MBL Seminars Ltd’s Post

Looking forward to facilitating this popular online workshop with MBL Seminars Ltd next week – there are still a few places available. If you’d prefer to attend an in-person programme, then I’m also running the session in London on 5 November 2024 – further details and booking link in the Comments below. #juniorlawyers #supervisionskills #delegation #feedback #coaching #mentoring #motivation #learninganddevelopment #onlinelearning #inpersonlearning

My personal view on how to build better lawyers, by fostering a growth mindset during a training contract: The legal profession thrives on excellence. However, fostering a culture of constant learning and development is crucial for trainee solicitors to flourish. While constructive criticism is valuable, a relentless focus on mistakes can impede growth. Reasons why a supportive training environment matters: 💯 Psychological Safety: Trainees who feel safe to ask questions and experiment are more likely to take calculated risks, leading to deeper learning and improved performance. 💯 Resilience: Mistakes are inevitable in any learning process. A supportive environment builds trainee resilience, allowing them to bounce back stronger. 💯 Innovation: When trainees feel valued for their ideas, they're more likely to propose creative solutions and contribute fresh perspectives. How can training experiences be better created? ➡ Frame mistakes as opportunities for growth, providing clear feedback and guidance for improvement. ➡ Recognize and acknowledge trainee progress, fostering confidence and motivation. ➡ Encourage trainees to ask questions and seek clarification without fear of judgment and reprimand. ➡ Pair experienced lawyers with trainees to provide personalized guidance and support. It's imperative to foster a culture of learning and empowerment to ensure the next generation of lawyers thrive. #traineesolicitors #legaltraining #growthmindset #lawfirms #trainingcontract #trainingexperience

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗲   Over the course of last week, I've observed numerous posts about major law firms rescinding training contracts due to potential trainees failing their SQE 1 assessments.   In my view, firms are entirely justified in requiring their trainees to pass the assessments necessary for qualifying as solicitors. However, I question the logic of offering training contracts to individuals who have yet to sit for their SQE assessments, especially when such a requirement is in place. Wouldn't it be more sensible to offer contracts to those who have already passed both SQE 1 and SQE 2, thus avoiding this counterproductive scenario?   This approach not only wastes time for both students and law firms but also negatively impacts the firm's reputation, particularly concerning its culture.   Another critical aspect to consider is mental health, which, regrettably, most law firms seem to neglect. Securing a training contract—often perceived as a near-impossible achievement due to still unjustified requirements—only to lose it, is like receiving a Christmas present from Santa and then having it taken back. Imagine the profound disappointment that child would feel!   The SQE was introduced to provide more flexibility and to break the cycle of the challenging pursuit of a training contract. It was replaced with a requirement for a minimum of two years of qualifying work experience, during which students can gain significant experience.   For students and aspiring lawyers: do not underestimate the value of working in a law firm or an in-house department. Disregard the idea that formal training surpasses experience. As someone who has navigated the SQE and gained years of experience in the legal field, I assure you this perspective is misguided. Work experience is as crucial as training, if not more so, especially since you will likely specialise in one or two practice areas. Why not start gaining experience in those specific areas from the outset?   Think carefully before pursuing a training contract, recognising the profound advantages of gaining specialised experience right from the start. #TrainingContract #LawFirms #LawStudents #AspiringLawyers #WorkExperience #LegalCareers #FutureLawyers #CareerInLaw

Twenty (twenty!!!?!??) years ago today I started my training contract. Yesterday I stood in front of this year’s intake of bright and fabulous young people to deliver part of their induction programme. And it made me wonder what I’ve learned over twenty years in the law. So I know one or two things about commercial litigation. And some about client relationships. And a fair bit about teamwork. And more than anyone should need to know about limitation periods in English law (don’t ask…! If you ask, I will tell you - at great length - and aint nobody got time for that.) But if I had to go back and give Trainee-Me some advice? Take your lunch breaks - and ALWAYS CHECK THE EMAIL ADDRESS BEFORE HITTING SEND. 😂 (Also, drink the really good coffee: you’ll need the caffeine and life’s too short for bad coffee.) Any other advice? #solicitor #legallife #legaleducation #training

Exploring Pathways to Solicitor Qualification Traditionally, qualification involved a law degree, vocational training, and a training contract. However, evolving legal education has opened alternative paths. Understanding these avenues is crucial for aligning qualifications with aspirations. Traditional Route: LPC and Training Contract Academic Stage: Begins with a law degree (LLB) or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) for non-law graduates, establishing legal knowledge. Vocational Stage: LPC Bridges academic study with practice, covering key subjects and offering flexible study options. Professional Stage: Training Contract Involves practical training at a law firm, demanding well-prepared applications & legal acumen demonstration. Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) Route: Introduction: A two-part assessment aiming to standardize qualification, emphasizing practical skills alongside theory. SQE Stages: SQE1 tests legal knowledge, while SQE2 assesses practical skills, with flexible structure and Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). Prep for SQE: Prospective solicitors must prepare effectively for assessments, balancing work and study commitments. Apprenticeship Route: Solicitor Apprenticeships: Offer a work-based alternative spanning six years, accepting diverse academic backgrounds. End-Point Assessment & Qualification: Culminates in an assessment signalling readiness for qualification, transitioning from apprentice to solicitor. CILEX Route for Chartered Legal Executive Offers a respected non-university route, with flexible pathways. Qualification: Involves academic study & practical work, culminating in the CILEX Level 6 Diploma. Progression to Solicitor: Clear path to further qualification, bridging roles & elucidating legal practice synergies. Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) and Exemptions: Understanding APL: Recognizes prior knowledge or qualifications, potentially abbreviating qualification timelines. Impact on Qualification Timeline: May introduce challenges in maintaining competencies but offers opportunities for mature candidates. Postgraduate Qualifications: Role of Postgraduate Degrees: Enhance expertise & career trajectory, though not mandatory for qualification. Conversion Courses and Specialist Qualifications: Serve as pathways for non-law graduates and empower specialization in legal domains. International Lawyers & QLTS: QLTS for Non-UK Qualified Lawyers: Offers a pathway into UK practice through comprehensive assessment. New SQE for International Lawyers: Sets a consistent benchmark for all aspiring solicitors, with transitional arrangements. The journey to solicitor qualification in the UK is diverse, accommodating various paths. Resilience & adaptability are crucial in navigating this profession. Additional Resources: Refer to regulatory bodies and professional forums for guidance and support. Stay informed & connected to facilitate your unique journey. www.sra.org.uk/pathways #legalqualifications #law

🌟 Embrace Lifelong Learning in Law 🌟 In the ever-evolving legal landscape, continual professional development (CPD) is not just a requirement but a necessity for lawyers and solicitors. With over 30 years of experience in legal recruitment, I've witnessed firsthand how staying updated can significantly impact a legal career. From new legislation to emerging technologies, the legal field is in constant flux, and those who invest in their growth are the ones who thrive. At VG Charles & Co, where I've been since its inception in 2009, we emphasize the importance of CPD to our candidates. Whether you're a newly qualified solicitor or a seasoned partner, ongoing education ensures you remain competitive and effective in your role. It's not just about attending seminars or earning CPD points; it's about genuinely engaging with new knowledge and skills that can transform your practice and, ultimately, your clients' lives. For me, helping lawyers find their dream roles is about more than just placements. It's about ensuring they have the tools and mindset to excel continuously. As a good listener and empathetic recruiter, I recognize that true professional satisfaction comes from growth and development. So, let's embrace CPD not just as a checkbox but as a pathway to excellence and fulfillment in our legal careers. 🌟 #LegalExcellence #ContinuousLearning #CareerGrowth

Following the success of our previous webinars, we are delighted to announce a further date for our webinar ‘Supporting your New Trainees’. For a nominal fee of £20+VAT, you will gain an understanding of how to help your new trainees to become the effective and qualified lawyers of the future 🗓 Date: 30th August 2024 🗓Time: 09.30 - 10.30 💡 Understand the challenges faced by both new trainee solicitors and their managers  💡 Discuss the role of managers, partners, and HR professionals in supporting and mentoring trainee solicitors  💡 Learn strategies and best practices for supporting and managing new trainee solicitors 💡 Learn practical tips for improving time management and work-life balance 💡 Discuss the importance of constructive feedback, evaluation and mentorship in the development of new trainee solicitors Booking link in the comments… #traininglegaltrainees #motivation #innovation

A new cohort of Apprentice and Trainee Solicitors are shortly due to start their training Here’s my top tips (that equally apply to all others starting legal jobs): ⏺️ As you get more comfortable in your role, we love it when you can take the initiative and offer to do additional tasks on matters you’re working on - look out for opportunities to do this ⏺️ Take a comprehensive note of each meeting, be it client facing or not, including when taking instructions for a task ⏺️ DON’T be afraid to ask for help / ask questions. We fully expect and welcome this ⏺️ Having a good go at something is all we ask; we don’t expect it to be perfect. Don’t be put off or disheartened by constructive feedback, it’s there to maximise your learning. ⏺️ Develop a network of others in your cohort; you’re all in this together and it’s great if you can rely on each other ⏺️ DON’T worry if it all feels overwhelming to begin with; that’s entirely normal. Take each task at a time and you’ll realise how quickly you pick up skills and knowledge ⏺️ Once you’ve done a piece of work, save it as a precedent for future tasks ⏺️ Take breaks during the day; that might be a lunch break or coffee breaks but a few minutes away from the screens are important ⏺️ I had a “praise folder” as a junior lawyer. I put all the positive feedback I received in there and when I was having a bad day, it gave me the boost I needed to regroup and carry on. You should do the same! ⏺️ Remember that just because you’re the most junior in the room, doesn’t mean you don’t have something to offer/a valuable perspective ⏺️ Soak everything up like a sponge and have a mindset of learning the very most you can Best of luck to everyone starting their new roles. It doesn’t feel that long ago that I was in your shoes and I know it’s a complete mix of emotions, but you’ve got this! ☺️

A great watch if you are thinking of getting involved in our Flex Trainee scheme. It's so uplifting to see our future lawyers start their journey and then see the end of result - qualification! We need more organisations in the North who want to go down this route so do get in touch with me if this is something you would like to discuss further - you really would be helping our next generation of lawyers fulfil their ambitions. #generalcounsel #legalcounsel #lawyers #legalinsights

Don’t forget that applications for our 2026 training contract are open!   We asked one of our first-year trainees, Duncan L., why he entrusted WS with his training…   WS: Why did you apply to WS?   Duncan: “I applied for a training contract with Winckworth Sherwood because of the diverse range of practice areas on offer. For me, I did not want to pigeonhole myself into a particular practice area early on in my career. Accordingly, it was important I trained with a firm that provided ample opportunity to explore different aspects of the legal sector.”   WS: As we approach the half-way point in your first ‘seat’, how would you describe your experience so far?   Duncan: “I can genuinely say that the individuals I have met so far at Winckworth Sherwood have been welcoming, patient and supportive. Partners in my department, despite how busy they often are, will always take time out of their work to explain things to me. There have not been any occasions where I have been treated as less important despite my more junior position, instead I always feel like a valued member of my team.”   WS: With your first seat in our parliamentary team, how would you describe your work so far?   Duncan: “I joined the Parliamentary department at Winckworth Sherwood for my first seat and it has certainly been a unique experience. On a day-to-day basis, I will frequently be researching niche and specific areas of law and then presenting my findings to partners in the department. Recently, the department has been involved in a number of significant infrastructure projects. This type of work often involves preparing submissions on behalf of clients for the planning inspectorate as well as observing hearings to gain a solid understanding of the different parties’ positions. Although less conventional work than what many lawyers do, the fact you are working on projects seeking to improve the next generation of UK infrastructure is genuinely quite amazing.”   For more information on us and our trainee solicitor programme, head over to https://lnkd.in/e-mh6wMb