5 Skills Employers Are Seeking Most From Legal Professionals in 2023

5 Skills Employers Are Seeking Most From Legal Professionals in 2023

The last few years have been turbulent, but 2023 feels like returning to relative stability and an acceptance of the new normal. After the social, political and economic challenges that our population has weathered, a level of cynicism is to be expected and to counter this, legal professionals will need to deliver an honest, flexible and transparent approach when serving the needs of their clients this year and in perpetuity.

To this end, the top five skills employers will be looking for senior legal professionals to demonstrate this year are somewhat different from those of ten years ago. Impartiality, professionalism, and integrity are still the cornerstones of the legal profession, but the need to continually demonstrate a range of interpersonal skills is quickly gathering momentum. The top five "soft" skills that will be essential for all legal professionals this year, but particularly those who occupy partner or senior leadership roles, are detailed below.

1. Commercial awareness.

Understanding the climate in which you will be operating will make you a more attractive proposition to employers. This includes understanding the need to improve diversity across the profession as well as recognising the implications of changes to the political and economic landscape of the UK to the legal profession and its clients. This includes a demonstrable ability to win new-name clients and to nurture existing clients. 

2. Adaptability.

Covid, Brexit and the rapid changes in the monarchy and government last year have taught us not to take any element of status quo for granted, to expect change and to be adaptable when it occurs. A clear demonstration of the ability to respond proactively and flexibly to change will be very desirable to law firms this year, particularly in the context of partner and senior management hires. Maintaining professionalism and high levels of productivity, even when the operating environment is in a state of flux is essential.

3. Communication skills.

The modern client is used to having data at their fingertips and has high expectations of the legal professionals with whom they engage. The ability to communicate in a way and at a time that suits them is paramount to maintaining that professional relationship. A lawyer has always needed to write cohesively and to clearly state their case, but in the technology-centric landscape of 2023, it is of paramount importance in order to maintain the reputation of the profession and the trust of the clients who rely on it.

4. Prioritisation.

Legal professionals will be expected to deliver a vast and varied portfolio this year as firms adapt to changes, both those that are imposed upon them and those that they choose to implement in order to deliver improvements to client satisfaction and profitability. The ability to effectively prioritise a workload and to delegate work where appropriate is an essential characteristic for a legal professional operating within a busy environment this year.

5. Self motivated.

When operating in a pressured environment, it is essential to be able to keep yourself motivated and to seek out opportunities to deliver benefit to the firm. Those who rely upon continuous feedback will struggle to develop their careers and satisfy their clients. Taking the initiative and driving innovations in the way in which work is conducted and results achieved will deliver positive outcomes for the individual, the firm and the client alike.

Senior legal professionals should expect 2023 to bring myriad new challenges but also opportunities. The workload this year is expected to be varied and opportunities to collaborate and innovate will be plentiful. Adapting to change and driving improvements within the profession will create a culture of resourcefulness, adaptability and positivity which will benefit all parties.

If you want expert help to find your ideal role, please get in touch with Interlink Talent Solutions at [email protected].