Star Anise Limited (Legal and Compliance Recruitment Consultancy)’s Post

Trainee solicitors! I bring some good news! I've spoken to a lot of trainee solicitors over the last few weeks across Edinburgh and Glasgow. There seems to be a negative messaging in the legal market. The message seems to be that it's going to be extra tough to secure an NQ role. I've met with a lot of firms over the last couple of weeks. The majority haven't concluded their internal processes, this is why the vacancies haven't come to the market yet. I've been told the majority of firms will look to retain their NQ's. Firms are also telling me there will be a number of extra NQ roles that will come to the market. So don't panic! Now is the perfect time to brush up your CV, look at your LinkedIn profile and get involved in events that could open doors for you. Let's celebrate qualification. You have worked hard for it and I don't want it to be a stressful time worrying if you'll secure an NQ position. If you want to find out who I've met with this week and who is likely to have roles that will come to the market, drop me a message. We can arrange time to meet for coffee!

❓Trainee Solicitors - should you continue to explore the NQ market if you already have an offer from your current firm?❓ As a legal recruiter, I often come across candidates who are unsure about this (or even feel guilty about exploring the market), so its definitely a question that's worth delving into. Firstly, having an NQ offer from your current firm is fantastic - it's a testament to your hard work and the relationships you've built. That being said, your NQ role will play a pivotal part in your long-term career and there may be opportunities out there that align more closely with your values and goals. Additionally, exploring the market can provide valuable insight into your current firms competitiveness in terms of salary, benefits and progression. 💼 On the flip side, there's the value of loyalty and continuity; staying with your current firm means you'll be navigating familiar waters with colleagues who know and support you, but its important to remember that putting the feelers out and having conversations doesn't mean you're committing to a move. It's about being informed and having peace of mind that you're starting your qualified career in the best possible role for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on thorough research and reflection on what you want from your NQ role and future career. Take the time to weigh your option and don't feel like you have to settle out of loyalty! If you're a Trainee Solicitor seeking an NQ position, curious about the market or just want some career advice, don't hesitate to get in touch! 📞 - 07451274902 ✉️ - abbie@douglas-scott.co.uk #LegalCareers #NewlyQualifiedSolicitors #CareerAdvice

Soft skills for Trainees Solicitors 🏺 I said yesterday that soft skills for solicitors are the secret sauce.  I truly believe that in the next 5 to 10 years having a strong set of soft skills (aka people skills or power skills) will be the most important factor in a having a long and successful career in law.  Discipline, drive, resilience and the factors outlined below will be crucial. Would you add any others? 🤔 👩💼 If my advice was aimed at more experienced solicitors I’d have gone into leadership vs management a little more.  However, you can be a leader without a title at any stage in your career if you are mindful enough.  I like these words from Brené Brown:- “A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes and has the courage to develop that potential.  Leadership is not about titles or the corner office. It’s about the willingness to step up, put yourself out there, and lean into courage.” 😨 Do you like my less migraine-inducing mind map (Soft skill: finding an app to make your words look pretty!)?  Next I am going to get spicy with my thoughts about how to navigate the legal industry for the next generation of lawyers. 🌶 #law #lawfirm #legalcareers #trainees #traineesolicitors #careeradvice #mentoring #solicitors #recruitment #Scotslaw

Understanding why candidate attorneys may fail and how to succeed is crucial for the legal profession. I've been posting daily about these topics because they are incredibly important, especially in our field. Many candidates make career choices without sufficient guidance, leading to misaligned paths. Modern, research-based career assessments and books like "What Color is Your Parachute?" and "Designing Your Life" are essential. Traditional career counselling often fails, so using scientifically backed methods to understand talents and align them with industry demands is crucial. While shadowing provides real-world experience, it can be misleading if improperly structured. Law firms should offer well-defined shadowing programs with clear objectives. Vacation programs should educate students about the profession's realities, not just serve as hiring funnels. The legal industry can suffer from gatekeeping by power-hungry leaders, so fostering an environment where mentorship is accessible and encouraged is essential. Upholding strong values, standards, mission statements, and mottos can guide young lawyers and align their efforts with the firm’s objectives. Effective leadership includes emotional intelligence; leaders should be approachable, supportive, and understand their team’s needs. Promoting tolerance, patience, kindness, and love within the industry is vital. Recognising and supporting the good faith efforts of innovators and disruptors who seek to break the mould and affect change is crucial. Firms should actively support young talent, especially when their contributions positively impact individuals, communities, and society. Creating space for newcomers in the marketplace and learning from their approaches can invigorate the industry. Understanding the psychology of high-conflict personalities and narcissism is essential, as these traits can drive individuals to positions of power. Knowledge of power dynamics is essential. Books like Robert Greene’s "The 48 Laws of Power" and Sun Tzu’s "The Art of War" provide insights to navigate complex relationships with clients and colleagues. The legal profession is demanding but profoundly rewarding. Upholding the values enshrined in the South African Constitution, which is globally admired, can inspire hope and dedication. Recognising the efforts of those who aim to innovate and improve the industry is crucial. Reflecting on our journey, we've faced challenges reinforcing the importance of active professional development participation, meaningful feedback engagement, and clear communication. Such experiences highlight the need for continuous improvement and support within the firm. Fostering an environment of support, continuous learning, and respect for all legal community members can lead to a more robust and dynamic profession. If you’re struggling, remember that success is within reach with the right mindset, preparation, and a bit of opportunity. #CandidateAttorneys #MentalHealth

How long are you willing to wait for a #trainingcontract? Three to Five years. How do I know?👇🏾 Before becoming a Future Trainee at a global c.£500,000,000 law firm…I gave up. And almost convinced everyone - myself included - that I was over trying to secure a TC. Created a bunch of reasons to justify giving up on the dream: 1) Graduated with a 2:2 2) Rejected by 20+ law firms 3) -1% of UK Lawyers were black 4) I had never done a Vacation Scheme …the list went on Luckily I learnt how to achieve my dream career by: ✍🏾Learning to write successful applications 🗣️Practising my interview skills with City professionals 👨🏾🎓Securing a role with a Graduate City Recruiter 🪄🥈Working with Magic + Silver Circle Law Firms If you’re confused,tired and just fed up of being an aspiring solicitor seeking a training contract like I was then I’ve made something to help you. OFFER ACCEPTED a step by step guide to help you apply for and successfully secure a Paralegal, Vacation Scheme or Training Contract offer Only folks on the waitlist will have access so comment "Offer" below to join 📆 Coming out Monday July 15th #trainingcontracts #law #lawfirm #aspiringsolicitors #futuretrainee #lawyers #lawstudent #vacationscheme #sqe #lpc

Navigating your way as a newly qualified solicitor? Here's how to shine for employers. Embarking on your legal career post-qualification is no small feat. With a sea of talent around, standing out to potential employers requires more than just a strong academic record. Here's a guide to making your mark in the competitive legal job market. Firstly, specialise. The legal field is vast, and a jack-of-all-trades might struggle to get noticed. Choose an area you're passionate about and build expertise. Whether it's commercial law, family law, or intellectual property, a niche focus can make you the go-to person in that domain. Next, build your network. Relationships are key in law. Attend industry events, join legal forums, and connect with peers and mentors on platforms like LinkedIn. A recommendation from a well-respected solicitor can be the edge you need. Also, consider pro bono work. It's not just about giving back; it's an opportunity to gain practical experience, showcase your skills, and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. Remember, soft skills matter. Employers look for solicitors who are not only legally proficient but also possess strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities. Highlight these skills in your interactions and on your CV. Lastly, keep learning. The legal landscape is ever-changing. Stay updated with the latest trends and legal updates. Continuous learning shows employers that you're proactive and dedicated to your craft. Ready to take the next step in your legal career? Visit our website, www.thepeopleof.co.uk, for tailored advice and opportunities. Let's make your legal aspirations a reality. 🔍 #LegalCareers #SolicitorJobs #CareerGrowth

❗ CALLING ALL ASPIRING TRAINEES ❗ It's that time of year again where firms are opening their applications for training contracts and qualifying work experience. Having been through it all before (many times), I know how daunting it is to face the never-ending applications, and how deflating it can be when you get that dreaded “we’re sorry to inform you that you haven’t been successful on this occasion” email, or don't get a response at all! It can be tempting to send applications into every law firm you come across that has a vacancy, and whilst I encourage keeping your options open, it's important to make sure that you're only applying for the firms that you genuinely have an interest in working at. It’s just as important that the firm is the right fit for you, as it is that you are the right fit for the firm. I strongly encourage doing your research into firms, and if you can, reach out to some current employees (especially current trainees) for an informal chat about their experience to assist you. As a helpful guide, myself and the other second year trainees at Wake Smith Solicitors have recorded a webinar to talk all things Wake Smith and have answered some frequently asked questions which you may find useful. If you are interested in applying for Wake Smith (which I would strongly recommend), you can access the content through the link below. https://lnkd.in/eTqQZcEV I am always happy to speak with aspiring trainees to share my experience in more detail, and if anyone is local, a coffee over lunch is always a winner for me! #lawyer #traineesolicitor #sheffield #trainingcontract

If you are a trainee solicitor approaching qualification or you have recently qualified Jason Nottage has published a definitive guide to assist with starting your career as a solicitor. This is an unmissable document shedding light on regional market trends, how to run and prepare for a recruitment process and tips to get your career off to the very best start. You can find it here - https://lnkd.in/eaEudSa7 #NQsolicitors #Newlyqualified #lawjobs

Delving into an older but still relevant piece from Lawyers Weekly, "Moving in-house as a junior lawyer leads to a wealth of benefits" offers timeless insights. The article successfully articulates how transitioning to an in-house role early in one's career can accelerate professional growth, provide diverse experiences, and foster a deeper understanding of business dynamics. For any young legal professionals considering this career path, this read remains a must. It proves that some advice truly stands the test of time. 🕰️ 📖 #LegalCareers #InHouseLaw #CareerDevelopment https://loom.ly/IW2L0j0

👩💻 Unsupervised Trainee Awarded £36,000 in Damages by Employment Tribunal Ms. Kaur joined Gillen De Alwis Solicitors in the summer of 2021. Just two days into her training contract, she was left to handle the caseloads of two qualified lawyers with minimal supervision. The firm's property department was under-staffed, and Kaur often found herself overwhelmed and approving documents without oversight. Despite raising her concerns multiple times, she received no response from the firm. Less than halfway through her training contract, Kaur was summarily dismissed. The tribunal rejected the firm's claim of misconduct, noting the lack of investigation or disciplinary procedure, and concluded that her dismissal was likely due to her complaints about the firm's management. 💡 Key Insights and Observations: ➡ Importance of Proper Training and Supervision: A training contract should offer guidance, support, and a structured learning environment, not merely serve as a temporary solution for staffing issues. ➡ Handling Grievances Professionally: Employees should feel their concerns are taken seriously and addressed promptly. ➡ Employer Responsibilities: Employers must ensure they are not placing unreasonable demands on trainees, especially those that exceed their experience and capacity. ➡ Workplace Bullying and Harassment: The tribunal's findings of bullying and harassment by one of the firm's partners are deeply concerning. Such behavior not only violates workplace ethics but can also have severe legal repercussions for the firm. ➡ Legal and Financial Repercussions: firms can face for unfair dismissal and breach of contract. The £36,000 award to Kaur is a substantial amount that reflects the seriousness of the firm's failings. https://lnkd.in/dTq4P3c4 #EmploymentLaw #LegalProfession #WorkplaceStandards #EmployeeRights