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At Accutrainee’s “Secrets of My Success” event, aspiring and qualified lawyers came together for an engaging discussion on how to navigate and thrive in the legal profession. The conversation explored invaluable topics such as strategies for securing training contracts, the power of networking and mentorship, overcoming challenges faced by trainees and newly qualified lawyers, and the lessons learned along the way. Packed with real-world advice this event offered a roadmap for building a successful and fulfilling legal career. We are happy to share some of these secrets with you.
Securing that Coveted Training Contract
The panellists emphasised that securing a training contract is no easy feat, requiring a strategic approach and unwavering resilience. They shared valuable tips for aspiring lawyers based on their own experiences.
Showcase Transferable Skills: Highlighting transferable skills gained from previous experiences, even if not explicitly legal, is crucial. One panellist, who had a background as an events manager before transitioning to law, impressed the interviewers by effectively articulating how their experience in event management had equipped them with valuable skills such as time management, stakeholder management, and the ability to handle pressure. This resonated with the interviewers and contributed to their success in securing the training contract.
Gain Practical Experience: Paralegal roles or other legal work experiences can make a significant difference. A panellist shared how their paralegal experience allowed them to gain practical skills and showcase a portfolio of work in their applications, making them stand out from other candidates.
Embrace Resilience: The application process is often riddled with rejections, and maintaining resilience is key. Another panellist candidly admitted to facing numerous rejections before landing their training contract. They highlighted the importance of not letting setbacks define one’s journey and emphasised the need to persevere, continuously learn from each experience, and adapt accordingly.
One panellist recommended seeking support and guidance from Accuflex to secure NQ opportunities whilst going through the training contract journey with Accutrainee. They also advised being open to fixed-term contracts when approaching the job market for NQ positions, as these can either become permanent or make a candidate stronger by giving them more experience.
Networking: Building Connections for Success
The panellists highlighted the importance of networking in the legal profession, beyond just applying online.
Connect Beyond Applications: They urged aspiring lawyers to go beyond submitting applications and actively engage with firms and their people. Attending open days, networking events, and reaching out to lawyers and trainees through platforms like LinkedIn can provide invaluable insights into the firm’s culture and values, allowing candidates to tailor their applications and demonstrate genuine interest.
Reach Out To Trainees: Aspiring lawyers can reach out to current trainees through friends, friends of friends, or LinkedIn to ask for tips and advice.
Plan B: The panellists also recommended that aspiring lawyers have a strategy with plan Bs and different options to help them achieve their objectives. They encouraged the audience to be open and curious because joining a trainee seat in an unfamiliar area of law or sector can lead to a pleasant surprise and a successful career.
Mentorship: A Guiding Light
The discussion underlined the vital role of mentorship in career development, both during the training contract and beyond.
Mentors Provide Impartial Advice: Mentors offer a safe space for trainees to discuss challenges, seek advice, and gain a fresh perspective. One panellist shared a personal anecdote about how their Accutrainee mentor helped them navigate a potentially career-damaging situation during their training contract, emphasising the value of having someone impartial to confide in and seek guidance from.
Maintain Relationships: The panellists encouraged attendees to maintain relationships with their mentors even after qualification, as their guidance and support can continue to be beneficial as they navigate the complexities of their legal careers. They also highlighted the value of informal mentoring relationships with senior colleagues who can provide valuable insights and support.
Career Coaching: The panellists also pointed out that mentors can help trainees by reviewing their CVs and cover letters and offering advice on negotiating offers. One panellist said their mentor helped them identify an unfavourable clause in a contract that they had not noticed. They were then able to successfully negotiate the removal of the clause.
Challenges and Lessons Learned: Embracing the Journey
The conversation took an introspective turn as the panellists reflected on their personal journeys, sharing their challenges and the valuable lessons learned.
Recording is Important: The panellists suggested recording all work, legal, and technical skills throughout a training contract so that this information can be referred to during interviews for NQ roles. Accutrainee’s Pathways can be crucial in this sense, as it enables individuals to record their Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) and track their progress against the skills and competences which are necessary to become a lawyer.
Evolving Career Aspirations: Many participants admitted that their initial career aspirations evolved significantly as they progressed through their training contracts, gaining exposure to different practice areas. Two panellists shared how their initial ideas about the kind of law they wanted to practice changed drastically after experiencing various seats during their training contracts.
Open-Mindedness: This highlighted the importance of approaching the training contract with an open mind, embracing new experiences, and allowing interests to evolve organically. It also underscored the need for flexibility and adaptability in the ever-changing legal landscape.
Effective Communication and Workload Management: Trainees often face the challenge of juggling multiple tasks and managing expectations. The discussion provided practical advice on how to effectively navigate this. Open communication with supervisors, clear articulation of workload and priorities, and the ability to negotiate deadlines were highlighted as essential skills. Panellists advised overcommunicating and being clear with people about their current workload and when they can realistically get back to them.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Trainees should feel comfortable going to their supervisors if they are feeling overwhelmed. Supervisors are there to advocate for their trainees and will help them to manage their workload and communicate with colleagues.
When approached with a new task, it is better to acknowledge the request and give a realistic timeframe for completion than to say no. Trainees can ask their supervisor or the relevant colleagues to help them prioritise tasks.
Excel Skills for In-House Lawyers: A surprising but crucial takeaway was the emphasis on developing strong Excel skills, particularly for those interested in in-house roles. One panellist, drawing from their experience in tech companies, stressed the importance of data analysis and presentation skills in an in-house environment, urging aspiring in-house lawyers to cultivate these skills early on.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Growth and Opportunity
The event concluded with an overarching message of embracing growth, remaining adaptable, and continuously seeking opportunities for development. The panellists’ diverse experiences and candid reflections provided a valuable roadmap for aspiring and current lawyers, highlighting the importance of resilience, mentorship, networking, and continuous learning in navigating a successful and fulfilling legal career.
