Early Career Lawyers Seminar 7 September 2023 What to Expect …When You Are Admitted Cara Hawkins and Kristi Foale - Directors of Simmons Wolfhagen
Expectations in the Workplace • Find out early on • KPls - how to measure performance and success; what other measures are applied by your workplace? Financials - time recording • Non-financials - joining in, what does the firm value • Build relationships within the firm. • Open communication with your superiors or other people in the firm Question: Have you had conversations surrounding the above with your supervisor; at interview stage, early on, or only recently? Discussion about how to have these conversations.
Time Management and Workloads • • • • • •
Organisation is key, E.g., inbox management seminar Time frames crucial Implement own systems and use tools available (e.g.: calendar, resubs) Response to clients - if dealing directly with clients, set realistic timing Tasks from others - scope out: due date, how long to spend on it, how do they want the advice? (e.g.: draft letter, memo) • Extra hours can help make a difference. But work smarter not longer. • Work out a system that works for you.
Interacting with the broader legal community • • •
Other practitioners, and also externals such as valuers, accountants, experts Always be respectful. Crucial to own reputation, firm's reputation and the reputation of the profession
Question: Have you had negative interactions from other lawyers outside of your firm. This can happen. Discussion about how to deal with it.
Work I Life Balance • • •
Find a sustainable balance for the long term Find out what works for you, can be very individual Actively make efforts to keep interests alive outside of work
Find a Mentor Or find several mentors for different areas of support.
Additional Questions • • •
When friends or family ask for legal advice – how to manage. Attend social functions, join in. Relationship with PAs and secretaries are crucial - they know more than you do. Don't ever assume you will know everything.