Whether you’ve been in the legal field for one year or for 25, you’ll know the value of being organised. However, in the modern ‘information overload’ world that we all live in, it can be challenging to remain on top of things. There are myriad different apps and programmes you can use to help organise your life and get ahead from your competition, however even cutting through the noise and working out what works and what doesn’t can be a major challenge. So what are the top tech tools for lawyers and how can they benefit your career?

Storage

Only the most technologically illiterate are likely to have not heard of Dropbox, the most advanced and robust file storage tool out there. As lawyers, you’ll be well aware that your existing storage space on your phone, tablet or desktop can get filled quickly with all the documents that you’re sent on a daily basis, and using a programme like Dropbox can provide extra storage as well as helping you to remain organised. It’s also a useful – and secure – tool for exchanging information online with your clients and colleagues.

Practice management

There are plenty of different types of practice management software out there, some of which are suited to firms of a certain size or specialism. However, it’s probably fair to say that the most widely effective platform is MerusCase, a tool that lets you manage and automate your cases, communication, calendar, court forms, templates and case files. And as the programme is cloud-based one of the main benefits is that everything is one place. It’s advisable to do your homework as different programmes will suit different firms and individuals, however it’s likely you’ll find that adopting the software will make you more organised and your files safer.

Security

Ensuring your data is secure should be an absolute priority, particularly with the spate of high profile hacks taking place in recent months. If organisations with the resources of the likes of Sony, Google and IHG haven’t been able to stop hackers, then the average legal firm doesn’t stand much chance, unless that is, it invests heavily in its online defences. However, most companies still have their head in the sand when it comes to data security, and it’s often down to the individual to ensure that they remain safe when operating online. Almost every app or programme requires a password of some sort and the ever growing list of phrases with or without a grammatical symbol, number or capital letter can be hard to keep up with. By far and away the best product is Lastpass as this means you need to remember just one password. It also offers a safe and secure place to store login and credit card details, for example.

Research tools

As you’ll all be only too aware, one of the more time consuming aspects of the average lawyer’s role is research. However, that’s about to change as there are now two tools which look set to shake up the status quo in the legal industry. The first is Casetext, which contains a programme called Cara that finds relevant case law files for lawyers who upload legal documents, allowing them to get the exact cases they need. And the second is Ravel Law, which gives lawyers insights into how judges have ruled on previous cases, allowing professionals to tailor their preparations ahead of their cases, both of which can potentially save you a huge amount of time.

Work/life balance

Don’t laugh, it is possible to achieve a work/life balance when working in the legal sector. Obviously, a lot of the pressure is out of your hands, however creating boundaries is an effective way of regaining control. By using Google Voice to separate your phone lines – for free – you can set up a separate number for your firm on your mobile and restrict its hours, meaning the days of late night calls will be a thing of the past. It also means that clients can call or text you without reaching you on your personal number or pursuing you when you’re busy. You can even read transcribed voicemails and text messages when you’re in court and, as if that wasn’t enough, there’s also an automatic timing function so you can bill clients accordingly.

Ignore the reports, technology is here to help make our jobs easier, rather than stealing them from us. If you’d like to speak to our expert team about their favourite tech tools for lawyers then get in touch now.

What are your favourite tech tools for lawyers?

Check out some of our other blogs on the impact of technology on the legal profession. And if you’re looking for a career move, take a look at our current jobs.

It’s that time of year when many assess their career and decide that it is time to move on. But before you jump right in and send your CV out, it’s vital to take the time to review it and update it with your latest skills and achievements. And while you might not need us to tell you not to use your megalad@gmail.com or goddess@yahoo.co.uk email address when applying, we do have some very useful advice that our many years of experience in recruitment tells us will pay off. And with the average recruiter spending less than ten seconds reviewing a CV before deciding whether to keep it, yours needs to stand out from the crowd. Here’s how:

Tailor it

Nothing stands out more than a generic CV that hasn’t been updated for the specific job you’re applying for. Recruiters and potential employers want to see how well matched you are to that position so it’s no good sending out the same application every time. Read the job specification thoroughly and ensure your skills match the criteria that the organisation is looking for and you’re likely to receive a lot more responses than your regurgitated CV would bring.

No photo

Opinions are mixed over whether you should include a photo with a CV or job application. Some people think you should, more people think you shouldn’t. We’re in the latter camp and from our perspective, it’s much the same as including your birthday and only leaves you open to some employers potentially discriminating against you through their unconscious bias. While it shouldn’t make a difference, if an organisation is that keen to see what you look like then they can look at your social media channels. Which leads us onto our next point…

Sort out social media

While this isn’t part of your CV, it may as well be in the 21^st century as you’ll be hard-pressed to find an employer that won’t carry out at least a cursory search of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the like to see what you’re really like. You don’t have to delete all the photos of you on a night out, or dressed up for a friend’s birthday, but do hide them as they’re hardly likely to impress your next potential boss. All it takes is an update of your privacy settings and bang – the dirt is gone, or at least hidden.

Keep it simple

There’s no need to add in every single detail about your life achievements so far. Your 25m swimming badge isn’t going to make the difference between getting an interview or not, so the best advice is to cut the superfluous detail and only highlight what will actually help you get the job you’re applying for. Consider that the recruiter who deals with your potential job probably receives hundreds of CVs every day and is fairly unlikely to read all five pages of yours so keep it concise, put your most important information first and cut the waffle.

Check, check and check again

The final point is every recruiter’s bugbear and if there’s one thing likely to get your CV thrown in the bin, it’s bad spelling and grammar. This is barely even excusable anymore as, unless you’ve written your CV by hand or on a typewriter, you will have had access to a spellchecker. And if you’re reluctant to rely on technology, print it out and read it out loud to yourself to ensure it makes sense. And then ask a friend to check it. It may sound like a lot of effort, but if it makes the difference between your application being considered and being binned, it’s probably worth it.

Got a killer CV?

Once you’ve completed this checklist you’re ready to go!

And if you need a helping hand why not get in touch with us today to see how we can help you get the job you’ve been dreaming off.

For advice on nailing your interview, click here.

You may also like to download our guide on How to Develop Your Legal CV.

During a job interview, you might find yourself being asked some tricky questions which put you on the spot. Anticipating them and preparing your responses in advance will help you to manage your nerves and stay composed on the day. So, here are some of the most common questions that trip up interviewees and our top tips on answering them.

‘Tell me about yourself.’

This seems like a very straight forward question but many candidates fall into the trap of thinking this is just a warm-up question to put them at ease and end up telling the interviewer all kinds of irrelevant things that don’t relate to the job. This is an opportunity for you to give a brief outline of your current role and state the personal and professional work experiences that relate to the position you have applied for. One way to prepare for this question is to plan and rehearse a brief statement – a paragraph or so – that quickly describes who you are and what you can bring to the company. Don’t focus too much on your childhood, school life, early career, personal likes and dislikes or hobbies, unless they are relevant to the post.

‘What is your biggest weakness?’

This is tricky because the point of an interview is to present yourself positively. The best way to approach this is to identify a gap in your knowledge or an area where you are seeking to improve yourself, which can be addressed through training or learning. For example, you may need to refresh your skills at using certain software. If you can’t think of anything, look at the person specification before the interview and identify a ‘desirable’ skill that you don’t yet have but are willing to work towards. Whatever you do, don’t tell them about a character weakness such as being continually late or forgetful.

‘What do you like least about your current job?’

The interviewer is looking to see how you speak about your existing employer and role. Be utterly professional and never criticise any individuals that you work with. The best bet here is to mention an aspect that’s far removed from the job you’re seeking. Finish by explaining that, despite the unappealing element, you have learned something useful from it or achieved something fulfilling. This shows that you have resilience and a positive attitude.

‘What has been your biggest failure?’

This is a tough question because it asks you to go over something that you’d probably rather forget, and at a time when you are already feeling under pressure. It is designed to find out more about your previous job performance and anticipate how you might behave in the future. Most importantly of all, the interviewer wants to know what lesson you learned from your failure. The number one rule here is to keep focused on your career: don’t talk about a divorce or anything similar. Equally, don’t mention something minor from years ago, like not passing a school test. Some candidates avoid the question and claim never to have failed at anything, but that also suggests that they’ve never taken any risks.

A top tip is to use the STAR framework (Situation/Task, Approach, and Results) to explain what happened. For example, you had to pitch to an existing client to win £10,000 of additional business. You approached it casually because you felt certain that the work was a dead-cert. Unfortunately, the client felt that a rival went the extra mile and gave the work to them. You have learned to treat every pitch with equal attention, regardless of your existing client relationship.

‘Where do you expect to be in five years’ time?’

Remember that employers just want to get a better idea about your background, your communication skills and how you’ll perform if they offer you the job. If you rehearse answering tricky questions and frame your responses so that you present yourself in the best possible light, you will impress interviewers, even when talking about your mistakes or weaknesses.

For more job interview advice from the team, check out our other posts here.

If you are looking for a new role check out our current jobs or if you want some career advice get in touch today.

Less than a year after the UK decided to leave the European Union, we’ve been busy preparing our latest in-depth analysis of the employment market for private practice lawyers across the UK to gauge the impact Brexit has had.  So what has our data revealed? And what does this mean for the sector?

Nationwide vacancies fall

While our data reveals that vacancy levels across the UK have fallen in all regions year-on-year (13%), it is by no means all doom and gloom. In fact, there are certain specialisms that are bucking this trend and performing exceptionally well. Personal injury lawyers have been increasingly called on in response to the proposed cap on whiplash claims which has resulted in drivers rushing to get their claims through the courts.  And the UK’s ageing population has translated into unprecedented demand for wills and probate specialists across the entire country.

Lawyers reticent to move job in current environment

While the fall in advertised positions is, on first glance, a less than optimistic picture, it can be attributed to lawyers being reticent to move roles in an environment of uncertainty.  While some lawyers are less committed to a career move the hiring picture as a whole remains very healthy. And our conversations with our clients clearly demonstrates this. Many firms are hiring lawyers for newly created positions due to increased workloads instead of replacement hires that are associated with specialists moving between firms.  And as Brexit becomes more of a ‘business as usual’ scenario, we’re confident the ‘wait and see’ approach will pass.

Check back next week for our next blog where we’ll be focusing on the regional demand for private practice lawyers. And if you can’t wait that long contact us today to get your hands on the full report.

For more insights from the team visit our website.

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Very few people go into the law because they see it as some sort of ‘soft’ career option (and if they do, they very quickly get disavowed of that notion). Yes, the rewards, both financial and professional can be very attractive but it calls for a level of commitment and dedication that can make other alternatives look rather easy in comparison.

But how do you make the most of the opportunities open to you? Is it down to academic brilliance, social skills or, as a study by UCL school of Management seemed to suggest, how physically attractive you are? According to a new book by Angela Duckworth, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania in the US, the answer to all these appears to be ‘no’. Instead, she argues, the secret of success is what she calls ‘grit’.

Resilience, determination and never give up!

Grit (as anyone who has seen the John Wayne film, ‘True Grit’ or its recent incomprehensible remake, will know) embodies the qualities of hard resilience, determination and a refusal to give up. Yes, folks, although unfashionable in this age when reality TV suggests that the route to fame and fortune is a quick and easy one, the message from Professor Duckworth is that there are few things more powerful than a willingness to work long and hard.

Having made a sustained examination on what gets people to the top in a wide variety of sectors including education, the military, commerce and industry and the professions, the common factors are motivation and, crucially, stamina. Or, as the American professor with the suspiciously British surname puts it, “This is a marathon, not a sprint.”

How do you succeed?

So do you have what it takes to succeed? If you have a spare few minutes in your busy day (although we do have to ask why you have a spare few minutes if you are serious about this) then Ms Duckworth provides a quick self-assessment questionnaire on her website which might either cheer or depress you. But what can you do to get more of this elusive ‘grit’? And can it really be taught and developed?

One of the key findings of the professor’s extensive research is that natural talent is not necessarily essential. And in all too many cases, it may actually prove to be a handicap. The justification for this seemingly odd assertion is that the so-called talented can develop a sense of entitlement and, as a result, not put in the effort to achieve their full potential while those with something to prove to get on and prove it. Consequently the key may be to cultivate what she calls a ‘growth mind-set’ which embraces new experiences and treats failures, not as an end but stepping stones to greater effectiveness. Yes, it all may sound a bit ‘American’, despite the fact she picked up one of her prestigious degrees at Oxford, but underneath the transatlantic jargon the message is a common sense one that should speak to us all – life is tough so get on and do something with it.

Do you think grit and determination are crucial factors if you want to be a success in the legal sector?

For more insights from the team take a look at our other blog posts. And if you’re looking for a new role check out our latest vacancies.

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Given the increasingly competitive nature of the UK’s legal sector, it’s somewhat unsurprising that law firms are constantly looking for ways to gain a competitive advantage over one another and with pressure from the Big Four mounting and the number of boutique offerings growing, practices are increasingly turning to mergers and acquisitions. Just under half (43%) of law firms are looking to merge with other businesses over this year according to accountancy firm Smith & Williamson’s annual survey.

Mergers on the rise

Feedback from over 100 UK-based law firms found that 43% were looking to merge or acquire in the next 12 months, compared to only 28% last year. Given the increased pressure from new boutique practices and the ever looming threat of the Big Four Accountancy firms, it’s hardly surprising that 59% of the firms surveyed indicated that competitive pressures have increased in the last year. According to the research, firms consider a focus on specialist sectors as the greatest opportunity in the next two to three years, followed by UK expansion and lateral hires.

Giles Murphy, head of professional practices at Smith & Williamson highlighted that “Focusing on specialist sectors can help firms to strengthen their niche and so differentiate themselves. Like any brand, being able to explain and demonstrate why your service is different and superior to the competition is fundamental to taking market share.” He noted that the right acquisition combined with an effective strategy can help firms to scale-up and develop market presence in a chosen niche or region.

According to Murphy there is a growing trend of smaller acquisitions rather than mergers which can result in two companies’ taking years to reconcile roles, remuneration structures, disparate HR policies, and working culture. The latter perhaps one of the most important, as any drastic changes to working culture could result in talent moving elsewhere.

Strong leadership crucial

It’s crucial that there are strong leaders who are dedicated to managing the merging cultures, while the most dominant culture is likely to assert itself over the new combined company, its likely there might be friction at a variety of levels. Issues at partner level are likely to set the tone for the entire practice, so it’s vital that the managing partner has a clear idea of how to tackle any discrepancies in culture.

It’s also important to emphasise the firms’ new core values, and ensure that all lawyers are aware of how they add value to the practice. Consultation should play a large role in establishing these key values, if the opinions from partners on both sides are not considered it’s unlikely they’ll be adopted effectively.

Identifying the key influencers throughout the firm is also important, often these may be senior partners who are reluctant to rack up too many non-billable hours, but they will play an important role in the cohesion of the two firms. It’s crucial to educate them on the new culture as their peers will likely look to them to set the example moving forwards.

Mergers give firms the opportunity to expand their niche or to venture further afield, and ultimately improve their turnover. However without strong leadership, they can leave firms focusing inwards, rather than outwards at the new potential that mergers bring, so a strong set of core values and a plan to tackle cultural integration is vital.

For more market insights visit our news page. And if you’re looking for a new role check out our current vacancies.

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Despite a survey from Legal Cheek finding that 78% of its readers favoured the traditional LLB over the more modern GDL, the debate over the two rages on.

The GDL rather obviously gives students who didn’t study law as an undergraduate the same opportunities as their LLB peers. In recent years it has become far quicker and easier to complete but in reality, there’s a lot to be said for both routes into the profession and students should consider which path is best for them.

Benefits of the LLB

Completing a legal degree can provide a quicker route into the profession with some students going straight from a three year LLB to training contract. The course will also give students the option to study additional modules and also more time to gain valuable legal work experience. And it’s worth noting that those who study a BA in law, like their non-law counterparts, will still have to complete the GDL before progressing to either the LPC (Legal Practice Course) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC).

More representative of training contracts

Alternatively, the GDL is a well-established step on the way to LPC or BPTC and provides non-law graduates with the necessary knowledge to gain the same qualifications as their legal counterparts. Many have argued that the short, sharp nature of the GDL is arguably better at preparing students for the intense nature of training contracts. And in some cases, non-law students may even have an advantage over their LLB peers as firms are increasingly those with degrees in fields like modern languages.

Ultimately, it depends on you as an individual and despite the LLB still being viewed as the ‘traditional’ way into the profession, alternative routes such as the GDL and legal apprenticeships are certainly rising in favour.

For more insights from the team take a look at our blog. And if you’re looking for work check out our current jobs

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Many graduates will have their sights set on a career within a specific legal specialism before they graduate, however for both students who are uncertain, and those who have a fairly clear idea of the route they want to embark on, it is worth considering how well suited you are to various roles. Not only does the nature of the work being undertaken differ vastly from specialism to specialism, but as Legal Cheek recently outlined, the traits of graduates attracted to various areas of law varies too.

Corporate Law – ‘The all-rounder’

Lawyers who specialise in corporate law will find that their work spans across a number of different practices and so they’ll more than likely become familiar faces in the firm, which is perhaps the main reason corporate roles usually attract the sociable type. However, the generalist nature of the field means that you may have to withstand quips from colleagues in highly specialised roles. A key characteristic of the role, as with the majority of legal positions, is stamina.

Real Estate – ‘The communicator’

Although students may be put off by the notoriously hard nature of land law, they should be encouraged to hear that it is incredibly different in practice. The work undertaken by land lawyers is often highly commercial, involving prominent names in the energy field. Lawyers who choose real estate as a specialism will need to be excellent communicators, as explaining the details of land ownership to clients with minimal understanding of the relevant legal intricacies can be particularly challenging.

Litigation – ‘The fighter’

Tenacity is essential for lawyers who want to become successful litigators. As dispute resolution solicitor Henry Sackville Hamilton puts it; “You’ve got to be a particular type of person to want to engage in arguments on other people’s behalf’s day in day out.” Some litigators take a bold, confrontational stance while others opt for a calm and academic approach, however regardless of tactics all dispute solicitors need to be commercially aware. Legal excellence is also key, as litigators live and die by the arguments they establish.

Banking – ‘The adrenaline junkie’

Although most might believe otherwise the principles of banking law are fairly straightforward. Lawyers either act for those lending the money or those borrowing it, and provide them with advice on structuring and strategy. Lawyers wanting to work within the banking specialism should be prepared for negotiations, especially when parties have different bargaining positions. Financial services in general is an incredibly fast paced sector, and banking law is no exception. Having both strong communication skills and a grasp of maths is also essential for banking roles.

Private Client – ‘The people person’

Lawyers wanting to work with private clients will need not only fluency in equity and trusts, but also a preference for working with individuals rather than big name companies. Research ability is vital in this specialism, but perhaps the most important factor is excellent communication skills. Lawyers may find they work for particular clients throughout their professional career, so establishing strong relationships from the offset is key.

For more in depth career advice, check out our career tips pages and make sure you register for one of our career events

Historically the only way into a top law firm was by graduating with a law degree – more than likely from an elite university – and spending two years completing a training contract. However, the new government-backed Trailblazer scheme looks set to challenge the traditional route to becoming a qualified solicitor by creating an entirely new pathway into the profession.

From school to the legal profession

The new school-leaver scheme, which combines part time qualifications with on the job paralegal level work, looks set to carve out a new route into the profession. While some can be completed in as little as two years, others will give students the opportunity to fully qualify as a solicitor in just six years. Unlike many elite institutions which require students to hold three A-levels at A’s or above, legal apprenticeships on the whole only require applicants to hold an average of three C’s. The lower entry requirements will undoubtedly open the door to students from more diverse backgrounds.

From apprentice to lawyer

Global firm, Eversheds, looks set to pioneer the six year apprenticeship, and are now taking applications for 2016 starters. The internationally renowned law firm, which ranks 15th in the UK in terms of revenue, has announced that it will take on eight apprentices in September, all of which will be offered positions with the firm upon qualification. Successful applicants will be paid a starting salary of £15,200 outside London and £17,200 in London, a figure which will increase year on year.

Other firms such as Clyde & Co are offering level 3 trailblazer apprenticeships across the practices in its London, Manchester and Guildford offices. The ‘earn-while-you-learn’ scheme will see apprentices become qualified paralegals in just two years. International law firm DWF also recently announced it would be offering the level three paralegal apprenticeships in its Manchester head office across the firm’s commercial and insurance teams.

The benefits of apprenticeships will undoubtedly be felt by both candidates and employers. Successful applicants will need to be dynamic, tenacious and committed, but in return will receive fully qualified solicitor status without accumulating any of the debt associated with a law degree. While practices are likely to benefit from the increased social diversity that offering a new route into the profession will bring with it.

Want to find out more?

We run career events throughout the year for legal professionals at all stages of their career. Check out our events pages for more information