorough knowledge and understanding of the activities and operations of your client is required in order to provide effective legal advice. A multi-disciplinary approach is required which impacts our clients’ overall business. We need to understand finance, marketing, commercial operations, every aspect of the business, and how everything is interconnected. This field gives me the opportunity to interact with professionals of different backgrounds and fields which allow me to have a broader focus and better perspective. This allows me to provide more effective legal advice to my clients.
What was your most favourite achievement of 2017 and what are you looking forward to in the upcoming year?
My most rewarding achievements in 2017 were related to our Intellectual Property Department, specifically in the field of Copyright Law. This past year we supported the Art Museum of Lima, with whom we work pro bono, to create a virtual archive of its wonderful and rich collection of Peruvian art. This has never been done in Peru before and has given me the opportunity to contribute to show our rich culture to a broader population.
Likewise, we also had the opportunity to advise the family of a renowned visual artist to manage Intellectual property rights within the framework of an intestate succession after the dead of said artist. Our contribution started when the family noticed the unauthorised use of a visual work during an International Biennal Art Event. In response to this act, we saw the need to implement an Intellectual Property management system, which included the protection of a seal used by the artist as service mark to cover copyright management, preparation of structure of powers between legal heirs to grant copyright licenses of use, preparation of certificates of authenticity for genuine works and authorised copies, and a notice in social networks to inform public about such copyright management. It was a very interesting operation which involved several areas of law: intellectual property, licensing, family law, corporate, art and cultural institutions law, among others.
What enabled you to determine that the legal profession was for you?
I have always been a person that fought for what was fair and just, and would always like to participate in debates, to organise my arguments in order to express my ideas and positions. During my last year of high school we had different guest speakers from different professionals. I had the opportunity to listen to a lawyer describe the profession and his experience and I decided that was the career path I wanted to follow.
What is the most challenging case you have dealt with so far, and how did you overcome such challenge?
The most challenging case I ever faced in my profession was participating in the purchase of a local beverage company, which is one of the icons of our culture, by one of the world leaders of beverages. It was an operation that took place in a time when globalisation was not as extended as it is now, where the acquired company was a family-owned company whose organisation, policies, structure and culture were very different from those of a large multinational corporation. My experience as a Peruvian lawyer, with a US education gave me the experience to successfully advise my clients to pursue the acquisition of this local company and to continue supporting my client to merge both business cultures and continue its operations successfully in Peru.
What was one lesson you learnt when transitioning from law school to practising?
I started being in contact with the legal processes when I was very young and watched the TV show ‘Paper Chase’. I was fascinated with Professor Kingsfield’s class at Harvard University where he taught his students how to support their arguments and especially how to develop legal reasoning. During my last years of law school I did an internship with the Judicial Branch and the first thing I learned was how different reality was from the world at the University, and litigating was not as easy as you saw it in books, where not only good legal arguments were required to win a case but also to understand all the legal structures and mechanisms of the organisations.
Finally, in what way would you say that your law firm stands out from the rest?
Our law firm is a medium-size law firm with lawyers from diverse and strong backgrounds, coming from both the public and private sectors. Having an international experience and strong network is key. All clients, large or small or pro-bono, receive a personalised and high-standard of service. Our structure ensures partners and senior lawyers are fully involved with our clients permanently. As we grow, we make sure we maintain this level of high-quality and personalised service.
María Luz Vargas Chávez
Managing Partner
Calle Jose Galvez N 692 – Of.302
Miraflores, Lima 18, Peru
Phone: (511)241-1360
www.fv-legal.com
Managing Partner María Luz Vargas Chávez was admitted in 1989 after studying at Universidad Católica Santa Maria de Arequipa, Perú and completing her post graduate studies at University of Houston with a Master’s Degree in International Economic Law. Being multilingual in Spanish, English, French, Italian and Portuguese, Maria’s areas of expertise are: Corporate Law; Securities; Banking and Insurance Law; Bankruptcy; Foreign Investment; Antitrust and Competition Law, Consumer Protection and Advertising Law.
Fernandez & Vargas Abogados is a full service law firm which has an in-depth knowledge of Peruvian legislation and our group of exceptionally qualified lawyers are trained to offer legal counsel in different areas of law, combining our comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the business needs of our clients and the different areas of law in order to provide the appropriate legal advice.
Our team maintains the highest ethical standards and always strives for professional excellence, seeking long-term relationships, mutual collaboration and absolute dedication to our clients.
Making the jump from newly qualified to actually practicing what you learned in law school isn’t an easy feat. Below Emma Jones, lecturer in law and member of the Open Justice team at the Open University, shares her thoughts on the key differences between studying the law, to applying it in an actual legal role.
Many law students plan to enter the legal profession once they have completed their academic studies and training. To prepare for the transition, it’s important to be aware of some of the key differences between legal study and legal practice.
Knowledge isn’t everything…
An integral part of being a law student is absorbing large bodies of legal knowledge – learning cases by rote, being able to reel off relevant legislation and managing to spell obscure latin phrases all tend to form a significant part of law degrees. However, the legal knowledge you gain during your studies, although important, is only one part of legal practice. Once you begin in practice, it’ll be taken as a given that you know the key principles in whatever area of law you’re working in. The facts of particular issues that you are working on may require further research in a particular area, but that is where your legal skills come in…
… But legal skills are!
Having those broader legal skills really is crucial in legal practice. Being able to undertake legal research, interview clients effectively, write clearly and concisely and communicate complex ideas verbally are all relevant skills you are likely to draw on. Doing this will ensure that your client, and those around you in the workplace, have confidence in you as a legal professional. You are likely to have begun developing some (if not all) of these skills during your studies, but it’s when you move into practice that you’ll really see how crucial they are.
‘Soft skills’ are important…
Speaking of those around you, legal practice is very often about teamwork and collaboration. You may have completed the majority of the work for your law degree on your own but it is more likely that in practice there will be a number of you working together on an issue. You may also find yourself dealing with a range of support staff and other colleagues, such as expert witnesses, judges, even the families and friends of clients. As you progress up the career ladder, you may also find yourself having responsibility for supervising and managing others. In fact, being able to work with others is more than a so-called “soft skill”, it’s a fundamental part of being a legal professional.
… As is applying common sense!
When you’re studying, if you’re presented with a problem question, it’s usually a matter of identifying and applying the correct legal principles to reach a valid conclusion. However, in practice it isn’t always about applying the law, sometimes it may be that a more practical solution is needed. For example, if a client came to you with a faulty toaster, it would be pointless you advising them to sue the shop that sold it, because in reality the time and cost would not be worth the outcome. Similarly, a client may have a great claim in legal terms, but if the person it’s against is has no money or assets, the chances of actually recovering anything may be very slim.
You’ll need to think about your own position…
As a law student, you may well have worried about getting the right grades and meeting deadlines, but as a legal professional, you are likely to have a much wider range of pressures on you. For example, a solicitor in private practice will usually be expected to meet specific targets in terms of chargeable hours and billing, become involved in attracting new clients and, of course, avoid being negligent at all costs.
… But keep the client happy too!
Unlike being a student, when your main focus was probably on your own goals, in legal practice you have to focus on the client’s goals instead. That doesn’t mean mindlessly following instructions, in fact, it might mean telling your client something they don’t want to hear, or advising them against their preferred choice of action. However, at the end of the day, you need your client to be satisfied that you have understood their position, thoroughly considered all options, and done your best for them in an ethical and proactive manner.
If this makes legal practice sound challenging well, yes, sometimes it is. However, it can also be interesting and extremely rewarding. Putting your knowledge into practice may mean developing some new skills and perspectives, but it’ll also give you the opportunity to see, and contribute to, the law in action, and that is probably the most exciting difference of all!
Are you interested in studying litigation? Do you want to become a litigator but you are not certain about what this career entails? If your answer to either one of these two questions is yes, Rosemary Jones, a professional legal blogger has some valuable insight, with the latest addition to our Law School & Careers features.
There are some facts you need to be aware of before you decide that litigation is the right career pathway to be followed. First and foremost, you have to understand that litigation is one of the most complex fields – if you are not tough, you will have difficulties fitting in and working out your cases. Keep on reading and discover the rest – what to know before studying litigation.
At first, you might be tempted to think that litigation only means that a case is taken to court and solve. However, in real life, you will go through some difficult cases, many of which you might lose. Moreover, as a litigator, you will not represent only the good guys; in fact, there will be a broad range of circumstances in which your clients are going to find themselves – you might end up representing someone in a civil case, in a patent dispute or even in traffic court.
Becoming a litigator is more complicated than you might believe and it requires some steps to be reached. It also begins with earning your bachelor’s degree, with a pre-law major that suits your future career (the bachelor degree program should be accredited; otherwise you will risk not being accepted into law school). For the next step, you will have to be admitted into law school and earn your law degree.
The license to practice law is obtained by passing the bar exam; often, this is followed by the admission to a state bar association. Last, but not least, you will have actually to find a job. The good news is that there is something out there for each and everyone. While many companies require litigators to have years of experience, you will be able to find some who are interested in hiring fresh faces (directly out of law school).
When applying for a job as a litigator, your potential employer will be interested in the skill set you have to offer. Keep in mind that these skills are often developed and polished in law school; it is common for many law students to pursue summer internships, including at litigation firms. These internships can help one improve his/her critical thinking abilities, as well as the analytical reasoning and negotiation skills.
As a litigator, you will have to be experienced at doing research and interacting with many different people. You will have to interview both clients and witnesses, demonstrating in-depth understanding and practical knowledge about the field in which you have decided to practice and its procedures. After all, you cannot expect to do well in a courtroom, without knowing the procedures that have to be followed.
If you are interested in pursuing litigation, then you need to work on developing your writing skills. These are a huge part of the job, even though it might not seem like this at first. Often, you will not feel like a litigator but rather as a writer; you will have to dedicate a lot of time to writing, no matter the field in which you decide to practice.
Imagine having to write letters, emails, contracts, memos, and briefs. All of these require excellent writing skills so that the respective information is communicated in a manner that is both clear and compelling.
We would all like to be told that the career we are interested in pursuing is nothing but rainbows and good times. Even though you will have a lot of satisfying moments as a litigator, it is important to know and remember that this career entails many hours behind a desk and in the courtroom. Moreover, it comes packed with a lot of stress, especially when handling high profile cases.
In deciding to study litigation, you need to be prepared for what the future entails. You will have to spend a lot of time drafting legal documents, not to mention researching different legal issues and arguing in a court of law. You might have to skip meals, sleep less than desired and handle stressful cases – in the end, it will be all worth it but resilience to stress matters quite a lot, nevertheless. Just remember that this is a demanding career and not everyone is suited to become a litigator. If you have what it takes, then you are also bound to be successful.
While the law is a pretty straightforward matter, you cannot expect for things to be always easy. The majority of the cases you are going to come across will be complicated, requiring that you put everything in the game. The solution to a case will not appear out of magic; you will have to work hard to find it. In this battle, you will be lucky to rely on the skills and abilities developed in law school. Also, you will have to be able to handle uncertainty as part of the job; sometimes, you might fail in finding the best solution, and you need to pick yourself up and continue.
The field of litigation is complex and beautiful at the same time. If you have decided to study litigation, the most important thing is to ensure that this is the right career path for you to follow. Keep in mind that when you do something that you love, it does not feel like work. This is what being a litigator should feel like.
Rosemary Jones is a professional blogger who loves to write on several niches particularly in law, including personal injury, estate planning, business law, real estate law, construction law, criminal defense law and DUI law. Read more about her blog posts on Band Gates & Dramis.
Part of applying for work in the legal sphere involves deciding what kind of firm you want to work with, what kind of lawyer you want to be, and what you want your daily work to look like. Topping off this year’s Law School & Careers features is Francine Ryan, lecturer in law and member of the Open Justice team at the Open University, who talks to Lawyer Monthly about the very real struggle of choosing a law firm to work for.
It is probably true to say that the perfect law firm does not exist but there are number of factors to consider when you are thinking about which law firms to apply to. In the current economic climate obtaining a training contract is challenging so it is important to do your research and target law firms that are right for you.
What kind of lawyer do I want to be?
We have all watched legal dramas like Suits, The Good Wife, and Silk where law is portrayed as glamorous and exciting. Court trials make great television but the work of an advocate is not for every law student. You need to think carefully about what areas of law you have enjoyed and excelled at during your degree to help you narrow down the areas of law you might want to practice in. Once you are able to do that you can start to identify law firms that offer those services.
Size does matter!
Do you want to work in a large, medium sized or small firm? Are you looking for a niche or boutique firm that offers specialised legal advice? Once you know the areas of law you are interested in you need to consider the size of firm. Would you enjoy working in a large corporate law firm or would a small high street firm work better for you? It is about imagining the size of firm where you will excel.
Location, location, location
It is not just important to think about the size of the firm but where it is located, are you attracted to working in the City, do you want a large regional city like Manchester or would a rural location be preferable? A law firm will only be perfect if it is in a location where you will be happy and settled.
Try before you buy!
Having narrowed down the types of law firms’ start looking at their websites to gain a greater understanding of the ethos and values of the firm. Search the legal press for articles, read reviews in the Legal 500 and Chambers to gain a greater understanding of the firm. The best way to really determine whether this is the right firm for you is to do a vacation work placement because that way you will get a much more realistic insight into the how the firm operates. While you are there look at how the partners treat the junior staff. Are people friendly and do the employees seem genuinely happy at the firm? Finding the perfect law firm is more than just the legal work but about the environment you will work in. If junior staff seem disgruntled and unhappy think about how that would impact on you as a trainee solicitor.
An interview is a two way process
As much as the firm is interviewing you to determine whether you are a right for them you should be interviewing them to consider whether this is the perfect law firm for you. The recruitment process is an opportunity to interact with different parts of the organisation from the HR team, reception staff, fee earners, and partners- reflect on what impressions they made on you. Were you impressed with the way in which staff conducted themselves? You will get the opportunity to ask questions at the end of an interview so make sure you have prepared questions that will help you determine whether this is the right firm for you. Before you leave imagine yourself working at the firm? Does it feel right? Are you coming away feeling eager and excited? If not, it probably isn’t the right firm for you.
Do your homework?
If you are lucky enough to be offered a training contract, make sure you talk to other trainees and people at the firm to find out their experiences. Ask fellow students who may have done a placement what their view of the firm is. Ultimately it is you who has to decide but having an informed view will make that decision much easier.
Training contracts are very valuable commodities and not every law student will have the luxury of choosing the perfect firm. Notwithstanding that if you do get an opportunity to train, work hard and be committed. You never know, it might turn out to be the perfect law firm! Even if not, once you are qualified the world’s your oyster!
You just nailed the perfect position and it’s day one, but you’re not really sure what the etiquette is, so naturally you’re nervous and likely don’t know where to start. As part of our Law School & Careers series, Lawyer Monthly hears from experts across the world about key questions and considerations in the legal sphere. Today we hear from Andrea Hall, Founder and Principle of US based The Hall Law Office, LLC, on the crucial steps to take when you first walk in to your new job as a lawyer.
This can be a very exciting time as you just spent the last three years in school, studied hard to pass the bar and you are now a licensed attorney. You know the feeling all your hard work has finally paid off. Unfortunately, you are a student once again. You will have to start the learning process all over again. Take what you learned in school yet be open to things being totally different. Come to your new location with an open mind and ready to listen to what is being presented.
Coming into a new firm right out of law school is very exciting. Yet know that everything you learned in law school will more than likely go out the door. Law school doesn’t necessarily give you the tools for the everyday processes of a law firm. Things like meeting with a client for the first time, what information is gathered at the intake of the client, how to sell the client on you and your firm being the best fit and closing the deal. Be willing to start the coffee maker and make copies things you didn’t technically go to school for those things are not beneath you. Remember that you are no better than the janitor who cleans up after you. You both put your pants on the same way everyday one leg at a time.
The most important thing I can tell you is that your secretary and the court clerks will be your best friend and you need to treat them as your best friend. Create the best relationship you can with them. You might have a law license yet those people will either make or break your life as a lawyer. Your secretary will do things for you when you are in a pinch, they will talk your client off the cliff when you are too busy or just no longer able to deal with the client. The court clerk will bend over backwards for you if they like you. When you have an emergency motion that needs to be addressed your file will get moved to the top of the pile. When you need a continuance, they will go to bat for you and will help you when you are in a bind. This is the first thing I was told and I will never forget it.
Learn and watch everything you can. Follow all the lawyers around and watch what they do and say. Ask questions and be curious about why the lawyers do the things they do. Take notes, read the statues and on your down time re-read the rules of civil or criminal procedure and the rules of evidence. If you want to be a trial lawyer those rules will make you great one day and when you get busy you won’t have the time yet now before your career is starting to take off you will have the time.
Relax and know you will make mistakes it is ok. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Practice makes perfect. It takes 10,000 hours to be a master at something enjoy the journey and be prepared to be a student for a while.
One of the biggest differences between law students qualifying now, and those seeking a career 20 years ago, is the prevalence of the internet in the former groups’ lives. New research shows that this generation of aspiring lawyers see websites as their preferred careers influencer. Becky Kells, Editor at AllAboutLaw, explores what this means.
It’s no secret that the students of today are very much geared towards the internet – they shop, socialise and forge relationships online – but the internet has now extended to become career-defining. This does not exclude law students, as shown by AllAboutLaw.co.uk’s latest research. When asked whether they preferred to get their careers advice from websites or from print sources, an overwhelming 81% of students sided with the internet. This significant majority suggests that using the internet as a careers adviser is not just a trend – it’s a habit.
Students not only preferred websites, but also considered them to be more valuable than print. 94.21% gave websites a rating of 5 or higher, compared to the 75.39% who gave print publications a rating of 5 or higher. “There’s a huge benefit to the internet when it comes to keeping information relevant”, said Jack Denton, Co-founder of AllAboutLaw.co.uk. “This is especially true in an industry such as law, where things change frequently.” From this perspective, the internet is a resource that can evolve with law firms and students alike, serving as a flexible bridge between the two.
The internet has not always played such a fundamental role in law careers. Qualified lawyers can harken back to the day when they sent off their training contract applications and speculative work experience requests by hand, and pored over print-based careers guides. But the rise of an online counterpart to the legal sector, in the form of the network of careers websites available, means that information is more readily available – and so law careers are more accessible to everyone.
There are, of course, benefits and drawbacks to this hypothetical online careers adviser. Information is easier than ever to accumulate, and a query that, in the past, could only be solved by a parent or mentor who worked in law, can now be answered rapidly and accurately. This also gives students themselves more choice.
However, this has its issues. Not all information available is regulated, and not all those writing about law are well-versed in the sector. The existence of forums, while useful, can spread panic among students who may get exaggerated or incorrect answers to their questions from ill-informed sources. While the internet is useful and expansive, it can be difficult to weed out the rumour mills and extrapolate the relevant information. For this reason – and also because it is clear that students are prioritising the internet, and trusting the websites they consume – it is more important than ever for websites and forums to regulate their content.
Another important factor to note is that many law firms accept applications for training contracts and vacation schemes purely online now, so the entire process of making a first impression is digital. For the applicants who face these online forms and internet-based exams, websites are a natural place to start. Law firms want to see a range of commercial awareness, professionalism and experience in their candidates, alongside academic ability. An aspiring lawyer can tailor their online research to the ethos of firm they’re applying to.
The rise in websites providing careers advice is undoubtedly a good thing for law. It means that information on how to pursue this very competitive career path is readily available to a wide variety of people, rather than an exclusive pathway of just a small cross-section of society. But it also means that students and websites alike need to be more responsible – students in sifting the quality online advice from the myths, and websites in making sure that their content is relevant, accurate and up to date.
When it comes down to qualifications, besides the addition of some pocket money, what you need to get into law school is pretty straight forward. But becoming a lawyer does require a certain set of skills. Here Emma Jones, lecturer in law and member of the Open Justice team at the Open University, delves into the kinds of soft skills inherently required to success as a lawyer.
Soft skills are becoming increasingly vital in today’s quickly evolving legal services market. This article explains some of the key skills you will need to succeed.
What are soft skills?
This term is used to refer to a variety of skills which fall outside the traditional intellectual skills taught on a law degree. For example, dealing with people in a positive and friendly manner, working well as part of a team and demonstrating empathy with others. Many of these skills are encompassed in the phrase “social and emotional intelligence”. In fact, the term “soft skills” is not particularly accurate as it implies these skills are a form of optional extra, whereas in fact they are crucial to life in practice.
Which soft skills do lawyers use?
There are many soft skills which are necessary in order to succeed in practice. Here are a few of them:-
As a lawyer you will be in contact with a wide variety of people, including colleagues, clients and potential future clients! You not only need to convey complex legal ideas clearly and simply, but you also have to be aware of the ways that your body language, dress and demeanour can all influence how people respond to what you are telling them.
In networking situations, being able to establish a rapport and project a positive and friendly persona are key. It isn’t about being “false”, it’s about showing that lawyers have a personality too! In other situations, for example, when dealing with legal professionals acting for other parties, you will need to ensure that you represent your client’s interests as well as possible by demonstrating your professionalism and commitment in every communication.
One way to develop these skills is to watch other, more experienced lawyers (or other professionals) at work. You can learn a lot from seeing how they communicate in different situations. It is important to take advantage of any opportunities to observe such professionals, for example, at Law School, Law Society or Inns of Court events.
When dealing with clients and colleagues, you need to ensure you build constructive and appropriate relationships. With clients, this can include demonstrating empathy for their situation and acknowledging the emotional investment they have in a case. At the same time, it involves setting relevant boundaries so your professional ethics are not compromised. Working with colleagues often demands strong communication skills, and a willingness to negotiate and look at an issue from alternative perspectives.
Look for opportunities to develop your team-working skills by becoming involved on a committee for your university Law Society or another local organisation or charity. Undertaking pro bono activities will also give you the chance to work with clients and others and experience relationship building first hand.
An important part of being a lawyer is taking responsibility for your own behaviour and wellbeing and understanding how you responding to different situations. Getting to know yourself well, developing coping mechanisms for difficult situations and learning from your mistakes are all elements of this.
Forming good habits at an early stage are key to this. You need to develop a reflective approach, taking time to think over events and your part in them (for example, you could keep a reflective journal). Doing this will help you to become more aware of your responses and how to manage them appropriately. Another aspect is self-care, lawyering is demanding and stressful at times and it is important that you take time to look after yourself and ensure you are in good shape both physically and mentally. If you are struggling, speak to someone and ask for help.
Developing soft skills is a part of legal practice that Law Schools often neglect. However, to become a successful lawyer in today’s climate, you need to ensure you can use and demonstrate these to enhance both your professional profile and your life in practice.
Freelance, corporate or public sector? Choosing a legal career can be a daunting turning point in your life. Below Ken Cutshaw, President and CEO of GCG, talks to Lawyer Monthly about how law students and young practitioners can break into the government sector and beyond.
The traditional legal career path, whereby a law student graduates, joins a law firm and litigates his way from associate to senior partner, is not for everyone. Thankfully, today’s global and connected economy presents many avenues for young lawyers to leverage their law degrees outside the traditional law firm environment.
One such avenue is the government sector, which has law students clambering to break through, courtesy of the international political climate.
The American Bar Association asserts that government and public lawyers make up one-eighth of the legal profession. If that career path rings slightly too conventional, consider the countless government sector alternatives to which individuals with law degrees are given priority: politician, legislative director, compliance advisor, lobbyist, and FBI analyst, to name a few.
Breaking into the government sector can be challenging and is seldom achieved without a unique combination of grit, foresight and perseverance. Law students and young practitioners who think a career within the government could be a fit should consider the following, which will help them break through the barriers that exist at nearly all points of entry.
Know who you are. First, one must understand the nature of government and its bureaucratic operating structure and recognize whether he or she is capable of functioning within its boundaries. There are certain personality traits that enable individuals to thrive within the confines of a strict, formal hierarchy. By and large, successful legal professionals working in government are comfortable taking direction, able to accept authority (sometimes without question), deferential when warranted and possess a fair amount of professional confidence. These qualities provide the foundation on which a successful career in the government sector may be built.
Find a mentor. A mentor’s guidance is among the most tangible resources for young lawyers, both those breaking into the government sector and those weighing whether it is a good fit. Trusted mentors will share their unfiltered assessments of the field and its players, provide guidance through arduous professional situations, and may open the doors to future career opportunities. If you are unsure where to start, check with your university; most have programs that connect students and recent graduates with alumni mentors in specific fields. Search for 2-3 mentors working in the government sector, introduce yourself, and invite them for coffee. Approach these conversations as you would a job interview – professionally and with the objective of creating a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship. Once you find someone with whom you share a good rapport, cultivate that relationship by keeping in touch and looking for ways to demonstrate your appreciation for their time.
Join a campaign. Whether you plan to pursue a political career or not, hands-on experience within a political campaign will prove invaluable from both educational and networking perspectives. The government sector and the politicians who comprise it are linked inextricably; an intimate knowledge of politicians and their campaigns will beget a more holistic understanding of the government and how it functions. Start by volunteering for a local campaign – a city council or state senate race will welcome additional boots on the ground. Then, leverage your time in the campaign environment by asking questions, building your network of driven professionals, and weighing whether this could be a viable career path. This type of grassroots approach will strengthen your knowledge base and, ultimately, enhance your marketability.
Serve the community. The civic nature of government service requires a different type of resume than a more traditional legal career. While law firm and judicial internships will always be impressive, spending time in community service can provide measurable benefits, both for those hoping to break into the government sector and for the communities they serve. It is important for those in elected positions – and the people in their employ – to demonstrate to their constituents a commitment to public service, to furthering and improving the lives of those less fortunate, not just in word but in practice. Activism can take many forms, such as volunteering for a local cause or penning an op-ed about a policy proposal with local impact. In short, always be on the lookout for ways to get involved, to give back, and to make a positive difference.
Legal professionals situated at all levels of government are invited to play a central role in decision-making of the highest civic importance. They influence policy, interact with and advise world leaders, and make recommendations to preserve the constitution and the citizens’ rights it protects. A career in government is, without question, an exhilarating professional pursuit, and taking these steps will help ensure the doors are open to you when the time comes to step through them.
With a flurry of Freshers settling in to their new degree programmes, a new tranche of graduates are settling in to their hard earned jobs and not all is as rosy as it seems. After years of hard work, dedication and commitment, a recent study has revealed that over two thirds of those surveyed have admitted to feeling underpaid and almost half of graduates (46%) would go as far as to say they actually feel embarrassed about their starting salary.
A recent study commissioned by Satsuma has taken a closer look into the exact relationship between graduate salary expectations and how they stack up against the going rate for average graduate starting salaries in the UK.
| Expected graduate salaries from a student perspective | Actual graduate salaries | |
| Less than £18,000 | 27% | 37% |
| £18,000 - £24,999 | 37.4% | 37.8% |
| £25,000 - £29,999 | 24.2% | 17% |
| £30,000 - £34,999 | 6.6% | 5.2% |
| £35,000 - £39,999 | 2% | 2% |
| £40,000+ | 2.8% | 1% |
Data shows that although expectations are actually fairly in line with reality, there is still a fair amount of discontent floating around with only 24% of graduates agreeing that these salaries were fair for the current cost of living.
88% of the graduates surveyed genuinely felt that the city in which they lived and worked was a significant contributing factor affecting the size of their starting salary and it comes as no surprise that London came out on top as being perceived as the highest payer. Buy what happens if you get a job in a city where you cannot afford the rent?
Exactly half of graduates feel that starting salaries are not at all in line with the cost of living, regardless of geographical variances in living costs and the proof is in the pudding with 49% of those surveyed admitting to living with parents during their first graduate job, just to sustain themselves until they get their first pay rise.
Francesca who graduated from University of St. Andrews (2017) commented, “It’s really hard for graduates in general these days. Sometimes I feel that huge companies with graduate schemes need to look more closely at the starting salaries they offer as successful candidates have already invested so much in their education and their qualifications should go a long way to ensuring that they are already able to grasp most parts of the job at hand.”
*1.14m figure based on Universities UK data verifying that in 2015–16 there were 2.28 million students studying at UK higher education institutions.
**Research undertaken amongst 500 UK graduates
(Source: Satsuma)
