Name: Catherine McLaughlin Firm: Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Location: London University: University of Oxford Degree: Law
the only skill you need to bring to the table. Perseverance is key too. “As a trainee, it’s normal to approach your training contract with trepidation. You think you have to be excellent from the start, but it’s important to not let constructive feedback knock your confidence. Don’t be too hard on yourself,” she advises. The ability to communicate well in what is a predominantly client-facing role is also essential. While you won’t be expected to engage in these relationships independently straightaway, you should still showcase your “willingness and enthusiasm” to get involved early on. Working with clients means more than just being a good communicator – “commercial awareness is also important”, says Catherine. “Any time you read the news, look out for issues that could impact the clients and therefore your work.” As an example, Catherine references the war in Ukraine and the economic uncertainty it’s caused globally. She adds: “You should be on top of such issues so you can speak to clients about them.” Does the shoe fit? How do you find the right firm for you? “Try to get yourself out there as much as you can,” is Catherine’s top tip. “Choosing between firms is a confusing process.” To help with this, Catherine urges aspiring lawyers to attend as many events, including workshops, open days and webinars, as possible: “Get to know the people working at the firms”. Not only will this help you make your decision, but it’s also a fantastic research tool. Catherine explains how she later used these experiences to help her secure a training contract at Sullivan & Cromwell: “I could talk at length during the interview about why I was interested in a training contract at the firm.” It’s vital that you choose a firm in which you can picture yourself in years to come – somewhere “you’ll be comfortable working”.
acquisition of a company for the client to come back five years on for more help. It’s helpful to have worked with clients in some capacity before, to have established good working relationships and identified their objectives.” But how do you get the clients to keep coming back with the “advent of legal efficient technologies, as well as the increase in legal services providers”? Catherine considers the major issues facing the profession over the coming years – she explains that firms like Sullivan & Cromwell will look to develop ways to differentiate themselves. “What makes this firm special?” and “How do we show clients that we remain a valuable proposition?” are two questions she suggests firms address. “The main way we do this is via the quality of work and showing excellence in the matters we work on. I’m constantly thinking about how I work to show clients how useful we are.” Not everything is innate To produce high-quality work and win back clients’ business, it comes as no surprise that lawyers must possess a set of fine-tuned skills. Catherine emphasises that we aren’t all good at everything and not all skills come naturally. “It’s appreciated that everyone has skills we need to work on.” In Catherine’s case, this has meant developing her attention to detail, a critical skill for all successful lawyers; and billing, which requires a lot of “personal organisation” – a skill required to become a top solicitor at any firm. She urges aspiring lawyers to get themselves into good organisational practices from the outset of any vacation schemes or training contracts. “For example, find out how the firm’s email system works, and how to organise emails relating to different clients and matters. A lot of being a lawyer is finding things you’ve given advice on before and updating it for your clients.” Getting into these habits early will help to cut down time spent on admin. However, being organised isn’t
129
Sign up to
SOLICITORS
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online