Michael Astle’s Post

❓Are you thinking about switching to an in-house legal role? Many lawyers find the toughest challenge of making this switch isn’t the workload but adapting to the new corporate culture. Swapping your law firm for corporate life means getting used to a whole new way of working, with new rules and dynamics to get used to. As the famous management consultant Peter Drucker said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” So, don’t get swallowed up! Here are a few tips to help you adapt to in-house life: ▶️ Listen and Observe: Take the time to listen and learn how things work in your new company. How do colleagues communicate and get things done? Time spent listening and learning at the beginning can save you a lot of wasted time and effort down the line. ▶️ Build Relationships: Get to know your colleagues and those across different departments. Build trust and show how you can work together. ▶️ Be Flexible: Don’t be too rigid in your approach to business strategies. Whether the culture is more laid back or fast-paced, show you can adapt to their needs. ▶️ Get Proactive: Don’t wait to be asked or for jobs to land on your desk, instead look for how you can add value and get to know when you should step in or step back. If you’re interested in finding out what in-house legal roles are currently available get in touch 👉 0203 8652113 What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments 👇 #InHouseLegal #GeneralCounsel #LegalCounsel

Being an associate at a law firm offers a dynamic and challenging environment where mastering certain strategies can pave the way for success. Here are essential tips to dominate in your role: ➡️ Embrace Learning and Growth: Continuously seek opportunities to expand your legal knowledge and skills. Stay updated on industry trends, case law developments, and legal strategies. ➡️ Build Strong Relationships: Cultivate meaningful connections with colleagues, mentors, and clients. Networking within and outside the firm can open doors to valuable insights and opportunities. ➡️ Exceed Expectations: Consistently deliver high-quality work product. Pay attention to detail, meet deadlines, and strive for excellence in every task, whether it's legal research, drafting documents, or client communication. ➡️ Seek Feedback and Improve: Actively solicit feedback from supervisors and peers to refine your skills. Use constructive criticism as a tool for growth and development. ➡️ Develop Time Management Skills: Effectively prioritize tasks and manage your workload to meet client expectations and firm deadlines. Efficient time management enhances productivity and reduces stress. ➡️ Embody Professionalism: Uphold ethical standards and professionalism in all interactions. Demonstrate integrity, respect, and a commitment to client service. ➡️ Stay Resilient and Adapt: Law firm environments can be demanding and unpredictable. Stay adaptable to changes, challenges, and new assignments with a positive and resilient mindset. ➡️ Contribute to Firm Culture: Actively participate in firm initiatives, pro bono work, or community outreach programs. Contributing positively to firm culture strengthens your reputation and builds camaraderie. Embracing these strategies can empower you to excel as an associate and establish a foundation for long-term success in your legal career. #LegalCareer #AssociateLife #LawFirmSuccess #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerTips

Navigating the Hurdles of Expert Witness Work: Stepping into an expert witness role can seem daunting with challenges such as understanding complex legal jargon and maintaining composure under scrutiny. However, these challenges present valuable opportunities for personal and professional development. Our newest article provides actionable advice to turn these challenges into stepping stones for success in the legal arena. Discover strategies to excel in this unique role and enhance your career: How becoming an expert witness can improve your work/life balance: https://lnkd.in/gTyC6fQQ Find out if you have what it takes to be an Expert Witness https://lnkd.in/gDAY6pWd #ExpertWitnessGrowth #ProfessionalResilience #LegalCareerSuccess

#MondayMusings Firm culture is important for your professional development and general well-being as an entry-level lawyer. But choosing a law firm can be a complex process. It requires research. A law firm’s website, usually the first port of call, might give you some sense of the firm’s practice areas, credentials of its employees, industry awards, and in some cases, its clients. That information may not be adequate. Website information alone cannot help you make a good decision on a prospective employer. So how do you determine whether a law firm might be a good fit for you? Engage peer lawyers or seniors who work with the firm (another reason to expand your network). Reach out to them and ask about their experiences at the firm. Ask about (i) how much training or supervision they receive; (ii) how much variety there is in their work; (iii) opportunities for career advancement in the firm; and (iv) everything in between. Press for meaningful details and examples, not just value statements. If you are going to spend prolonged hours a day working with a group of people (and you will), you should spend some time researching the culture (and environment) in which they work. If the people you engage are not enthusiastic about their experiences at the firm, chances are that your own experience (if you decide to work with them) might not be any different. Picture: At Hanging Rock State Park with colleagues.

When taking on an expat in-house counsel assignment, you are exposed to new legal and business challenges almost daily. It can be a true generalist role that requires a delicate balance between responding quickly and making informed decisions in new areas of law. Rushing to resolve queries can be tempting, but taking the time to understand the situation is key. Collaboration is crucial in these situations. Having a large network internally and externally can help you get quick expert advice to assess risks and strategize in an area you may be completely unfamiliar with. Your goal is to align your company's interests with the best outcomes, demonstrating judgment while managing the budget in every action. Remember, taking a step back and collaborating can lead to better outcomes and ultimately build trust with clients. #expatlife #businesschallenges #collaborationiskey

I wanted to share some advice with junior lawyers who are reaching out for employment or mentorship opportunities. Recently, I received a cold email from someone I had not interacted with before. While I admire their persistence, the tone of the follow-up email made me reflect on how important it is to approach such requests professionally. Here's a snippet of the latest email: "This is my third follow-up regarding the employment and mentorship opportunities I inquired about in my previous emails, sent on 20 and 22 August 2024. I kindly request your urgent attention to this matter and would greatly appreciate an update at your earliest convenience." As someone who has been a junior lawyer, I know how hard it is to get a foot in the door. I feel bad when I don’t respond to such emails, and it’s never due to lack of interest. Sometimes I am just too busy, or I may keep an email on hold in case an opportunity arises. But emails like the one above can come across as a little too demanding and impersonal. A more effective approach might be something like this: "I hope you don’t mind me following up again, as I know you must be very busy. I would love the opportunity to work with you because [specific reasons]. When you have some time, would you be open to meeting for coffee or a quick video call—whichever is more convenient for you? I am early in my legal career and would greatly appreciate any advice you could offer on [subject]." Persistence is key, but how you communicate makes all the difference. By being polite, respecting someone’s time, and personalising your request, you can significantly improve your chances of making a meaningful connection. Keep pushing forward and stay mindful of your approach! #ABECLegal #ImmigrationSolicitor #ImmigrationLawyer

"𝟓 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟗" ✅𝑁𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑠 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠: Finding new friends and maintaining relationships with colleagues, clients, and industry professionals is Vital. Always remember "your network is your net worth" ✅𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎 𝑁𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑒 𝐹𝑜𝑐𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑠𝑒: Specializing in a specific area of law allows for deeper knowledge and more targeted representation, enhancing effectiveness and client satisfaction. ✅𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝐾𝑒𝑦:  Preparation is key every time and it is not noble to be ambushed or to be found when you are not aware of cases or meeting with a client. ✅𝐶𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛:  Effective communication with clients is paramount for successful outcomes. ✅ 𝐸𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑓𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑚: Upholding high degree of ethical standards amplifies trust with clients and respect in the community. "Ready to elevate your legal career? Start implementing these lessons today!" #LegalLessons #LawyerLife #ProfessionalGrowth #LegalCareer #Networking #Specialization

Expectations. Expectations everywhere. In the Legal Profession there's an 'expectation' undertone from day one. What are these expectations? - Open communication. Let your team know if/when you have capacity to help out. Be honest about your current workload. Saying 'no' is not a sign of incompetence, it means you care about your output. - Be reliable. To be honest, this is a tough one to learn coming from Law School. Working in a team is a learning curve more than an expectation, but you must take action. Acknowledge receipt of emails / instructions. Clarify/ask questions when you don't understand. Admit when you have made an error. - Be proactive. Follow up on deadlines. Take responsibility for tasks. Search for solutions when you are faced with a problem. Don't sweat the easy stuff - the main aim is to ensure that your client feels heard, understood and taken care of. #growth #lawyer #corporate

Just went to share this article and realised it's by our very own Alex Dick! Legal professionals, as you explore the benefits of legal consultancy firms, it's key to weigh several factors to ensure a fit that propels your career forward. Ensure the firm's structure mirrors your needs - support staff, practice area alignment, and opportunities to expand your clientele. You must stand ready to commit, investing time and effort, with a clear plan for building your network. Moreover, prioritise firms that champion your wellbeing, valuing a sustainable work-life balance. Speak to their consultants to gauge the culture and environment. With the rise of digitalisation, scrutinise the firm's tech capabilities to facilitate smooth remote work, and confirm office availability if that's your preference. By carefully considering these elements, you can elevate your career in a legal consultancy that complements your goals and expertise. #LegalProfessionals #CareerStrategy #ConsultancySuccess

Achieving true fulfillment in the legal profession transcends mere financial success and accolades. In this article, Jay Harrington highlights the profound impact of belonging and connectedness on lawyer job satisfaction. Jay's insights resonate deeply with our mission, reminding us that success is about more than just the numbers—it's about fostering meaningful connections and a sense of community within our profession. Dive into Jay's thought-provoking article for more valuable perspectives. Read here: https://bit.ly/3pAtlHg  #Belonging #Connectedness #Success #LawyerSuccess #SouthrenGroup #BusinessDevelopment #TorontoLawyers