Cintia Aguilar (GDL 2012/3) reviews the 04/02/2013 visit of Christa Band, partner at Linklaters LLP:
1. HOW HAS THE LEGAL MARKET EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
Work experience
Students are able to acquire work experience before commencing a career in law. Before, there were no opportunities to take vacation schemes or other related work experience to learn first-hand the role and skills required of a commercial solicitor.
Working hours
Technology has made it possible to work 24/7. However, it has also made it easier to work outside the office allowing individuals to tailor and balance their schedules.
Relationship between law firms and clients
In an increasingly competitive market clients often send their work to a number of different firms.
Relationship between commercial solicitors and barristers
The relationship has become less formal and more collaborative.
Documentation
The amount of documentation to handle has increased significantly. Managing such volume of material and form of documentation has led to improvements and development of e-disclosure.
Diverse roles
Law firms are employing more and more professionals from other fields – management, marketing, etc. – rather than lawyers thinking that they could/should undertake every role.
2. HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF LIFE AS A COMMERCIAL SOLICITOR
Enjoy the job
A decision to become a commercial solicitor based on practical experience will more likely turn into a more enjoyable experience. The demand on time the job bears on family, friends and relationships must be worthwhile.
Ask questions
It is important to understand the deal every step of the way. That will require sometimes asking obvious questions. Choose an appropriate moment to pose these questions to the team. It is also important to learn from the senior lawyers around and to contribute to the debates.
Never disappoint
Only agree to realistically achievable aims.
Work hard and be nice
You will move further by being a decent person.
Benefits of training as a lawyer
Training as a lawyer will provide you with a good working structure that allows you to take on problems with a logical approach. These skills are very transferrable.
Personal take
The best thing about the job is that it is unpredictable. It is constantly challenging.
3. WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Business is more global
Emerging markets are becoming important players in the world economy. English law will compete with U.S. law for business in this market. This will require firms to become more adaptable and global. Language skills and cultural adaptability are necessary skills for future lawyers.
Firm of the future
The law firm of the future will need to be flexible and diverse. To retain talent law firms will have to tailor greater choice and opportunities for increasingly broadminded individuals. Technology may be able to assist them in suiting other commitments. However, the legal business is a people-based business that requires teamwork in person. A balance must be struck.
Work experience
Students are able to acquire work experience before commencing a career in law. Before, there were no opportunities to take vacation schemes or other related work experience to learn first-hand the role and skills required of a commercial solicitor.
Working hours
Technology has made it possible to work 24/7. However, it has also made it easier to work outside the office allowing individuals to tailor and balance their schedules.
Relationship between law firms and clients
In an increasingly competitive market clients often send their work to a number of different firms.
Relationship between commercial solicitors and barristers
The relationship has become less formal and more collaborative.
Documentation
The amount of documentation to handle has increased significantly. Managing such volume of material and form of documentation has led to improvements and development of e-disclosure.
Diverse roles
Law firms are employing more and more professionals from other fields – management, marketing, etc. – rather than lawyers thinking that they could/should undertake every role.
2. HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF LIFE AS A COMMERCIAL SOLICITOR
Enjoy the job
A decision to become a commercial solicitor based on practical experience will more likely turn into a more enjoyable experience. The demand on time the job bears on family, friends and relationships must be worthwhile.
Ask questions
It is important to understand the deal every step of the way. That will require sometimes asking obvious questions. Choose an appropriate moment to pose these questions to the team. It is also important to learn from the senior lawyers around and to contribute to the debates.
Never disappoint
Only agree to realistically achievable aims.
Work hard and be nice
You will move further by being a decent person.
Benefits of training as a lawyer
Training as a lawyer will provide you with a good working structure that allows you to take on problems with a logical approach. These skills are very transferrable.
Personal take
The best thing about the job is that it is unpredictable. It is constantly challenging.
3. WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Business is more global
Emerging markets are becoming important players in the world economy. English law will compete with U.S. law for business in this market. This will require firms to become more adaptable and global. Language skills and cultural adaptability are necessary skills for future lawyers.
Firm of the future
The law firm of the future will need to be flexible and diverse. To retain talent law firms will have to tailor greater choice and opportunities for increasingly broadminded individuals. Technology may be able to assist them in suiting other commitments. However, the legal business is a people-based business that requires teamwork in person. A balance must be struck.
