CLLS Training Committee

Why do lawyers suffer from imposter syndrome? Does the law attract lawyers pre-disposed to imposter syndrome or does the job create imposters out of us? Former lawyer and leadership coach Gavin Sharpe addresses the issue of imposter syndrome in the law. Gavin cites the latest research on the unique personality characteristics of the lawyer. He argues that the combination of a demanding profession coupled with the personality of a lawyer creates an environment which leaves lawyers feeling like imposters. Gavin states the problem of imposter syndrome often worsens as lawyers become more senior.   This article will be of interest to lawyers at all stages of their career, specifically those who struggle with perfection, procrastination or people-pleasing. Having self-doubts is part of being human. As Gavin argues, recognising when those doubts arise and how to tackle them is key. #impostersyndrome #professionaldevelopment #mindsetmatters #legalprofession Gavin Sharpe is a leadership and performance coach. He has spent approximately 30 years working with global corporates and law firms, principally consulting on the intersection of performance, leadership and strategy. Gavin is a former lawyer, commencing his legal career at Allen & Overy and subsequently at Olswang, now CMS.    Gavin founded the global legal search company SSQ whereupon he recruited associates, partners and teams for many of the top U.K. and U.S. and global law firms. After selling his shares in SSQ, Gavin moved to Monaco, where he resides today.    Gavin is the founder of Riviera Wellbeing, a coaching and learning organisation committed to helping others live their best lives. In particular, he works with senior lawyers to facilitate them unlock their potential.  

Every day this week, we are publishing a short essay on the rule of law. The City of London Solicitors’ Company awards an annual Prize to an aspiring solicitor who shows the most promise in terms of being a future City solicitor. To be eligible, candidates needed to have passed the LPC or SQE 1 and be in the last year of either their training contract or their solicitor apprenticeship or have completed at least one year of qualifying work experience - in each case, with a firm of solicitors practising in the City and its neighbouring areas. Candidates submitted an essay, entitled “How would you describe, to a non-lawyer, what the rule of law is, why it’s important and what part City solicitors play in upholding it?”. Five selected finalists were interviewed by the then Master of the City of London Solicitors’ Company Sarah de Gay and the Vice-Chair of the City of London Law Society’s Training Committee Charlotte Wanendeya. The competition was strong! Four months on from the award of the prize, each day this week, we are sharing an essay a day from the two joint winners, Oliver Jones and Emily L., as well as the three runners-up, Mustafaen Kamal, Calum Paton and Oliver Layzell. To close our spotlight on the thought-provoking essays on the rule of law from the five finalists, today’s essay from Calum Paton of BCLP powerfully evokes Leviathan, the mythical sea monster, to argue that our choice is between a life governed by the rule of law, or one that is “nasty, brutish and short”. Powerful stuff indeed! 

Every day this week, we are publishing a short essay on the rule of law. The City of London Solicitors’ Company awards an annual Prize to an aspiring solicitor who shows the most promise in terms of being a future City solicitor. To be eligible, candidates needed to have passed the LPC or SQE 1 and be in the last year of either their training contract or their solicitor apprenticeship or have completed at least one year of qualifying work experience - in each case, with a firm of solicitors practising in the City and its neighbouring areas. Candidates submitted an essay, entitled “How would you describe, to a non-lawyer, what the rule of law is, why it’s important and what part City solicitors play in upholding it?”. Five selected finalists were interviewed by the then Master of the City of London Solicitors’ Company Sarah de Gay and the Vice-Chair of the City of London Law Society’s Training Committee Charlotte Wanendeya. The competition was strong! Four months on from the award of the prize, each day this week, we are sharing an essay a day from the two joint winners, Oliver Jones and Emily L., as well as the three runners-up, Mustafaen Kamal, Calum Paton and Oliver Layzell. Today we show-case the essay by finalist Oliver Layzell of White & Case. Oliver argues persuasively that City lawyers’ national prominence means they have a particular duty to uphold the rule of law.

Every day this week, we are publishing a short essay on the rule of law. The City of London Solicitors’ Company awards an annual Prize to an aspiring solicitor who shows the most promise in terms of being a future City solicitor. To be eligible, candidates needed to have passed the LPC or SQE 1 and be in the last year of either their training contract or their solicitor apprenticeship or have completed at least one year of qualifying work experience - in each case, with a firm of solicitors practising in the City and its neighbouring areas. Candidates submitted an essay, entitled “How would you describe, to a non-lawyer, what the rule of law is, why it’s important and what part City solicitors play in upholding it?”. Five selected finalists were interviewed by the then Master of the City of London Solicitors’ Company Sarah de Gay and the Vice-Chair of the City of London Law Society’s Training Committee Charlotte Wanendeya. The competition was strong! Four months on from the award of the prize, each day this week, we are sharing an essay a day from the two joint winners, Oliver Jones and Emily L., as well as the three runners-up, Mustafaen Kamal, Calum Paton and Oliver Layzell. Today we show-case the essay by finalist Mustafaen Kamal of Baker & Mackenzie. A quote that really resonated with the judges was “If it was not for the rule of law, our laws would be nothing but complicated jargon with little practical value”. Take a read to see if you agree!

Every day this week, we are publishing a short essay on the rule of law. The City of London Solicitors’ Company awards an annual Prize to an aspiring solicitor who shows the most promise in terms of being a future City solicitor. To be eligible, candidates needed to have passed the LPC or SQE 1 and be in the last year of either their training contract or their solicitor apprenticeship or have completed at least one year of qualifying work experience - in each case, with a firm of solicitors practising in the City and its neighbouring areas. Candidates submitted an essay, entitled “How would you describe, to a non-lawyer, what the rule of law is, why it’s important and what part City solicitors play in upholding it?”. Five selected finalists were interviewed by the then Master of the City of London Solicitors’ Company Sarah de Gay and the Vice-Chair of the City of London Law Society’s Training Committee Charlotte Wanendeya. The competition was strong! Four months on from the award of the prize, each day this week, we are sharing an essay a day from the two joint winners, Oliver Jones and Emily L., as well as the three runners-up, Mustafaen Kamal, Calum Paton and Oliver Layzell. Today we show-case the joint prize-winning essay by Emily L. of Hogan Lovells. The judges particularly loved her approach of considering what the rule of law is not to better understand what it is. She addressed recent UK challenges and affirmed the role of City solicitors in promoting the rule of law through legal counsel, community engagement, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.  She ended with a challenge to us all to remember to be stewards of justice, and to reflect on the rule of law in our everyday actions/inactions.

Every day this week, we are publishing a short essay on the rule of law. The City of London Solicitors’ Company awards an annual Prize to an aspiring solicitor who shows the most promise in terms of being a future City solicitor. To be eligible, candidates needed to have passed the LPC or SQE 1 and be in the last year of either their training contract or their solicitor apprenticeship or have completed at least one year of qualifying work experience - in each case, with a firm of solicitors practising in the City and its neighbouring areas. Candidates submitted an essay, entitled “How would you describe, to a non-lawyer, what the rule of law is, why it’s important and what part City solicitors play in upholding it?”. Five selected finalists were interviewed by the then Master of the City of London Solicitors’ Company Sarah de Gay and the Vice-Chair of the City of London Law Society’s Training Committee Charlotte Wanendeya. The competition was strong! Four months on from the award of the prize, each day this week, we are sharing an essay a day from the two joint winners, Oliver Jones and Emily L., as well as the three runners-up, Mustafaen Kamal, Calum Paton and Oliver Layzell. First up is joint prize-winner Oliver Jones of Mayer Brown. He reminds us of the four core elements of the rule of law - equality, certainty, legality and access to justice. In particular, the judges found his arguments highly persuasive on why City solicitors have a critical role to play in upholding these cornerstones.

🌟 Exciting insights from CLLS Training Committee recent workshop on Supporting Internal Coaches in City Law Firms! 🌟 In an industry where adaptability and growth are essential, internal coaching can play a pivotal role in fostering talent and enhancing performance. Our workshop was hosted by Julia Robinson and brought together thought leaders and practitioners to explore best practices, challenges, and innovative strategies for empowering internal coaches. Read on to discover the key findings for the event. #Coaching #LawFirms #ProfessionalDevelopment #Leadership #EmployeeDevelopment

In this fascinating and topical read, Darren Weir discusses the changing landscape in legal education and how universities are adapting to the world of SQE and QWE. In particular, he focuses on the integrated masters degree pathway to SQE training which is becoming increasingly popular at our universities. He also talks about the need for firms to take a fresh look at their recruitment processes in light of the SQE results now coming through, as well as the government's potential cut backs in Level 7 apprenticeships. Darren is a Senior Lecturer, Director of Lawyering Skills and Deputy Director of Solicitors' Practice at Kent Law School, University of Kent. He was formally a practising barrister and has taught law in higher education since 2010. #SQE #learninganddevelopment #QWE #level7apprenticeships #legaleduaction #lawstudent #graduaterecruitment

The Solicitors Regulation Authority analysis of the July 2024 SQE 1 results was published recently. The headlines are that 44% passed the 2 components that make up the exam, a significant decrease from the previous January sitting, where the pass rate was 56%. Once again, pass rates for men exceeded those for women, and pass rates for White candidates were above Asian, and concerningly, double those for Black candidates. With thanks to BPP's Caroline Lister and Caroline Rayson, attached is BPP’s summary of the SRA’s Statistical Report from the July 24 SQE 1 assessment.

19th century US retailer John Wanamaker supposedly said 'Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted - the trouble is, I don't know which half.' Does the same apply in lawyer L&D? Are we really clear what matters most and where L&D professionals can obtain the biggest bang for their buck? Here's an alternative view from award-winning former RPC Managing Partner, now turned partner performance coach, Jonathan Watmough. That our biggest ROI will always come from helping our business lawyers become both competent and comfortable in the business of law. And the game-changer L&D fundamentals to address this are not necessarily what you might think! #businessdevelopment #thebusinessoflaw #lawyerdevelopment #learninganddevelopment #coaching