How to be a resilient lawyer

The word ‘resilience’ is often used in the legal profession to describe how lawyers should be, but why is being resilient so important? The Cambridge Dictionary describes resilience as ‘the ability to be happy, successful, etc. again after something difficult or bad has happened’.

You should strive to be a resilient lawyer because it is a critical skill that can be utilised when facing adversity. Being resilient will help you persevere through challenging situations, of which you will face many during your legal career. I like to call it ‘the art of not giving up’.

Here are tips that can assist you in becoming a resilient lawyer, no matter which stage you are at in your legal career.

1. Do not let rejection define you

This is easier said than done but it is not uncommon for a student or professional seeking to enter the legal profession to have setbacks. Whether it is receiving yet another rejection email for a vacation scheme, a training contract or qualifying work experience in light of the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination route, rejection is part of most people’s journey. I’m sure many of us have been there or are currently going through it due to the extremely competitive nature of the legal profession. After completing my LPC/LLM it took me two years to obtain my current role as a trainee solicitor. Something that helped me to persevere and maintain a positive outlook was to keep in mind the end goal of qualification. Do not allow your past rejections to stop your future progression.

2. Learn from mistakes

I am someone who enjoys learning on the job and making mistakes along the way. Allow yourself grace if a mistake is made, especially when embarking on an unfamiliar task or delving into a new practice area. Mistakes are inevitable. Try not to focus on the fact that you have made a mistake and instead frame it as a learning experience. Having a supportive team with whom you feel able to communicate is essential. Without this, it can be difficult to vocalise that a mistake has been made. Senior leaders must appreciate that making mistakes is inevitable, especially for those in the earlier stages of their legal career.

3. Remember your own wellbeing

As lawyers, our clients turn to us in times of distress to seek a resolution to the issue that they are facing. It is important to remind yourself that although you are in a position to serve your clients’ needs, your needs must also be looked after. You are not expected to be unaffected by stressful situations that arise at work; it is about finding coping strategies that work for you. Whether it be taking up a new hobby at weekends, starting a new book or talking to someone about the issues you are facing, find ways to give back to yourself and tend to your own wellbeing.

4. Be adaptable

The legal sector is constantly evolving, with new technologies, products and services being introduced. Throughout your legal career you will encounter time-pressured situations, complex work and often demanding hours. Being adaptable is a great skill to have because it allows you to manage the considerable pressures and changes that can arise from working in the law. You will be constantly learning, so it is important to remain open-minded and appreciate matters from different perspectives, and adapt to the current needs of your client base.

5. Don’t strive for perfection

When things do not go as perfectly as hoped, this can often leave us feeling deflated and defeated. I used to be someone who would meticulously plan out every intricacy but I quickly realised that life happens and that is OK. You should not be expected to be perfect. Constantly striving for perfection can lead to anxiety, burnout and negative coping strategies. So instead I encourage you to strive for excellence.

Fortunately, resilience is a skill that can be constantly built upon. An example is reflecting upon past situations to identify what did and didn’t go well, identifying how you reacted and what could have gone better. Self-reflection may be uncomfortable, but will make you a better lawyer and is always worthwhile.

Priscilla Adu is a trainee solicitor at IBB Law LLP and student representative at the Junior Lawyers Division