In our Careers Clinic, we hand over to you, our community, to send in a question on career progression.
This month, Associate Consultant Alex Mason advises a junior commercial solicitor on how they can move closer towards generating their own work so they can eventually progress to partner.
“I’m a junior commercial solicitor and would like to progress to partner eventually. I know that to do so, I’ll need to start demonstrating to my firm that I can build client relationships and generate my own work.
What can I do now to lay the foundations for making partner later on?”
As a junior solicitor, your ambition to progress to partner is commendable and achievable with the right strategies. Building client relationships and generating your own work are crucial steps in this journey. Here are some practical tips to help you lay the foundations for future success.
Understand Your Firm’s Criteria for Partnership
Familiarise yourself with your firm’s criteria for partnership early on. Speak with current partners to understand expectations in terms of client development, billable hours, case wins, and professional conduct. This will help you tailor your efforts to meet these expectations.
Cultivate Strong Relationships
Build relationships within and outside your firm. Seek mentors internally and network actively with clients, industry professionals, and peers. Attend industry events, join professional organisations, and participate in networking groups. The relationships you build now will be invaluable as you progress.
Develop Your Niche
Specialise in a particular area of commercial law, whether that’s intellectual property, contracts or technology. Identify an area you are passionate about and become an expert in it. This enhances your value to the firm and makes you a go-to person for clients seeking expertise in that niche.
Deliver Outstanding Client Service
Exceptional client service is key to client retention and referrals. Be proactive, responsive, and attentive to your clients’ needs. Go above and beyond to solve their problems and keep them informed throughout the legal process. Satisfied clients are more likely to return and refer others to you.
Enhance Your Business Development Skills
Take advantage of any training your firm offers on business development and marketing. Learn how to pitch to potential clients, develop proposals, and create compelling presentations. Improve your public speaking and writing skills to establish your presence in the industry and invest in your personal brand.
Showcase Your Expertise
Share your knowledge through writing and speaking engagements. Contribute articles to legal journals, blogs, and industry publications. Offer to speak at networking events, webinars, and seminars (both internally and externally). This will help build your reputation as an expert both within your firm and the wider community and put you in front of potential clients.
Leverage Social Media
Use social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn, to connect with industry professionals and potential clients. Share relevant content, engage with posts, and participate in discussions. Building a strong online presence can help you stay top-of-mind with your network.
Track and Demonstrate Your Success
Keep a detailed record of your accomplishments, including successful cases, client feedback, and any business you generate. This will be valuable when it comes time to make your case for promotions. Demonstrating a track record of success and client development will make a compelling argument for your promotion.
Be Patient and Persistent
Progressing down the path to partnership is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires consistent effort, patience, and resilience. Stay focused on your goals, continuously improve your skills, and seek feedback to keep growing.
Remember, becoming a partner is not just about being a great lawyer; it’s about being a great leader, business developer, and client manager. By starting early and being strategic in your efforts, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goal. Good luck on your journey to partnership!
Looking for further advice?
If you’d find more tailored advice useful, contact Alex, our commercial law careers specialist. Give him a call on 03300 245 606 or email alex.mason@realmrecruit.com.
