Key skills for junior lawyers

What are the key skills that junior lawyers need to demonstrate, and why are these important??

Firms are increasingly asking applicants why certain skills are relevant to the role of junior lawyers.

I believe this question is actually a motivation question, as it tests your understanding of the role for which you are applying. And not knowing how to answer this could suggest that you have little understanding of what you're getting yourself into.

With this in mind, here's a rundown of some of the key skills that junior lawyers need to demonstrate during the early stages of their careers, and an explanation of why those skills might be relevant.

Initiative?

You will be assessed on how well you are able to use your initiative and be resourceful, as doing so effectively can make your supervisors’ lives easier and save them a lot of time. For example, trying to pre-empt what you’ll be asked to do next, even if just drafting a cover email for your supervisor to use when sending your work to the client, can make a real difference.?

Attention to detail?

The work carried out by City firms regularly requires individuals to review, process and advise on vast amounts of complex data, and you will therefore be expected to produce work that is technically proficient/accurate.

Problem solving

Top City firms charge substantial amounts for their services and clients are increasingly instructing them only when they have particularly challenging and unique issues to resolve or strategies to execute. Firms therefore want candidates who are able to think creatively and laterally to ensure client problems are tackled effectively.

Teamworking

Lawyers regularly work in teams, for example:

• Working with lawyers from their particular practice area.
• Working with lawyers in the same office from other practice areas (for instance, if?seeking advice on the tax or regulatory implications of a transaction).
• Working with non-lawyers, such as business development executives.
• Working with employees from other offices throughout the firm's global network (if the firm is international).
• Working with other firms or external advisers.

Firms assess this skill, as they need to ensure that you will interact effectively with colleagues and contribute positively to the firm’s culture. They’ll also need to see evidence that you will be able to act professionally and courteously when representing the firm to clients and in your dealings with third party organisations (e.g. other law?firms and professional advisers).?

The ways in which you have dealt with difficult team-based situations could shed light on your ability to focus on the task at hand and continue to work effectively in a team during stressful periods.?Your examples might also help you to demonstrate that you are eager to contribute and able to listen to and encourage others.

Organisation skills

To succeed as a trainee, you must be very, very well organised, as throughout your training contract you will most likely at times be:?

• Balancing multiple (sometimes dozens) of different matters/projects
• Managing a number of competing deadlines (some of which may be brought forward with little warning)
• Coordinating numerous internal and external teams/advisers; and?
• Working on a wide-range of documents for the first time.?

Communication skills

Many City careers involve presenting to and regularly liaising with clients, other firms and employees within your firm. Confidence and communication skills are therefore essential, as is an ability to deliver engaging, professional and concise presentations.

Networking skills

As you become more senior, you may be expected to bring work into the firm and this is often facilitated through networking, so an ability to make connections and build relationships is also essential.?

For a deeper insight into the key skills that trainee solicitors need to demonstrate, as well as the role of key practice areas and trainee solicitors, complete Commercial Law Academy’s “Introduction to commercial law ” and “Interview case studies ” courses, or pick up the Training Contract Handbook .