Being a junior lawyer can be overwhelming. Here are some top tips – from a senior and junior viewpoint – to help junior lawyers thrive and build long-term success.
1. Find your place. The legal industry is evolving. With companies seeking to reduce costs and external legal fees a significant business expense, there are increasing in-house opportunities for junior lawyers. The path is no longer strictly linear and the growing diversity of roles means there is something to suit everyone. Whether in private practice or in-house – each with their own distinct qualities and skill set – there are opportunities available.
2. Be present. We have lived through unprecedented times which have seen increased flexibility in the workplace. While working from a virtual ‘office’ offers many positives, being physically in the office remains essential for juniors. Learning through osmosis from peers, engaging in informal and often unplanned conversations, and building your professional profile in person are just a few of the perks. When you cannot be physically present accept that you will have to work a little harder to learn and be seen – do not be intimidated by picking up the phone.
3. Own mistakes. Mistakes are inevitable – not just for juniors. What matters is how you handle it. In a perfect world, you should inform someone senior immediately, bringing with you a well thought-out plan to remedy the issue. However, there will be times when you do not have the answer. In such cases, do not delay – raise the issue quickly and remember that a sincere apology can go a long way.
4. Build your profile. Start early to think what kind of lawyer you want to be. That does not mean mapping out a trodden career path – it is about carving your own niche. Start within your team and identify your strengths and how you can best show clients and colleagues what you are capable of. Learn your weaknesses and how to overcome or compensate for them – no one is brilliant at every aspect of the job. As you get more senior, translate this externally – how do you want to be seen by clients and in the market?
5. Take your time. The old adage ‘quality over quantity’ has never been more relevant than during a legal career. Do not let deadlines (particularly ‘internal’ ones, which are often negotiable) compromise quality of work. Regardless of how quickly you complete a task, delivery of poor-quality work will never be appreciated. But if you do need more time, manage expectations – clients and colleagues are relying on you to deliver and a simple progress update can avoid disappointment.
6. Stay non-judgemental. Try not to judge others too harshly and try to build trust. There are challenges at every stage of a career and you never stop learning. It is easy to question why a client or a supervisor has made a demand of you, or why someone has responded to a seemingly trivial issue when ignoring an urgent request. Remember, everyone is juggling career pressure and even the most confident lawyers may be adjusting to management and client-facing roles. Equally, do not put up with unacceptable behaviour. Calling it out is not always easy but the onus is on everyone to foster an inclusive workplace, so try and find an appropriate channel.
7. Network effectively. Sound intimidating? Whether interacting with colleagues, clients or others, networking is an exciting opportunity to foster a future connection. Consider carefully which networking circles might work best for you to meet peers at a similar stage of their careers. For example, junior litigators might explore the Junior London Solicitors Litigation Association, while junior in-house lawyers might connect with the Law Society’s In-house Network. A great network is not only good for your career but also resilience and wellbeing. Having friends to share grumbles, queries or know-how is invaluable.
8. Communicate. Good communication, tailored to the audience, is key to every part of the job. Think about how your drafting and presentation are being received by clients, supervisors and more junior colleagues. Learn what kind of communication each client reacts well to (sometimes three bullet points is much more effective than a long memo) and think about their objective. Never be afraid to ask questions and seek feedback – remember that it is often as daunting for supervisors to give feedback as it is for you to receive it.
9. Marathon not a sprint. Do not make rash career decisions – it is a long road and it is never too late to change. University, law school and then training contract puts you on a structured path, so when qualifying it can feel like you need to be pushing on to the next steps. It can be disheartening if you seem to ‘fall behind’ your peers. But the brilliant part of a legal career is that work is always changing and lawyers pick up transferable skills that can be applied in more senior legal roles or act as a bridge to changing direction. Though it is hard in the moment, try not to sweat career knockbacks. If you are not progressing or are unhappy in a role, treat it like a legal problem and apply rigorous analysis to the issue.
10. Do not neglect your resilience package. Burnout is rife across the industry and without careful attention your mental and physical health can suffer. Develop a set of non-negotiables early on and carve out time for those things. Inform colleagues/managers of your boundaries – they will respect you for it. While it might seem difficult to make time for exercise, to prepare a healthy meal, or even grab a coffee with a friend during busy periods, such small steps are crucial for maintaining long-term wellbeing.
Elaina Bailes is a committee member of the London Solicitors Litigation Association and a partner at Stewarts. Lauren Gest is a committee member of the Junior London Solicitors Litigation Association and legal counsel at Johnson Matthey
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